The premium electric SUV market has seen significant growth, moving from a single option last year with the Audi e-tron to a variety of choices today. With Audi's introduction of the new Q8 e-tron, it’s time to compare this newcomer against its competitors: the BMW iX and the Polestar 3.
In Europe, these vehicles are classified as full-size SUVs; however, in the American market, they fall into the smaller mid-size category. The comparison is further complicated by the fact that only the BMW iX is currently available. Utilizing our comparison tool, we selected three models with as closely matched specifications as possible: the Audi Q8 55 e-tron, the BMW iX xDrive50, and the Polestar 3 LR.
Performance
The Audi Q8 55 e-tron, despite being the latest entry in this trio, is surprisingly the slowest, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.6 seconds. It’s crucial to note that we are comparing mid-range trims; using the SQ8 would place it against the more powerful BMW iX60, further emphasizing Audi's relative performance deficit. However, a 5.6-second sprint in a vehicle of this size is still an exhilarating experience. The BMW clearly outperforms the others, boasting both superior efficiency and acceleration, despite being the largest and tallest—nearly 8 cm taller than the Polestar 3 and 6 cm taller than the Audi.
| 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. The Polestar 3 utilizes a ternary battery pack (NMC) and has a slightly larger capacity, but all models feature over 100 kWh of usable electricity, making them suitable for daily commutes and longer journeys. The WLTP ranges are closely matched, with BMW coming out slightly ahead. Notably, Polestar charges the fastest when connected to a 250 kW DC charger and offers vehicle-to-grid capabilities, making it an excellent backup option for households. Interestingly, despite being the largest, the BMW boasts the lowest drag coefficient, outperforming both Polestar and Audi in this key efficiency metric.
| 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
Size and weight are critical factors for electric vehicles. All three models are nearly 5 meters long, with the BMW being the longest and the Polestar the smallest. Surprisingly, the Audi Q8 offers the most cargo space, as it is not built on a unique chassis, unlike the BMW and Polestar. Thanks to its innovative packaging, the Audi provides the largest trunk and front storage space. Polestar’s sloping roofline limits its trunk capacity, making it the least practical option for larger items. The BMW lacks front storage entirely.
| 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 employs a conservative design ethos while Polestar strikes a balance between traditional and futuristic. In contrast, BMW adopts a bold and distinctive approach. For those looking to make a statement, BMW is an ideal choice; Audi is more understated, and Polestar tends to attract attention.
Safety and Comfort
For buyers in this segment, comprehensive safety and comfort features are paramount. All three vehicles perform well in this aspect, though Polestar offers the most extensive list of standard equipment. BMW requires additional fees for air suspension, while Audi features smaller screens. Notably, Polestar comes with 9 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, Warning and Brake Assist, Pedestrian/Cyclist 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 Warnings, 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 not officially announced pricing, it’s possible to estimate based on the former e-tron's price and by comparing it to the BMW iX and Polestar 3. All three models are in the premium price range, often approaching the €100,000 mark once optional features are added. Currently, the BMW iX is available for purchase, while the Audi Q8 e-tron is expected to launch in early 2023. Polestar 3 deliveries are anticipated by the end of next year.
| Audi Q8 55 e-tron | BMW iX xDrive50 | Polestar 3 LR | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Announced | November 9, 2022 | November 2020 | October 12, 2022 |
| 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 |
It’s worth mentioning that Audi uniquely offers two body styles: SUV and Sportback. The Q8 Sportback presents a more aesthetic alternative, although it sacrifices rear headroom and cargo space for style, a characteristic it shares with the Polestar 3.
No clear winner emerges from this comparison. Faster models come with compromises in design, while those with conservative styling exhibit equally conservative performance. Polestar shines on paper but will remain out of reach for at least another year. The Audi e-tron secured considerable popularity, and the new Q8 e-tron stands poised to continue that legacy, while BMW excels in performance but may struggle to win consumers over with its design and limited standard features.
