Audi Q8 e-tron vs Lexus NX

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Audi Q8 e-tron at 5 stars (2019) and the Lexus NX at 5 stars (2022). ANCAP tested these in different years (2019 vs 2022). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Audi Q8 e-tron and 91% for the Lexus NX, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 10 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Audi Q8 e-tron, against 6 on the Lexus NX.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Audi Q8 e-tron and 8 in the Lexus NX.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Audi Q8 e-tron features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the Lexus NX gets a 9.8-inch display and 8-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q8 e-tron stands out with Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus NX. The Lexus NX counters with Mark Levinson audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q8 e-tron gets leather upholstery while the Lexus NX offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the Audi Q8 e-tron and 2-zone in the Lexus NX.

Drivetrain

The Audi Q8 e-tron uses a Electric producing 250kW and 664Nm of torque, sent through a two-stage planetary gearbox with single gear to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7 seconds.

The Lexus NX responds with a Hybrid making 179kW and 239Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.

The Audi Q8 e-tron has the clear power advantage at 250kW vs 179kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi Q8 e-tron is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi Q8 e-tron measures 4,915mm long on a 2,928mm wheelbase, 255mm longer than the Lexus NX at 4,660mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi Q8 e-tron generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 569L in the Audi Q8 e-tron and 520L in the Lexus NX, giving the Audi Q8 e-tron a 49L advantage.

For towing, the Audi Q8 e-tron leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Lexus NX's turning circle is 1.1 m tighter, 11.4 m against 12.5 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

We do not hold a like-for-like fuel or energy figure for both cars, so we do not cost them against each other.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi Q8 e-tron) and 5 years / Unlimited (Lexus NX). Capped-price servicing: no data (Audi Q8 e-tron), 4 years (Lexus NX).

Where each one leads

The Audi Q8 e-tron: more power (250kW against 179kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (569L against 520L) and the higher braked towing limit (1,800kg against 1,500kg).

The Lexus NX: the lower starting price ($71,700 against $140,600).

The Verdict

Lexus NX scores higher, 79 vs 71

The Lexus NX scores 79 to the Audi Q8 e-tron's 71 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 1 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: value (Lexus NX ahead by 25 points), performance (Audi Q8 e-tron ahead by 23 points). Boot space with the seats up: 569L in the Audi Q8 e-tron, 520L in the Lexus NX.

Common questions