Audi Q8 e-tron vs Lexus RZ
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 4 Aug 2026, price 2 Jul 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$140,600RRP
- with the Lexus RZ's standard kit: $140,600 (nothing to add)
$84,500RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Audi Q8 e-tron & Lexus RZ
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Price Breakdown
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.
The Lexus RZ currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi Q8 e-tron does not: above the $91,661 fuel-efficient lct threshold.
Safety Rundown
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. We can confirm 10 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Audi Q8 e-tron, against 8 on the Lexus RZ.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Recalls on our record
Audi Q8 e-tron
- REC-006599 · published 28 Apr 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the mounting bolts connecting the brake pedal rod and the brake servo may not have been tightened to the sufficient torque and could become loose.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2024
Lexus RZ
- REC-006640 · published 26 Jun 2026Due to a software issue with the high-voltage battery Electronic Control Unit, the electric drive system may shut down.Year range on the notice: 2025 - 2026
- REC-006427 · published 10 Sep 2025Due to a software programming issue, the Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) electrical compressor may fail.Year range on the notice: 2023
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 ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
95kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 170kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (22kW AC, 170kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
74.7kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 150kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 150kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
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 head-up display and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus RZ. The Lexus RZ counters with 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.
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 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 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Lexus RZ is 2.4s 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).
Space & Comfort
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.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 12.5m
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
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.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q8 e-tron if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus RZ if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Lexus RZ: Top CarSorted Score, 74 vs 71
The Lexus RZ comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (74 vs 71), taking 5 of 10 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: value (Lexus RZ ahead by 20), technology (Lexus RZ ahead by 12), practicality (Audi Q8 e-tron ahead by 10). If boot space matters, the Audi Q8 e-tron has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi Q8 e-tron and Lexus RZ?
The Lexus RZ is the cheapest at $84,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi Q8 e-tron by $56,100.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Audi Q8 e-tron has the most range at 491km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Audi Q8 e-tron accepts the highest DC charging at up to 170kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Audi Q8 e-tron and Lexus RZ all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi Q8 e-tron has the largest boot at 569L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi Q8 e-tron has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus RZ makes the most power at 280kW. The Lexus RZ is quickest to 100km/h in 4.6s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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