Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (210 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2024
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is sharply divided, heavily dependent on the specific model and purchase context.
9 problems reported (3 very frequent, 4 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentUnreliable mobile app and remote connectivity (e.g., climate control)
Frequent disconnections, commands fail to send or execute, system downtime.
- Very frequentBuggy and slow infotainment software
System freezes, laggy response, requires reboots, older MIB2 systems are unsupported.
- Very frequentExtreme depreciation
Values can drop 60-70% over 5 years, making new purchases financially unfavorable.
+ 6 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentMotor and battery pack failures
Isolated but severe reports of complete battery replacements and motor issues, though many owners report trouble-free high mileage.
- RecurrentConnectivity module failures
Car drops to obsolete 2G/3G networks, breaking remote features. Requires service reset.
- RecurrentHigh tire wear and cost
Due to vehicle weight and instant torque, especially on larger wheel options.
- RecurrentRange efficiency below competitors
Real-world range is acceptable but less than many newer EVs, a trade-off for comfort and performance.
- IsolatedElectronic latch system malfunctions
Doors sometimes fail to open when parked close to objects.
- IsolatedHood latch failures
Mechanical fault preventing hood from opening.
The version owners recommend
For the e-tron SUV, the 2021 and newer models with the MIB3 infotainment upgrade are strongly recommended over 2019-2020 MIB2 units, which suffer from neglected software support. The 'Advanced' or 'Prestige' trims are noted for maximizing luxury features like massage/cooling seats and acoustic glass. For the e-tron GT, the high-performance RS variant is mentioned for its power, though with the caveat about its comparison to the Taycan.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Porsche Taycan, Mercedes-Benz EQS, BMW i4, BMW iX and Tesla Model Y.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is sharply divided, heavily dependent on the specific model and purchase context. For the e-tron SUV/Sportback (now Q8 e-tron), long-term owner reports are generally positive regarding its exceptional comfort, quiet ride, luxurious interior, and real-world reliability, especially for 2021+ models. However, this is contrasted by very frequent and severe criticism of its software, mobile app, and infotainment system, which are described as unreliable and poorly executed. The vehicle is also noted for experiencing extreme depreciation, making it a high-value used purchase but a poor financial decision when new. For the high-performance e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT, feedback is more performance-focused, praising exhilarating power and handling, though it is frequently compared unfavorably to its platform sibling, the Porsche Taycan, in terms of driving dynamics. A significant consensus across all variants is that the e-tron represents outstanding value on the used market due to depreciation, but can be frustrating to own due to persistent technological shortcomings.
Positioning vs competitors
The e-tron SUV is positioned as a traditional, comfort-focused luxury vehicle that happens to be electric, praised for its build quality, air suspension, and acoustic glass which provide a superior ride to many rivals like Tesla. It is consistently noted as less efficient and having shorter range than competitors, but also as more capable in cold weather. The e-tron GT is positioned as a high-performance luxury EV, but is often seen as a slightly inferior alternative to the Porsche Taycan, which is perceived as the more engaging driver's car. Against mainstream EVs, the Audi brand commands a premium for interior luxury and ride refinement, but is criticized for lagging in software and charging network integration compared to Tesla.
Recommended configurations
For the SUV, 2021+ model year for updated infotainment. Air suspension is highly recommended for comfort. All-wheel drive is standard. Avoid the 22-inch wheels on the 'S' models if range is a priority, as they can reduce efficiency by 10%. An extended warranty is frequently suggested due to the high cost of potential out-of-warranty repairs, particularly for the battery and drive motors. For all models, purchasing used after the steep initial depreciation is the most common and strongly recommended financial approach.
General recommendations
Highly recommended as a used vehicle purchase due to catastrophic depreciation, offering near-new luxury at a fraction of the original MSRP. Suitable for buyers prioritizing ride comfort, interior quality, and quietness over cutting-edge EV range, efficiency, or software. Not recommended for those who value intuitive, reliable infotainment and mobile app functionality. Essential to verify service history, especially for battery and motor health, and to check for software updates. Strongly consider an extended warranty for peace of mind. For the e-tron GT, a direct comparison test drive with the Porsche Taycan is advised for driving enthusiasts.
Remarks
Owner experiences are highly bifurcated: a majority of long-term owners report reliable, satisfying ownership with minimal mechanical issues, while a vocal minority experience significant, recurring software and electronic failures. The model year is a critical differentiator, with 2021+ vehicles receiving hardware updates that improve, but do not fully resolve, software stability. The platform's shared components with the Porsche Taycan are noted, but the driving experience and software execution are consistently described as superior in the Porsche. The discussion data covers multiple body styles (SUV, Sportback, GT) and performance levels (standard, S, RS), which accounts for the wide variance in feedback on performance and efficiency. Analysis based on approximately 40 substantive owner discussions.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearNo year grades F. Best year: 2020Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 77 | 10 | electrical system |
| 2020 | 5 | 5 | electrical system |
| 2019 | 79 | 5 | electrical system |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices20 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2021 · seat belts:rear/other:retractorcampaign 21V606000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2021 · service brakes, hydrauliccampaign 21V707000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi E-Tron Quattro and E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles. Corrosion in the brake booster may cause the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), speedometer display, and brake assist to stop functioning.
2021 · structure:interior panels:dashboardcampaign 21V595000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi E-Tron Quattro and E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles. The right hinge pin for the glove box cover may not be properly secured, allowing the glove box lid trim to interfere with the knee air bag during deployment.
2021 · service brakes, hydrauliccampaign 21V569000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 E-Tron Quattro and 2020-2021 Audi E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles. An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system.
2021 · back over prevention:display functioncampaign 22V742000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2021 · equipment:electrical:infotainment:video (touch)screen/monitor/unitcampaign 22V806000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2021 · electrical system:propulsion system:charging:cable/cord:onboardcampaign 23V842000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
2021 · electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery thermal:management:softwarecampaign 23V867000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 E-Tron Sportback Quattro and 2019-2022 E-Tron Quattro vehicles. Certain high-voltage battery modules may overheat.
2021 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V900000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2021 · service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkagescampaign 26V240000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Audi E-Tron Quattro, 2020-2023 Audi E-Tron Sportback, 2024 Q8 E-Tron, Q8 Sportback E-Tron, SQ8 E-Tron, and SQ8 Sportback E-Tron vehicles. The fastener that connects the brake pedal and the brake booster may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake pedal to detach from the brake booster.
2020 · service brakes, hydrauliccampaign 21V569000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 E-Tron Quattro and 2020-2021 Audi E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles. An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system.
2020 · electrical system:propulsion system:charging:cable/cord:onboardcampaign 23V842000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles. When using the industrial 220V/240V plug at the 100% charge setting, some home power outlets may be incapable of handling the electrical current required to utilize the compact charging system, causing the outlet or charging cable to overheat.
2020 · electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery thermal:management:softwarecampaign 23V867000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 E-Tron Sportback Quattro and 2019-2022 E-Tron Quattro vehicles. Certain high-voltage battery modules may overheat.
2020 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V900000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2020 · service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkagescampaign 26V240000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Audi E-Tron Quattro, 2020-2023 Audi E-Tron Sportback, 2024 Q8 E-Tron, Q8 Sportback E-Tron, SQ8 E-Tron, and SQ8 Sportback E-Tron vehicles. The fastener that connects the brake pedal and the brake booster may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake pedal to detach from the brake booster.
5 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
S 95 kWh quattro
Electric · 503 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2020–2022