Verdict
The BMW i5 is the more rational Malaysian buy at RM368,800 against the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback’s RM474,990. Its 627 km range is 27 km farther, while 205 kW DC charging beats 170 kW, useful on long interstate runs. The Audi answers with all-wheel drive, 402 hp and 664 Nm, cutting the 0-100 km/h time to 5.6 seconds versus 6.0 seconds. It also carries 528 litres of luggage to the BMW’s 490 litres, but the BMW brings a panoramic glass roof, head-up display and automatic parking.
Pick the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback if all-wheel drive, stronger 402 hp/664 Nm performance and a 528-litre boot matter more than price, range and DC charging speed.
Pick the BMW i5 if you want the lower-cost EV with 627 km range, 205 kW DC charging and a richer cabin equipment list.
Key differences
- Price: Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback RM474,990; BMW i5 RM368,800.
- Motor output: Audi 402 hp and 664 Nm; BMW 335 hp and 430 Nm.
- Range and battery: Audi 600 km from 114 kWh; BMW 627 km from 83.9 kWh.
- DC charging: Audi 170 kW; BMW 205 kW.
- Drive and acceleration: Audi all-wheel drive, 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds; BMW rear-wheel drive, 6.0 seconds.
- Boot capacity: Audi 528 litres; BMW 490 litres.
Q8 e-tron Sportback
- All-wheel drive with 402 hp and 664 Nm.
- Quicker 5.6-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 528-litre boot and space-saver spare tyre.
- 600 km range trails the BMW’s 627 km.
- 170 kW DC charging is lower than the BMW’s 205 kW.
i5
- 627 km range and 205 kW DC charging.
- 14.9-inch touchscreen with 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio.
- Head-up display, automatic parking and fixed panoramic glass roof.
- 335 hp and 430 Nm are down on the Audi’s 402 hp and 664 Nm.
- Rear-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive.
- 490-litre boot is 38 litres smaller than the Audi’s.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM474,990 | RM368,800✓ |
| Body type | SUV | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 2 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 402 hp✓ | 335 hp |
| Motor Torque | 664 Nm✓ | 430 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 114 kWh✓ | 83.9 kWh |
| EV Range | 600 km | 627 km✓ |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 22 kW | 22 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 170 kW | 205 kW✓ |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 2-speed automatic transmission | — |
| Gears | 2 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Audi AG | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 5.6 seconds✓ | 6 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 193 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,915 mm | 5,060 mm |
| Width | 1,937 mm | 1,900 mm |
| Height | 1,619 mm | 1,515 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,928 mm | 2,995 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,205 kg |
| Doors | 5 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 528 litres✓ | 490 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/45R21 | 245/40R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/45R21 | 275/35R20 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Alenza 001 | Pirelli P Zero Elekt |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 21" Aero Alloy Wheels | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 21" Aero Alloy Wheels | 20" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Electric for rear doors | Electric for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three Point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on front passenger seat and two outer rear passenger seats | Available on outer rear seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Audi pre sense front | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors with Auto High Beam | LED Projector with Adaptive High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED with Dynamic Light Design and Sequential Indicators | LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Memory Settings |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split Fold | 60:40 Split Fold |
| Front Air-con | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | — | Fixed Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1x 12V Front, 1x front wireless charger, 2x USB-C rear, 1x 12V socket rear | 2x Wireless Charger, 2x USB-C ports front, 2x USB-C ports rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Manual Rear Door Window Shades | Powered Rear Windscreen Sun Shade & Sunroof Shade, Manual Rear Door Window Shades |
| Audio | 10.1" MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch, Audi connect, Audi smartphone interface and Audi sound system | 14.9" Touchscreen BMW Live Cockpit Professional with Voice Control, Wireless Apple CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto and 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Sound System (655W) |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button Start | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activated | Remote Control Activated with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | — | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | — | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty | 8 Years/ 160,000 km Warranty for EV Battery |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM545 | RM395✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Q8 e-tron Sportback & i5 for sale
Q8 e-tron Sportback vs i5 FAQ
Is the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback or BMW i5 better?
The BMW i5 is the better buy for range, faster DC charging and equipment, with 627 km and 205 kW. Choose the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback for all-wheel drive, stronger motor output and the larger 528-litre boot.
What is the price difference?
The BMW i5 costs RM106,190 less than the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback.
Which EV charges faster?
The BMW i5 charges faster on DC power at up to 205 kW, versus 170 kW for the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback. Both support up to 22 kW AC charging.