Both Genesis and Audi have adopted a remarkably unpretentious strategy for introducing their flagship EV powertrains: they’ve taken their respective fan-favorite gas-powered SUVs and swapped for an electric motor. This simplified tactic allows them to focus on providing the absolute best electric performance, without having to totally reinvent the wheel.
Which one does it better, though? We’re here to find out. Read on while we pit these luxury EV SUVs head-to-head, and see which one comes out on top.
Trims and Pricing
The 2024 Electrified GV70’s trim list is incredibly streamlined, with two packages offered:
- Genesis Electrified GV70 Advanced – Starting MSRP of $66,450
- Genesis Electrified GV70 Prestige – Starting MSRP of $73,250
The 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron’s list of trims is a bit longer, but still quite manageable for buyers:
- Audi Q8 e-tron Premium – Starting MSRP of $74,400
- Audi Q8 e-tron Premium Plus – Starting MSRP of $78,800
- Audi Q8 e-tron Prestige – Starting MSRP of $84,800
- Audi Q8 e-tron Launch Edition – Starting MSRP of $87,550
Right off the bat, you’ll notice that the Electrified GV70 is far more affordable—even the more expensive Prestige trim costs less than the base-level Q8 e-tron. Considering the fact that the Electrified GV70 Advanced is already incredibly well-appointed, it’s hard to justify spending 10k more for the Audi EV.
Range and Charging Speed
Total battery range is one of the most oft-cited make-or-break factors among EV shoppers, and we have to concede this one to the Q8 e-tron, which gets an EPA-estimated 285 miles on a single charge, while the Electrified GV70 is rated for 236 miles.
But, pure battery life isn’t the only factor to consider. The actual rate of charging is every bit as important, if not more so, and by this metric, the Electrified GV70 takes a commanding lead. The Genesis EV is capable of 350 kW DC ultra-fast charging, which allows it to jump from 10% to 80% in a blindingly quick 18 minutes. Meanwhile, the Audi’s max charging power caps at 170 kW, and it takes roughly 31 minutes to regain the same amount of juice.
So, the Q8 e-tron may have a higher ceiling, but the Electrified GV70 is able to charge at nearly double the rate, which gives it a distinct edge.
Performance and Handling
Both of these luxury EVs are motivated by dual electric motors in the front and rear, giving them all-wheel-drive stability and traction.
All Electrified GV70 models are powered by two 160 kW motors, which put out 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. It has five separate drive modes, which adjust the battery response and suspension in real time based on road conditions, and it also boasts a standard boost mode, which delivers a thrilling ten-second kick in the pants. In their review, Car and Driver noted that they were able to get the Electrified GV70 from zero to sixty in just 3.8 seconds, which might explain why they gave it their 10Best and Editor’s Choice awards for the 2024 model year.
Audi says that the Q8 e-tron cranks out 402 horsepower from its dual motors, but this is only with the temporary boost setting engaged, which means it’s significantly underpowered compared to the electrified GV70. Car and Driver recorded a 5.2-second trip to get it from zero to sixty.
For those with a need for speed, it’s no contest. The Electrified GV70 leaves the Q8 e-tron in the dust.
Tech, Amenities, and Safety
If the Q8 e-tron doesn’t have significantly better driving dynamics or charging capacity, does it justify its heftier price tag with better technology offerings?
For one thing, the Q8 e-tron definitely has more screen action going on. The center column is made up of two separate touch screens, a 10.1-inch one above, and an 8.6-incher below. It also has the Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster, which measures 12.3 inches diagonal. These systems are complemented with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an available Bang & Olufsen sound system. A standard panoramic glass roof rounds out the interior, giving a well-lit open-air vibe, and the cabin has been described by critics as quiet and luxurious.
The Q8 also has a decent amount of driver assistance features, like standard adaptive cruise control, but many features like intelligent parking assist and heads-up display will require a trim upgrade. Despite not having as many standard safety features as other competitors, the 2024 Q8 e-tron won a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.
The Electrified GV70’s interior is a bit more modest, but still has plenty of extra goodies to earn its place among the best luxury SUVs. The infotainment deck is an imposing 14.5-inch affair, which is paired with physical knobs to control climate and other systems. The standard instrument cluster measures 8 inches, but the Prestige edition upgrades things to a 12.3-inch 3D digital display, along with a Lexicon premium audio setup. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and wireless device charging are all standard issue.
As you’d expect from a Genesis EV, it really shines when you count all of the standard ADAS features. The list includes smart cruise control, forward collision avoidance, blind spot collision avoidance, driver attention warning, lane keeping and following assist, and highway driving assist. The Electrified GV70 also nabbed a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, officially making it one of the safest luxury EVs on the market.
In terms of sheer comfort, both of these EV SUVs are quite evenly matched, and picking between the two will largely come down to a matter of personal taste. Still, it’s hard to deny that the Electrified GV70 is among the best electric SUVs for families and teenagers, thanks to its reduced screen presence and more robust active safety features.
Genesis vs. Audi: the Verdict
Listen, we may be a little bit partial, here. Even still, we can recognize that the Q8 e-tron is an incredibly impressive electric SUV. It has a competitive range, solid safety scores, and it offers a wealth of killer creature comforts.
The Electrified GV70 simply offers more bang for your buck, though—and we do mean a lot more. If you need any more convincing, give your local Miami Genesis dealer a call at (786) 574-3093 to schedule a test drive, and discover why it’s the best 2-row luxury EV around.
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