Audi Q8 E-tron review

Even so, 2.6mpkWh is still pretty poor, and on our test drive in mild, changeable conditions the digital gauge cluster indicated just 2.1mpkWh – a figure that would translate to a real-world range of just 223 miles.

When it does need a top-up, the 55 can accept charging rates of up to 170kW – a useful increase but nowhere near the rival Genesis Electrified GV70’s 240kW limit.

To top off the upgrades, there’s faster steering, retuned suspension (as before, all variants ride on air springs) and cleverer stability control and traction control.

As before, the Q8 E-tron is an understatedly handsome and well-proportioned car, and in Sportback form it doesn’t suffer the ungainliness of some SUV-coupes.

Not much has changed inside either, solid build quality and upmarket materials remaining present and correct. The lower touchscreen (for the climate) still does a job that knobs and switches could do better, but it works quite well, as does the main infotainment touchscreen. The sports seats are easy to get comfortable in and there’s no shortage of storage space.

To drive, the Q8 E-tron is pleasant and mostly unremarkable. A 0-62mph time of 5.6sec is quick by any reasonable standard, yet it doesn’t suffer from the jumpy throttle response of Teslas and some other EVs. You can vary the amount of regenerative braking using paddles or simply let the car figure it out in the adaptive mode.

The Q8 E-tron retains impressive noise isolation, but even on the glass-smooth roads of Lanzarote, there was more fidget to the ride than you might expect from an air-suspended luxury car. At least it dispatches ruts and potholes fairly well, despite its large wheels.

Audi’s vehicle dynamics engineer told me it was a deliberate choice not to make an Audi float across the road like a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or a Range Rover. That’s fair enough in Germany, perhaps, but is a bit too much on UK roads. The old E-tron struck a nice balance, so it's a shame that it has been pushed too far in the direction of sportiness with this update.