Q8 e-tron vs iX
Both the Q8 e-tron and the iX sit in the midsize luxury suv class, and Audi and BMW are clearly watching each other. The iX wins more of the areas that we compared (2 of 4), and its most convincing lead is in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance iX wins
- Fuel Economy & Range iX wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance4.8
- Engine & Performance7.2
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The iX has 114 hp more power
A clear win for the iX: 516 hp against 402 hp. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The iX has 74 lb-ft more torque
Here the iX pulls well ahead of the Q8 e-tron, with 564 lb-ft compared to 490 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The iX has 37 mi more electric range
You may not notice this one every day, but the iX’s 309 mi is a step ahead of the Q8 e-tron’s 272 mi. Cold weather and highway speeds reduce electric range, so a larger buffer is useful.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
iX leads
In this area the iX has a lead the Q8 e-tron can’t close. On its side, the iX has 114 hp more power. The iX’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. If this section decides it for you, choose the iX.
Total system output
Q8 e-tron: 402 hp iX: 516 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Q8 e-tron: 490 lb-ft iX: 564 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
iX leads
On fuel economy & range, the difference is modest, and it favors the iX. The iX adds 37 mi more electric range. More electric range means more of your daily driving can happen without using fuel at all. If fuel economy & range is your priority, the iX is the car to pick.
Electric range
Q8 e-tron: 272 mi iX: 309 mi If you can charge at home, the iX’s longer electric range can cover more commutes on electricity alone.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The space & practicality specs are close enough that neither gets the point. If space & practicality was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On paper, the off-road & towing comparison ends all square. Both cover off-road & towing well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Safety & Tech
There isn’t a number to compare on safety & tech, just names. Look at the rows below to see how the Q8 e-tron and the iX differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Q8 e-tron | iX |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric | Electric |
| Engine | Dual electric motors | Dual electric motors |
| Total system output | 402 hp | 516 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 490 lb-ft | 564 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 1-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | AWD (xDrive) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Q8 e-tron | iX |
|---|---|---|
| Electric range | 272 mi Shortest electric range | 309 mi (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Q8 e-tron | iX |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 35.5 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 77.9 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Q8 e-tron | iX |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Q8 e-tron | iX |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the iX if…
- you want more power (516 hp vs 402 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (564 lb-ft vs 490 lb-ft of torque)
- you can charge at home and want more of your daily driving on electricity (309 mi vs 272 mi)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Q8 e-tron or the iX?
On the specs compared here, the iX makes more sense for most buyers; the Q8 e-tron doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Which has better battery life, the Q8 e-tron or the iX?
The iX does better here. It lists 309 mi for electric range, while the Q8 e-tron lists 272 mi.
Executive Summary
If it were just about the brand, you wouldn’t be here. So let’s talk about the Q8 e-tron and the iX on their merits. The iX earns my vote first and foremost with 114 hp more power. There’s a bonus as well: the iX has 37 mi more electric range.
Put simply, the Q8 e-tron suits people who care about the things a spec sheet can’t capture, while the iX suits people who put engine & performance first.
My pick: the iX.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.