Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback vs Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric
Verdict
The Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback costs RM379,990, a RM101,102 step up from the Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric at RM278,888. The Audi buys you the larger body, longer 2,928 mm wheelbase, bigger 95.0 kWh battery and 505 km range, so it suits buyers who want space and fewer charging stops. The Volvo hits back hard: 402 hp, 4.9 seconds to 100 km/h and a five-year warranty. It is smaller, quicker and cheaper, though its RM545 yearly road tax is higher than the Audi’s RM395.
Pick the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback if you want the bigger electric SUV, with 505 km range, a 528-litre boot and more wheelbase for long-distance family use.
Pick the Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric if you want stronger acceleration, 402 hp, a five-year warranty and the much lower entry price.
Key differences
- Price: Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback RM379,990; Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric RM278,888
- Power and 0-100 km/h: Audi 335 hp and 6.0 s; Volvo 402 hp and 4.9 s
- Battery and range: Audi 95.0 kWh and 505 km; Volvo 78.0 kWh and 418 km
- Size: Audi 4,915 mm long and 1,937 mm wide; Volvo 4,425 mm long and 1,863 mm wide
- Wheelbase and boot: Audi 2,928 mm and 528 litres; Volvo 2,702 mm and 460 litres
- Warranty and road tax: Audi 2 years and RM395/year; Volvo 5 years and RM545/year
Q8 e-tron Sportback
- Longer 505 km EV range
- Bigger 528-litre boot
- Lower RM395 yearly road tax
- Costs RM101,102 more
- Slower 6.0-second 0-100 km/h time
- Shorter two-year warranty
XC40 Recharge Electric
- Quicker 4.9-second 0-100 km/h time
- Higher 402 hp output
- Longer five-year warranty
- Shorter 418 km EV range
- Smaller 460-litre boot
- Higher RM545 yearly road tax
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 379,990 | RM 278,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | — | Dual electric permanent magnet synchron front and rear motors |
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 2 | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | 335 hp | 402 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 664 Nm✓ | 660 Nm |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Capacity | 95 kWh✓ | 78.0 kWh |
| EV Range | 505 km✓ | 418 km |
| Charger Type (AC) | Type 2 | Type 2 |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | 11.0 kW |
| Charger Type (DC) | CCS | CCS2 |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 150 kW | 150.0 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 2-speed automatic transmission | — |
| Gears | 2 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Audi AG | Volvo |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6 seconds | 4.9 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | — | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,915 mm | 4,425 mm |
| Width | 1,937 mm | 1,863 mm |
| Height | 1,619 mm | 1,658 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,928 mm | 2,702 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,150 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 49 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 528 litres✓ | 460 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/50R20 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/50R20 | 255/45R19 |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Alenza 001 | Pirelli P Zero Elect |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| 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" 5-double-spoke Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 20" 5-arm Alloy Wheels | 19" 5-double-spoke Alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Discs | Solid Discs |
| 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, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Electric for rear doors | Power Safety Lock 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 Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Audi pre sense front | Yes, City Safety with Full Auto Brake, Pedestrian, Cyclist and Large Animal Detection |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors with Auto High Beam | Adaptive LED Projectors with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED with Dynamic Light Design and Sequential Indicators | LED With Bulb Brake Lamps |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split Fold | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| 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 | 2 Front, 1 Boot |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| 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 | 9" Touchscreen Infotainment System with Android Automotive Operating System and 14-speaker, 600-watt Harman Kardon 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 | 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 |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | Qi Wireless Charger |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty | 8-year/160,000 km Traction 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 XC40 Recharge Electric FAQ
Is the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback or Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric better?
The Volvo is the stronger buy for pace and price, with 402 hp and a 4.9-second 0-100 km/h time. The Audi is better if you need the larger SUV, longer 505 km range and bigger 528-litre boot.
What is the price difference?
The Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback is RM101,102 more expensive, at RM379,990 versus RM278,888 for the Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric.
Which has the longer electric range?
The Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback goes further on paper, with 505 km from a 95.0 kWh battery. The Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric has a 78.0 kWh battery and 418 km range.