The premium electric SUV market has become increasingly competitive. Last year, the only significant option was the Audi e-tron, but the recent announcement of the Audi Q8 e-tron introduces new contenders: the BMW iX and the Polestar 3.
While these vehicles fall under the full-size SUV category in Europe, they are classified as mid-size SUVs in the United States. Notably, the BMW iX is currently the only model available for purchase. Our comparison tool evaluates three closely matched models: the Audi Q8 55 e-tron, BMW iX xDrive50, and Polestar 3 LR.
Performance
The Audi Q8 e-tron, despite being the newest model in this trio, unfortunately, has the slowest 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time among them. This analysis focuses on medium trims; had we included the more powerful SQ8, it would have faced off against the BMW iX60, highlighting its weaker performance even further. Nonetheless, Audi's 5.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h remains commendable for a vehicle of its size. In terms of efficiency, the BMW clearly outperforms its competitors, managing its larger dimensions remarkably well.
| 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 models utilize a 400V battery architecture, with liquid cooling for their batteries. Notably, the Polestar employs a ternary battery pack (NMC), and while its battery is marginally larger, all three vehicles sport over 100 kWh of stored energy, which is ample for both daily commutes and extended journeys. The WLTP range is closely matched, with BMW leading slightly. The Polestar achieves the fastest charging rates, provided a 250 kW DC charger is accessible, and it features vehicle-to-grid capabilities, making it an excellent household backup. Surprisingly, the BMW boasts the lowest drag coefficient, enhancing its performance despite being the largest vehicle in this comparison.
| 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 Considerations
In electric vehicles, both size and weight significantly affect performance. The three contenders are all nearly five meters long, with the BMW being the longest and the Polestar the shortest. Surprisingly, the Audi Q8 excels in luggage space; it is the only car not built on a dedicated electric platform. Both BMW and Polestar were designed as electric vehicles and should have optimized cargo space better. Thanks to innovative packaging, Audi offers the largest trunk and frunk. The Polestar has the smallest trunk, and its sloping roofline limits space for taller items, while the BMW lacks a frunk altogether.
| 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 design, Audi adopts a conservative approach, while Polestar strikes a balance between tradition and futurism. Conversely, BMW adopts a bold, distinctive style designed to make a statement. Audi blends seamlessly into any environment, Polestar sparks conversation, and BMW demands attention. Users can compare the exterior designs of all three models using our comparison tool, as well as their interiors.
Safety and Comfort
This segment demands vehicles equipped with the latest safety and comfort features, and all three contenders rise to the occasion. However, Polestar offers the most extensive list of standard equipment. BMW requires additional payment for air suspension, while Audi has the smallest displays. Polestar's driver display can feel thin and may take time to adapt to, but it does come with a robust standard of nine airbags.
| 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 Pricing
While Audi has yet to confirm official pricing, we can estimate it based on the previous Audi e-tron and the pricing of the BMW iX and Polestar 3. All three models carry hefty price tags, approaching the €100,000 mark once extras are added. Currently, the BMW iX is available, while Audi is expected to launch early next year. Polestar 3 deliveries are projected to begin by the end of the next year.
| 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, Audi is the only brand offering both SUV and Sportback body styles. The Q8 Sportback could be more directly compared to the Polestar 3, as both models sacrifice rear headroom and cargo capacity for enhanced aesthetics.
Ultimately, there are no unequivocal winners in this analysis. Vehicles emphasizing speed may come with design trade-offs, whereas those with more traditional aesthetics may possess their own limitations in performance. The Polestar 3 presents strong specifications on paper but won’t be available for another year. The Audi e-tron generation has established a solid market presence, and its successor, the Q8 e-tron, is poised to build on that success. While the BMW offers excellent performance, one must ask if that alone justifies its design and limited standard equipment.
