Verdict
These two cost nearly the same, but serve radically different Malaysian use cases. At RM465,990, the five-seat Audi Q8 e-tron is RM9,240 cheaper than the BMW Z4 and brings a 114 kWh battery, 582 km claimed range and 569-litre boot. Its 402 hp and 664 Nm from two motors make it properly rapid, though the Z4 is marginally quicker to 100 km/h at 5.4 seconds versus 5.6 seconds and reaches 250 km/h. The BMW’s 6.5 L/100 km petrol consumption and two-seat convertible layout make it the more focused personal car, not the family choice.
Pick the Audi Q8 e-tron if you need five seats, a 569-litre boot and EV driving with 582 km of claimed range.
Pick the BMW Z4 if you want a two-seat rear-wheel-drive convertible with a 5.4-second 0-100 km/h time and 250 km/h top speed.
Key differences
- Price: Audi Q8 e-tron RM465,990; BMW Z4 RM475,230.
- Powertrain: Audi Q8 e-tron has two motors producing 402 hp and 664 Nm; BMW Z4 has a 1,998 cc turbo petrol engine with 255 hp and 400 Nm.
- Range/economy: Audi Q8 e-tron has a 114 kWh battery and 582 km EV range; BMW Z4 is rated at 6.5 L/100 km with a 52-litre tank.
- Practicality: Audi Q8 e-tron has five seats and 569 litres of boot space; BMW Z4 has two seats and a 280-litre boot.
- Performance: Audi Q8 e-tron does 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and tops out at 200 km/h; BMW Z4 records 5.4 seconds and 250 km/h.
- Road tax: Audi Q8 e-tron costs RM545 per year; BMW Z4 costs RM379 per year.
Q8 e-tron
- Five seats and a 569-litre boot.
- 582 km claimed EV range from a 114 kWh battery.
- Surround-view camera, head-up display and blind-spot information system.
- 0-100 km/h is 0.2 seconds slower than the Z4.
- 200 km/h top speed is 50 km/h lower than the Z4.
- Annual road tax is RM166 higher.
Z4
- 5.4-second 0-100 km/h time and 250 km/h top speed.
- Rear-wheel drive with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.
- Lower RM379 annual road tax and standard auto parking.
- Only two seats, against the Audi’s five.
- 280-litre boot is 289 litres smaller than the Audi’s.
- No listed blind-spot information system, autonomous braking or lane-keeping assist.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM465,990✓ | RM475,230 |
| Body type | SUV | Convertible |
| Segment | Executive | Sports Car |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM545 | RM379✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, twin-scroll turbo with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 255 hp |
| Torque | — | 400 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 82 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 11.1 |
| Number of Motors | 2 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 402 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 664 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 114 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 582 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 22 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 170 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 2-stage ratio planetary gearbox with a single gear | 8-Speed Steptronic Sport Transmission |
| Gears | 2 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Audi AG | ZF |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 5.6 seconds | 5.4 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | — | 6.5 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 200 km/h | 250 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | — | 149 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,915 mm | 4,324 mm |
| Width | 1,937 mm | 1,864 mm |
| Height | 1,633 mm | 1,304 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,928 mm | 2,470 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,491 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 52 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 2 |
| Seats | 5 | 2 |
| Boot Space | 569 litres✓ | 280 litres |
| Front Tyre | 265/45R21 | 225/45R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 265/45R21 | 255/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | — |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Alenza 001 | Michelin Pilot Super Sport |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Austria (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 21" 5-Arm Black Turbine Style Alloy Wheels | 18" Double Spoke Style 798M Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 21" 5-Arm Black Turbine Style Alloy Wheels | 18" Double Spoke Style 798M Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Adaptive Air Suspension | M Sport Suspension |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Electric for rear doors | — |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 2 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on front passenger seat and two outer rear passenger seats | — |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Audi pre sense front | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | For All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Flat Tyre Indicator |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Digital Matrix LED headlights | LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | LED Combination with Dynamic Turn Signals | 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 | 40:20:40 Split-folding | — |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | — |
| Power Sockets | 1x 12V Front, 1x front wireless charger, 2x USB-C rear, 1x 12V socket rear | 1 Front |
| 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 | 10.25" BMW Navigation system Professional, iDrive Touch controller, 12-speaker Harman Kardon Surround Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Surround View Camera | Yes |
| 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 |
| Convenience Notes | — | BMW ConnectedDrive, Concierge Service |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty | — |
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 & Z4 for sale
Q8 e-tron vs Z4 FAQ
Is the Audi Q8 e-tron or BMW Z4 better?
The Audi Q8 e-tron is better for carrying people and luggage, with five seats, 569 litres of boot space and 582 km claimed EV range. The BMW Z4 is better for a two-seat convertible experience, with rear-wheel drive, a 5.4-second sprint and 250 km/h top speed.
What is the price difference?
The BMW Z4 costs RM475,230, which is RM9,240 more than the Audi Q8 e-tron at RM465,990.
Which has lower annual road tax?
The BMW Z4 has lower annual road tax at RM379, compared with RM545 for the Audi Q8 e-tron. The difference is RM166 per year.