The premium electric SUV market has become increasingly competitive. Last year, options were limited to the Audi e-tron, but with Audi’s announcement of the new Q8 e-tron, we now have several contenders to consider, including the BMW iX and Polestar 3.
While these vehicles are classified as full-size SUVs in Europe, they fall into the smaller mid-size category in the American market. The comparison becomes more complex as only the BMW iX is currently available. Using our comparison tool, we selected three models with similar specifications: the Audi Q8 55 e-tron, BMW iX xDrive50, and Polestar 3 LR.
Performance
Despite being the newest entrant among the three, the Audi Q8 55 e-tron is the slowest, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.6 seconds. While this is not necessarily a sluggish pace—especially for a vehicle of its size—it does highlight the performance advantages of the BMW iX, which delivers an acceleration time of just 4.6 seconds. The BMW is not only the tallest but also the most powerful, showcasing excellent efficiency relative to its size.
| Audi Q8 55 e-tron | BMW iX xDrive50 | Polestar 3 LR | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 408 HP (300 kW) AWD | 523 HP (385 kW) AWD | 489 HP (360 kW) AWD |
| Torque | 664 Nm (490 lb-ft) | 765 Nm (564 lb-ft) | 840 Nm (620 lb-ft) |
| 0 to 100 km/h | 5.6 seconds | 4.6 seconds | 5 seconds |
| Top speed | 200 km/h (124 mph) | 200 km/h (124 mph) | 210 km/h (130 mph) |
Battery and Range
All three vehicles utilize a 400V battery architecture with liquid cooling. The Polestar 3 features a ternary battery pack, slightly larger than the others. However, all three cars come equipped with over 100 kWh of battery capacity, sufficient for daily use and longer trips. The WLTP range varies slightly, with the BMW leading, while the Polestar 3 supports fast charging and vehicle-to-grid technology, making it a viable backup energy source for households. Remarkably, the BMW boasts the lowest drag coefficient despite its larger size, showcasing superior aerodynamic efficiency compared to the Polestar 3.
| Audi Q8 55 e-tron | BMW iX xDrive50 | Polestar 3 LR | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 106 kWh usable (total 114 kWh) | 105.2 kWh usable (total 111.5 kWh) | 107 kWh usable (total 111 kWh) |
| Type | Li-ion 400V liquid cooled | Li-ion 400V liquid cooled | Li-NMC 400V liquid cooled |
| Range WLTP | 582 km | 611 km | 610 km |
| AC charging | Type 2 11 kW and 22 kW | Type 2 11 kW | Type 2 11 kW |
| DC charging | CCS max 170 kW | CCS max 200 kW | CCS max 250 kW |
| DC Charging 10 to 80% SoC | 31 minutes | 35 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Drag coefficient | 0.26 | 0.25 | 0.296 |
Size Matters
In the realm of electric vehicles, size and weight are significant factors. All three SUVs are nearly 5 meters in length, with the BMW being the longest and the Polestar 3 the shortest. Surprisingly, the Audi Q8 excels in cargo space, featuring the largest trunk and frunk due to its clever design. In contrast, the Polestar 3 has the smallest trunk, hampered by its sloping roofline, while the BMW offers no frunk at all.
| Audi Q8 55 e-tron | BMW iX xDrive50 | Polestar 3 LR | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions mm | 4,915 x 1,937 x 1,633 | 4,953 x 1,967 x 1,695 | 4,900 x 1,968 x 1,614 |
| Dimensions imperial | 193.5 x 76.3 x 64.3 inches | 195.0 x 77.4 x 66.7 inches | 192.9 x 77.5 x 63.5 inches |
| Wheelbase | 2,928 mm (115.3 in) | 3,000 mm (118.1 in) | 2,985 mm (117.5 in) |
| Ground clearance | 172 mm (6.8 inches) | 203 mm (8 inches) | 201 mm (7.9 inches) |
| Unladen weight | 2,595 kg | 2,585 kg | 2,584 kg |
| Trunk | 569 l (seats down 1,637 l) | 500 l (seats down 1,750 l) | 484 l (seats down 1,411 l) |
| Frunk | 62 l | No | 32 l |
Design
In terms of aesthetics, Audi opts for a conservative design, while Polestar strikes a balance between the traditional and the futuristic. BMW, however, showcases a bold and distinctive style. For those seeking to make a statement, the BMW is the clear choice, while Audi offers a more subtle appearance, and Polestar sparks conversation without being ostentatious. You can compare the visual aspects of all three vehicles using our picture comparison tool where interior comparisons are also available.
