Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback vs Mercedes-Benz EQA
Verdict
At RM379,990 against RM296,888, the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback asks RM83,102 more than the Mercedes-Benz EQA, and the money mainly buys hardware and size: dual motors, AWD, 335 hp, a 6.0-second 0-100 km/h time, a 95.0 kWh battery and 528 litres of boot space. The EQA is lighter on the wallet, gets a longer 4-year warranty and still has 429 km of EV range, but its 188 hp single-motor front-drive layout is clearly the calmer choice.
Q8 e-tron Sportback
Pick the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback if you want the stronger, roomier EV with AWD, 505 km range and a much larger boot.
EQA
Pick the Mercedes-Benz EQA if you want the lower purchase price, lower road tax, longer warranty and easier city-sized footprint.
Key differences
- Price: Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback RM379,990; Mercedes-Benz EQA RM296,888
- Power and drive: Audi 335 hp dual-motor AWD; Mercedes-Benz 188 hp single-motor FWD
- 0-100 km/h: Audi 6.0 s; Mercedes-Benz 8.9 s
- Battery and range: Audi 95.0 kWh, 505 km; Mercedes-Benz 66.5 kWh, 429 km
- Boot space: Audi 528 L; Mercedes-Benz 340 L
- Warranty and road tax: Audi 2 years, RM395/year; Mercedes-Benz 4 years, RM160/year
Q8 e-tron Sportback
- 335 hp dual-motor AWD gives it the clear performance edge
- 505 km EV range from a 95.0 kWh battery
- 528 L boot is far larger than the EQA’s
- Costs RM83,102 more to buy
- 2-year warranty trails the EQA’s 4 years
- Larger 4,915 mm by 1,937 mm footprint needs more space
EQA
- RM296,888 price is much lower
- 4-year warranty is twice the Audi’s coverage period
- 4,463 mm length and 1,834 mm width make it easier to place in town
- 188 hp and 8.9 seconds to 100 km/h are well behind the Audi
- Single-motor FWD lacks the Audi’s dual-motor AWD traction
- 340 L boot is modest next to the Audi’s 528 L
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 379,990 | RM 296,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 2 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 335 hp✓ | 188 hp |
| Motor Torque | 664 Nm✓ | 375 Nm |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Capacity | 95 kWh✓ | 66.5 kWh |
| EV Range | 505 km✓ | 429 km |
| Charger Type (AC) | Type 2 | Type 2 |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | 11.0 kW |
| Charger Type (DC) | CCS | CCS |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 150 kW✓ | 100.0 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 2-speed automatic transmission | — |
| Gears | 2 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Audi AG | Mercedes-Benz |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6 seconds✓ | 8.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 160 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,915 mm | 4,463 mm |
| Width | 1,937 mm | 1,834 mm |
| Height | 1,619 mm | 1,620 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,928 mm | 2,729 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,040 kg |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 528 litres✓ | 340 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/50R20 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/50R20 | 235/50R19 |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Alenza 001 | Continental EcoContact 6 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Germany (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 20" 5-arm Alloy Wheels | 19" AMG Five-twin-spoke Light-alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 20" 5-arm Alloy Wheels | 19" AMG Five-twin-spoke Light-alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Discs | Solid Disc |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Comfort Suspension |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Electric for rear doors | Manual 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 for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Audi pre sense front | Yes, Active Brake Assist |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Pre-Safe, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors with Auto High Beam | Adaptive LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED with Dynamic Light Design and Sequential Indicators | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function, Heated |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split Fold | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1x 12V Front, 1x front wireless charger, 2x USB-C rear, 1x 12V socket rear | 1 Front, 2 Front USB-C, 2 Rear USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front |
| Sun Shade | Manual Rear Door Window Shades | — |
| Audio | 10.1" MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch, Audi connect, Audi smartphone interface and Audi sound system | Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with 10.25" Touchscreen, Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| 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 | Active Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activated | Powered Boot, Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes, Parallel and Perpendicular |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | MBUX Interior Assistant, Qi Wireless Charger |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 4 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty | 8 Years/160,000 km Warranty for Traction Battery |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 395 | RM 160✓ |
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.
Q8 e-tron Sportback vs EQA FAQ
Is the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback or Mercedes-Benz EQA better?
The Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback is better for performance, range and boot space. The Mercedes-Benz EQA is better for lower running costs, warranty cover and easier urban use.
What is the price difference?
The Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback costs RM379,990, while the Mercedes-Benz EQA costs RM296,888. That makes the Audi RM83,102 more expensive.
Which one has better range and luggage space?
The Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback has the advantage on both counts, with 505 km of EV range and 528 L of boot space. The Mercedes-Benz EQA has 429 km and 340 L.