Audi Q8 e-tron vs BMW i5
Verdict
At RM360,790 against RM368,800, this is not a price fight: the RM8,010 gap buys the BMW i5 much longer rated range at 627 km versus 491 km, plus quicker 22 kW AC and 205 kW DC charging. The Audi Q8 e-tron answers with SUV packaging, dual motors, all-wheel drive and 664 Nm, yet both make 335 hp and hit 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds. For Malaysian buyers, the BMW is the easier long-distance EV on paper; the Audi is the roomier, grippier family hauler.
Q8 e-tron
Pick the Audi Q8 e-tron if you want an SUV with all-wheel drive, 664 Nm and a larger 569-litre boot.
i5
Pick the BMW i5 if range, faster charging, adaptive cruise control and a head-up display matter more than SUV practicality.
Key differences
- Price: Audi Q8 e-tron RM360,790; BMW i5 RM368,800
- Range: Audi Q8 e-tron 491 km; BMW i5 627 km
- Motors and driveline: Audi Q8 e-tron 2 motors with AWD; BMW i5 1 motor with RWD
- Torque: Audi Q8 e-tron 664 Nm; BMW i5 430 Nm
- Charging rate: Audi Q8 e-tron 11 kW AC/150 kW DC; BMW i5 22 kW AC/205 kW DC
- Boot space: Audi Q8 e-tron 569 litres; BMW i5 490 litres
Q8 e-tron
- Dual-motor all-wheel drive versus the BMW’s single-motor rear-wheel drive
- Much higher torque at 664 Nm against 430 Nm
- Bigger boot: 569 litres versus 490 litres
- Shorter rated range: 491 km versus 627 km
- Slower charging: 11 kW AC and 150 kW DC versus 22 kW AC and 205 kW DC
- Lacks adaptive cruise control, head-up display and a panoramic glass roof
i5
- Longer rated range at 627 km
- Faster charging at 22 kW AC and 205 kW DC
- Gets adaptive cruise control, steering-correction lane keeping and a head-up display
- Costs RM8,010 more
- Lower torque: 430 Nm versus 664 Nm
- Smaller boot: 490 litres versus 569 litres
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 360,790✓ | RM 368,800 |
| Body type | SUV | Sedan |
| Segment | Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 2 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 335 hp | 335 hp |
| Motor Torque | 664 Nm✓ | 430 Nm |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Capacity | 95 kWh✓ | 83.9 kWh |
| EV Range | 491 km | 627 km✓ |
| Charger Type (AC) | Type 2 | Type 2 |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | 22 kW✓ |
| Charger Type (DC) | CCS | CCS |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 150 kW | 205 kW✓ |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 2-stage ratio planetary gearbox with a single gear | — |
| Gears | 2 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Audi AG | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6.0 seconds | 6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 200 km/h✓ | 193 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,915 mm | 5,060 mm |
| Width | 1,937 mm | 1,900 mm |
| Height | 1,633 mm | 1,515 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,928 mm | 2,995 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,205 kg |
| Doors | 5 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 569 litres✓ | 490 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/50R20 | 245/40R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/50R20 | 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) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 20" 5-Arm Aero Style Alloy Wheels | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 20" 5-Arm Aero Style Alloy Wheels | 20" Alloys |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Discs |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Adaptive Air Suspension | — |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | Warning Only | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Headlamps with High-Beam Assist | LED Projector with Adaptive High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | 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 | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split Fold |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | 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 | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered boot | Remote Control Activated with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Surround View Camera | 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 | RM 395 | RM 395 |
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 vs i5 FAQ
Is the Audi Q8 e-tron or BMW i5 better?
The BMW i5 is better for range, charging speed and driver-assistance kit. The Audi Q8 e-tron is better for SUV practicality, all-wheel drive and torque. If you drive interstate often, take the BMW; if you need the SUV body, take the Audi.
What is the price difference?
The BMW i5 costs RM8,010 more than the Audi Q8 e-tron, at RM368,800 versus RM360,790.
Which one charges faster?
The BMW i5 charges faster on paper, with 22 kW AC and 205 kW DC charging. The Audi Q8 e-tron is rated at 11 kW AC and 150 kW DC.