BMW i4 vs Audi Q8 e-tron
Two electric cars 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 BMW i4 starts from $88,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi Q8 e-tron opens at $140,600. That makes the BMW i4 the more affordable entry point by $51,700.
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 $97,790 and $154,660 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
Both the BMW i4 and Audi Q8 e-tron hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the BMW i4 and 91% for the Audi Q8 e-tron.
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 6 in the BMW i4.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW i4 and 8 in the Audi Q8 e-tron. The Audi Q8 e-tron adds a 360-degree camera that the BMW i4 misses.
Feature Showdown
The BMW i4 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Audi Q8 e-tron gets a 10.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW i4 stands out with Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Audi Q8 e-tron. The Audi Q8 e-tron counters with Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW i4 uses a Electric producing 210kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.5 seconds.
The Audi Q8 e-tron responds with a Electric making 250kW and 664Nm, paired to a single speed driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6 seconds.
The Audi Q8 e-tron has the clear power advantage at 250kW vs 210kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW i4 is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 64kWh (BMW i4) vs 95kWh (Audi Q8 e-tron), giving WLTP ranges of 527km and 491km. DC fast charging peaks at 205kW (BMW i4) vs 170kW (Audi Q8 e-tron).
Space & Comfort
The BMW i4 measures 4,783mm long on a 2,856mm wheelbase, 132mm shorter than the Audi Q8 e-tron at 4,915mm (2,928mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi Q8 e-tron generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 390L in the BMW i4 and 569L in the Audi Q8 e-tron, giving the Audi Q8 e-tron a 179L advantage.
For towing, the Audi Q8 e-tron leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 12.5m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
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 (BMW i4) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q8 e-tron). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW i4 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi Q8 e-tron if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The BMW i4 and Audi Q8 e-tron trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. 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, BMW i4 and Audi Q8 e-tron?
The BMW i4 is the cheapest at $88,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi Q8 e-tron by $51,700.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Audi Q8 e-tron has the most range at 491km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The BMW i4 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 205kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW i4 and Audi Q8 e-tron 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.
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 Audi Q8 e-tron makes the most power at 250kW. The BMW i4 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.5s.
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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