Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback vs Mercedes-Benz EQC
Verdict
The Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback is the calmer numbers buy here: RM379,990 makes it RM13,898 cheaper, yet it gets the larger 95.0 kWh battery, longer 505 km range and bigger 528-litre boot. For Malaysian buyers doing highway runs or family duty, that matters. The Mercedes-Benz EQC hits back hard with 402 hp and a 5.1-second 0-100 km/h time, so it is clearly the quicker SUV, but its 437 km range and 495-litre boot trail the Audi.
Pick the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback if you want the longer-legged EV SUV, with 505 km of range, a 95.0 kWh battery and 528 litres of boot space for less money.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz EQC if acceleration matters more, because its 402 hp dual-motor setup does 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds.
Key differences
- Price: Audi RM379,990; Mercedes-Benz RM393,888
- Power: Audi 335 hp; Mercedes-Benz 402 hp
- 0-100 km/h: Audi 6.0 s; Mercedes-Benz 5.1 s
- Battery and range: Audi 95.0 kWh and 505 km; Mercedes-Benz 80.0 kWh and 437 km
- Size: Audi 4,915 mm long with a 2,928 mm wheelbase; Mercedes-Benz 4,761 mm and 2,873 mm
- Boot and airbags: Audi 528 litres and 8 airbags; Mercedes-Benz 495 litres and 7 airbags
Q8 e-tron Sportback
- Longer 505 km EV range
- Larger 95.0 kWh battery
- Bigger 528-litre boot
- Slower 6.0-second 0-100 km/h time
- Lower 335 hp output
- No top speed figure listed
EQC
- Stronger 402 hp output
- Quicker 5.1-second 0-100 km/h time
- Shorter 4,761 mm body than the Audi
- Shorter 437 km EV range
- Smaller 495-litre boot
- Higher RM545 yearly road tax
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 379,990✓ | RM 393,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 2 | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | 335 hp | 402 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 664 Nm | 760 Nm✓ |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Capacity | 95 kWh✓ | 80.0 kWh |
| EV Range | 505 km✓ | 437 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 | 110.0 kW✓ |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 2-speed automatic transmission | — |
| Gears | 2 | 1 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Audi AG | Mercedes-Benz |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6 seconds | 5.1 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | — | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,915 mm | 4,761 mm |
| Width | 1,937 mm | 1,884 mm |
| Height | 1,619 mm | 1,624 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,928 mm | 2,873 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,175 kg |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 528 litres✓ | 495 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/50R20 | 235/50R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/50R20 | 255/45R20 |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Alenza 001 | Pirelli Scorpion Verde |
| 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 | 20" Multi-spoke Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 20" 5-arm Alloy Wheels | 20" Multi-spoke Alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Discs | Ventilated Disc |
| 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 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 two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Audi pre sense front | PRE-SAFE Brake, Full Auto Brake |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors with Auto High Beam | Adaptive LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED with Dynamic Light Design and Sequential Indicators | LED Combination |
| 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 |
| 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 | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1x 12V Front, 1x front wireless charger, 2x USB-C rear, 1x 12V socket rear | 1 Front, 2 Rear USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (64 colours) |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Manual Rear Door Window Shades | Manual rear door window shades |
| Audio | 10.1" MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch, Audi connect, Audi smartphone interface and Audi sound system | 12.3" Touchscreen MBUX with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Voice Control and 13-speaker Burmester Surround Sound System |
| 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 with Steering Assist and Stop and Go |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activated | Powered Boot, with contactless operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Available, with Surround View Camera |
| 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 | — | 2 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 395✓ | RM 545 |
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 EQC FAQ
Is the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback or Mercedes-Benz EQC better?
The Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback is the better all-rounder on paper: it is cheaper, goes 505 km versus 437 km, and has a larger boot. The Mercedes-Benz EQC is better if you want outright pace, with 402 hp and a 5.1-second 0-100 km/h time.
What is the price difference?
The Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback is RM13,898 cheaper, at RM379,990 against RM393,888 for the Mercedes-Benz EQC.
Which has the longer EV range?
The Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback has the longer range at 505 km. The Mercedes-Benz EQC is rated at 437 km, so the Audi has a 68 km advantage.