Q8 e-tron vs Lyriq
In the midsize luxury suv class, the Q8 e-tron and the Lyriq are natural rivals. It’s a balanced fight with different weapons. The Q8 e-tron relies on engine & performance, the Lyriq on fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Q8 e-tron wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Lyriq wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance4.8
- Engine & Performance2.6
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
-
The Lyriq has 54 mi more electric range
Put simply, the Lyriq is far ahead here: 326 mi compared with 272 mi. More electric range means more of your daily driving can happen without using fuel at all.
-
The Q8 e-tron has 165 lb-ft more torque
The Q8 e-tron’s 490 lb-ft leaves the Lyriq’s 325 lb-ft well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The Q8 e-tron has 37 hp more power
Only a little separates them: 402 hp on the Q8 e-tron, 365 hp on the Lyriq. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Q8 e-tron | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 196.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 77.8 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 121.8 in |
Engine & Performance
Q8 e-tron leads
The Q8 e-tron clearly takes the engine & performance round. The Q8 e-tron makes its case with 165 lb-ft more torque. The Q8 e-tron’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing. For engine & performance, the Q8 e-tron is the one to beat.
Torque
Q8 e-tron: 490 lb-ft Lyriq: 325 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Total system output
Q8 e-tron: 402 hp Lyriq: 365 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Fuel Economy & Range
Lyriq leads
This section belongs to the Lyriq. In fuel economy & range, it leads the Q8 e-tron by a margin that’s hard to ignore. The Lyriq steps ahead thanks to 54 mi more electric range. If you can charge at home, the Lyriq’s longer electric range can cover more commutes on electricity alone. If fuel economy & range is your priority, the Lyriq is the car to pick.
Electric range
Q8 e-tron: 272 mi Lyriq: 326 mi Cold weather and highway speeds reduce electric range, so a larger buffer is useful.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
You can skip ahead if space & practicality was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. Net result on space & practicality: level.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On off-road & towing, the Q8 e-tron and the Lyriq are effectively level. On off-road & towing alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Safety & Tech
We don’t score this area directly, because the safety & tech specs are labels rather than measurements. The table shows what each lists.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Q8 e-tron | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric | Battery electric |
| Engine | Dual electric motors | Single-motor electric |
| Total system output | 402 hp (winner) | 365 hp |
| Torque | 490 lb-ft (winner) | 325 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | Single-speed |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Q8 e-tron | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Electric range | 272 mi Shortest electric range | 326 mi (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Q8 e-tron | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 28 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 60.8 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Q8 e-tron | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Q8 e-tron | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Q8 e-tron | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 196.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 77.8 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 121.8 in |
Price
| Spec | Q8 e-tron | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $58,595 |
“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 Q8 e-tron if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (490 lb-ft vs 325 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more power (402 hp vs 365 hp)
- you prefer staying with Audi
Choose the Lyriq if…
- you can charge at home and want more of your daily driving on electricity (326 mi vs 272 mi)
- you’re loyal to Cadillac and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Q8 e-tron or the Lyriq?
It depends on your priorities: the Q8 e-tron is stronger on engine & performance, while the Lyriq leads on fuel economy & range.
Does the Q8 e-tron last longer on a charge than the Lyriq?
On paper, the Lyriq has the edge: 326 mi of electric range against 272 mi for the Q8 e-tron. Real-world results also depend on how you use it.
Executive Summary
Cross-brand comparisons are where I find the real differences in philosophy, and the Q8 e-tron versus the Lyriq shows that nicely. The Q8 e-tron has 165 lb-ft more torque, and for most people that’s not a small thing. Fairness check: the Lyriq does come with 54 mi more electric range.
The Q8 e-tron is built for people who weigh engine & performance heavily, and the Lyriq for people who weigh fuel economy & range.
My pick: whichever matches your priority, since engine & performance means the Q8 e-tron and fuel economy & range means the Lyriq.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.