Audi SQ8 e-tron vs Lotus Eletre
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.
Price Breakdown
The Audi SQ8 e-tron starts from $180,090 before on-road costs, while the Lotus Eletre opens at $189,990. That makes the Audi SQ8 e-tron the more affordable entry point by $9,900.
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 $198,099 and $208,989 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.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi SQ8 e-tron stands out with panoramic roof, V2L and Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Lotus Eletre. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Audi SQ8 e-tron uses a Electric Motor producing 370kW and 718Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds.
The Lotus Eletre responds with a Electric Motor making 450kW and 710Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds.
The Lotus Eletre has the clear power advantage at 450kW vs 370kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 114kWh (Audi SQ8 e-tron) vs 112kWh (Lotus Eletre), giving WLTP ranges of 471km and 530km. DC fast charging peaks at 170kW (Audi SQ8 e-tron) vs 350kW (Lotus Eletre).
Space & Comfort
The Audi SQ8 e-tron measures 4,915mm long on a 2,928mm wheelbase, 188mm shorter than the Lotus Eletre at 5,103mm (3,019mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lotus Eletre generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 569L in the Audi SQ8 e-tron and 611L in the Lotus Eletre, giving the Lotus Eletre a 42L advantage.
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 SQ8 e-tron) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Lotus Eletre). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi SQ8 e-tron if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lotus Eletre if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Lotus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Lotus Eletre takes 5 of 8 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Lotus Eletre has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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