Safety and Comfort
Buyers in this segment typically expect advanced safety and comfort features, and all three vehicles deliver. Notably, Polestar comes with the most extensive list of standard options. BMW is unique in requiring additional payment for air suspension, and Audi's screens are comparatively smaller. Polestar also offers a safety advantage with its nine airbags as standard.
| Audi Q8 55 e-tron | BMW iX xDrive50 | Polestar 3 LR | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Center display | 10.1" Full HD | 14.9" | 14.5" |
| Instrument cluster | 10.25" | 12.3" | 9" |
| Head-up display | 8.6" augmented reality | augmented reality | projector type |
| Suspension | Air-spring + adjustable shocks | hydraulic damping, air suspension optional | adaptive air-suspension + active dampers |
| Wheels | R19, R20, R21, R22 | R20, R21, R22 | R21, R22 |
| Heatpump | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags | side, front + rear + head | side, front + rear + head | side + front + rear + head (9) |
| ADAS | 5 radars, 5 cameras, 12 sensors. Night Vision Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Warn and Brake Assist, Pedestrian/cyclists protection, Exit Warning, Rear and Front Cross Traffic Alert, High Beam Assist | Long range radar (300 m), corner short range radars (4 units), 8MP front camera, Assisted Driving View, Rear Crossing-Traffic Warning, Exit warning function, Parking Assist Professional, Steering and Lane Control Assistant | 1 LiDAR, 5 radars, 5 cameras, 2 interior cameras, 12 sensors. Lane Keeping Aid, Blind Spot alert, Collision risk warning, Rear Cross traffic alert, Driver Alert Control, Road Sign information, Active high beam, Emergency brake lights, Collision avoidance (incl. cyclists and pedestrians), Collision warning at night, Lane Departure Warning, oncoming traffic collision avoidance, Cross Traffic Alert with brake support, Post-Impact Braking |
Availability and Prices
While Audi has yet to confirm official pricing, we can speculate based on the prices of its predecessor, the Audi e-tron. All three vehicles approach the €100,000 mark when extras are factored in. The BMW iX is currently available; the Audi Q8 is expected early next year, and the Polestar 3 is anticipated to begin deliveries by late 2023.
| Audi Q8 55 e-tron | BMW iX xDrive50 | Polestar 3 LR | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022 November 9 | 2020 November | 2022 October 12 |
| Status | Coming soon - expected Q1 2023 | Released January 2022 | Coming soon - expected Q4 2023 |
| Starting price | £80,000 €85,300 | £93,900 €100,000 $84,800 | £79,900 €88,600 $83,900 |
Notably, the Audi Q8 is available in two different body styles: SUV and Sportback. The Q8 Sportback would actually present a more relevant comparison to the Polestar 3, as both vehicles sacrifice rear headroom and trunk space for aesthetic appeal.
Ultimately, this comparison reveals no clear winner. While some vehicles excel in speed, they may compromise on design, and those with traditional designs often exhibit less impressive performance. The Polestar 3 appears outstanding on paper but will not be available for another year. The popularity of the Audi e-tron is likely to transfer to the new Q8 e-tron. In contrast, the BMW offers exceptional performance, but whether this compensates for its design and limited standard features remains to be seen.
