Q8 e-tron vs QX60
In the midsize luxury suv class, the Q8 e-tron and the QX60 are natural rivals. What you gain on one side you give up on the other: the Q8 e-tron wins on engine & performance, the QX60 on space & practicality.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Q8 e-tron wins
- Space & Practicality QX60 wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance4.8
- Engine & Performance0.8
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 Q8 e-tron has 134 hp more power
The QX60 gives up a lot on total system output: 268 hp, compared with 402 hp on the Q8 e-tron. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The QX60 has room for 7 seats
Few buyers will miss this one. The QX60 brings 7 seats to the table; the Q8 e-tron brings 5 seats. The QX60 has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
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The Q8 e-tron has 204 lb-ft more torque
When it comes to torque, the Q8 e-tron wins comfortably with 490 lb-ft against 286 lb-ft. The Q8 e-tron’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Q8 e-tron | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 198.2 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 114.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Q8 e-tron leads
The QX60 has a tough time in the engine & performance section, where the Q8 e-tron pulls well ahead. The Q8 e-tron adds 134 hp more power. The Q8 e-tron’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. The engine & performance verdict goes to the Q8 e-tron.
Total system output
Q8 e-tron: 402 hp QX60: 268 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 QX60: 286 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Space & Practicality
QX60 leads
The space & practicality numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the QX60. Choose the QX60 and you get room for 7 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car. For anyone who cares most about space & practicality, the QX60 is the safer choice.
Seats
Q8 e-tron: 5 seats QX60: 7 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Side by side, the off-road & towing figures for the Q8 e-tron and the QX60 barely differ. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Q8 e-tron | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric | Gas |
| Engine | Dual electric motors | 2.0L turbo I4 (VC-Turbo) |
| Total system output | 402 hp (winner) | 268 hp |
| Torque | 490 lb-ft (winner) | 286 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Q8 e-tron | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 28 mpg |
| Electric range | 272 mi Shortest electric range | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 18.5 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Q8 e-tron | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 14.5 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 75.4 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Q8 e-tron | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | N/A (not specified) | 6,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Q8 e-tron | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Q8 e-tron | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 198.2 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 114.2 in |
“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 want more power (402 hp vs 268 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (490 lb-ft vs 286 lb-ft of torque)
- you already know your way around Audi’s products
Choose the QX60 if…
- you need more seats (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you already use other Infiniti products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Q8 e-tron or the QX60?
It depends on your priorities: the Q8 e-tron is stronger on engine & performance, while the QX60 leads on space & practicality.
Executive Summary
The Q8 e-tron versus the QX60 is a matchup I find genuinely interesting, because Audi and Infiniti made different bets. I keep coming back to one thing: the Q8 e-tron gets 134 hp more power. The QX60 isn’t without merit: room for 7 seats is a real advantage.
Choose by what you’d use most: engine & performance leads to the Q8 e-tron, space & practicality leads to the QX60.
My pick: the Q8 e-tron for engine & performance, the QX60 for space & practicality, and no wrong answer between them.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.