Verdict
At RM379,990, the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback costs RM111,102 more than the RM268,888 Volvo XC40. That buys a 95 kWh battery, quoted 505 km EV range, 150 kW DC charging and a quicker 6.0-second 0-100 km/h time. Its 528-litre boot is also 68 litres larger. But the Audi is 490 mm longer and carries only a two-year vehicle warranty, against the Volvo’s five years. The XC40 makes the stronger Malaysian ownership case if RM268,888, 7.7 L/100 km and its smaller 4,425 mm body suit your needs.
Pick the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback if a 505 km electric range, 150 kW DC charging, 528-litre boot and 6.0-second sprint justify the RM111,102 premium.
Pick the Volvo XC40 if you want the RM268,888 entry price, a five-year warranty, 7.7 L/100 km rated economy and a 490 mm shorter body.
Key differences
- Price: Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback RM379,990; Volvo XC40 RM268,888.
- Powertrain: Audi has two electric motors with 335 hp and 664 Nm; Volvo has a 1,969 cc petrol hybrid/REV unit with 263 hp and 390 Nm.
- Acceleration: Audi reaches 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds; Volvo takes 6.4 seconds.
- Size: Audi is 4,915 mm long on a 2,928 mm wheelbase; Volvo is 4,425 mm long on a 2,702 mm wheelbase.
- Boot space: Audi provides 528 litres; Volvo provides 460 litres.
- Vehicle warranty: Audi covers two years; Volvo covers five years.
Q8 e-tron Sportback
- 95 kWh battery with 505 km quoted EV range
- 150 kW DC charging and 11 kW AC charging
- 528-litre boot and air suspension
- Costs RM111,102 more
- Two-year vehicle warranty versus five years
- No front foglamps or auto-parking function
XC40
- RM268,888 price and CKD assembly
- Five-year unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty
- Auto parking and front foglamps
- 460-litre boot is 68 litres smaller
- 6.4-second 0-100 km/h time is 0.4 seconds slower
- No front-passenger ISOFIX position
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM379,990 | RM268,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | — | 16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,969 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 263 hp |
| Torque | — | 390 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | — | 82 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.5 |
| Number of Motors | 2 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 335 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 664 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 95 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 505 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 150 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 2-speed automatic transmission | Geartronic Automatic Transmission |
| Gears | 2 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Audi AG | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6 seconds✓ | 6.4 seconds |
| Rated Economy | — | 7.7 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | — | 180 km/h |
| Co2 | — | 50 g/km |
| 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 | — | 1,875 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 | 235/50R19 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Alenza 001 | Michelin e-Primacy |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| 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-Y Spoke Matt Graphite Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels |
| Rear Wheels | 20" 5-arm Alloy Wheels | 19" 5-Y Spoke Matt Graphite Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Sport Chassis |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| ANCAP | — | 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 door |
| 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 | LED Reflectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED with Dynamic Light Design and Sequential Indicators | LED Combination |
| 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 |
| 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" Portrait Android Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| 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 Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activated | Remote Control Activation |
| 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 |
| 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 hybrid battery warranty |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM395✓ | RM428 |
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 & XC40 for sale
Q8 e-tron Sportback vs XC40 FAQ
Is the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback or Volvo XC40 better?
The Audi is better for a long-range EV: it has a 95 kWh battery, 505 km quoted range, 150 kW DC charging and a larger 528-litre boot. The Volvo is the more affordable choice, with a five-year vehicle warranty.
What is the price difference?
The Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback is RM111,102 more expensive: RM379,990 versus RM268,888 for the Volvo XC40.
Which has more luggage space and the longer quoted range?
The Audi does. Its boot holds 528 litres against the Volvo’s 460 litres, and it has a quoted 505 km EV range from its 95 kWh battery.