Lotus Eletre vs Audi SQ8 e-tron
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 Lotus Eletre starts from $189,990 before on-road costs, while the Audi SQ8 e-tron opens at $180,090. 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 $208,989 and $198,099 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 counters with panoramic roof, V2L and Bang & Olufsen audio that the Lotus Eletre does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Lotus Eletre uses a Electric Motor producing 450kW and 710Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds.
The Audi SQ8 e-tron responds with a Electric Motor making 370kW and 718Nm, 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: 112kWh (Lotus Eletre) vs 114kWh (Audi SQ8 e-tron), giving WLTP ranges of 530km and 471km. DC fast charging peaks at 350kW (Lotus Eletre) vs 170kW (Audi SQ8 e-tron).
Space & Comfort
The Lotus Eletre measures 5,103mm long on a 3,019mm wheelbase, 188mm longer than the Audi SQ8 e-tron at 4,915mm (2,928mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lotus Eletre generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 611L in the Lotus Eletre and 569L in the Audi SQ8 e-tron, 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 (Lotus Eletre) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi SQ8 e-tron). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lotus Eletre if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Lotus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi SQ8 e-tron if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Audi'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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