Audi Q8 e-tron vs Lexus RZ

The Audi Q8 e-tron starts from $140,600 before on-road costs, while the Lexus RZ opens at $84,500. That makes the Lexus RZ the more affordable entry point by $56,100.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $154,660 and $92,950 respectively.

Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.

Both the Audi Q8 e-tron and Lexus RZ hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Audi Q8 e-tron and 87% for the Lexus RZ.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi Q8 e-tron packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Lexus RZ.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. The Audi Q8 e-tron adds a 360-degree camera that the Lexus RZ misses.

How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The Audi Q8 e-tron features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the Lexus RZ gets a 14-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q8 e-tron stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Lexus RZ. The Lexus RZ counters with Apple CarPlay, V2L and 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 RZ offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the Audi Q8 e-tron and 2-zone in the Lexus RZ.

The Audi Q8 e-tron uses a Electric producing 250kW and 664Nm of torque, sent through a single speed to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6 seconds.

The Lexus RZ responds with a Electric Motor making 280kW and 538Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds.

The Lexus RZ has the clear power advantage at 280kW vs 250kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus RZ is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 95kWh (Audi Q8 e-tron) vs 74.7kWh (Lexus RZ), giving WLTP ranges of 491km and 460km. DC fast charging peaks at 170kW (Audi Q8 e-tron) vs 150kW (Lexus RZ).

The Audi Q8 e-tron measures 4,915mm long on a 2,928mm wheelbase, 110mm longer than the Lexus RZ at 4,805mm (2,850mm 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 522L in the Lexus RZ, giving the Audi Q8 e-tron a 47L advantage.

For towing, the Audi Q8 e-tron leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 1,050kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q8 e-tron) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus RZ). Both match on warranty length.