Audi Q6 SUV e-tron vs Audi Q8 SUV: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the Q6 SUV e-tron hits 100 km/h in 6.82 s versus 6.93 s for the Q8 SUV. The instant torque of 485 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. Despite the faster sprint time, the Q8 SUV is 15 m further along the track at this moment: stronger low-speed acceleration offsets a slower run beyond 100 km/h.

At 200 metres, the Q8 SUV is doing 119 km/h against 128 km/h for the Q6 SUV e-tron. The gap is 0.32 s. The gap widens compared to the 0-100.

At 400 metres standing start, the Q6 SUV e-tron crosses the line in 15.00 s versus 15.03 s. The 0.03 s gap represents roughly 1 m of track

Past 400 metres, the Q6 SUV e-tron continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 174 km/h versus 165 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Q6 SUV e-tron finishes in 27.06 s versus 27.77 s, with a 0.72 s lead. Despite a higher top speed (226 km/h), the Q8 SUV never recovers its launch deficit.

The Q8 SUV features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the Q6 SUV e-tron’s RWD. At low speeds (0-30, 0-50, 0-80 km/h), AWD doubles the driven contact area: all four wheels transmit torque to the road, virtually eliminating wheelspin at launch. This traction advantage is decisive in the range where the motor delivers peak torque, before power and aerodynamics take over.

Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Q6 SUV e-tron is capped at 210 km/h, the Q8 SUV at 226 km/h. This isn’t a physical engine limit — it’s a manufacturer choice, usually for tyre safety or homologation reasons. Neither car reaches its true aerodynamic top speed.

Instant electric torque gives an advantage off the line. The higher top speed of the combustion engine gives an advantage over longer distances. The distance at which one catches the other depends on the top speed differential.

In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 11.52 seconds. The 0.11 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.