Audi Q8 E-Tron vs Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

What's the difference?

The Audi Q8 e-tron ushers in welcome improvements to an already likeable and capable large luxury SUV.

But it is also feeling dated compared to newer and fresher rivals like the BMW iX, isn’t as good to drive as the best, offers disappointing range for the size of the new battery, and prices are creeping up for what is essentially a half-decade-old EV.

The name change isn’t enough. What the Q8 e-tron really needs is a massive leap in its Vorsprung durch Technik in a rapidly evolving electrified landscape.

 Very good… but far from great.

The new AMG C 43 may lack the drama and excitement we’ve come to expect from the German performance brand, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad car. Yes, it could be more extroverted and the ride could be improved, but this is still a sharp-looking sports sedan with loads of punch.

This is a car that speaks to its times, with ever-stricter emissions regulations making it harder and harder for car companies to produce loud, wild and charismatic cars. So Mercedes-AMG has worked within those boundaries and come up with a car that retains at least some of those core elements that has made the brand so desirable over the years.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

The Q8 e-tron looks smaller than it actually is, with the SUV wagon’s length/width/height/wheelbase numbers measuring in at 4915/1937/1633mm/2928mm, respectively.

The Sportback version is slightly lower at 1619mm.

You’ll need a keen eye to spot the difference between the old e-tron and new Q8 e-tron, with almost all of the visual changes reserved for the front end.

For starters, there’s a new, two-dimensional four-ring logo that looks larger and flatter than before, sitting within a sleeker and slimmer grille treatment that now takes in the restyled headlights. Along with the redesigned bumper, the effect serves to broaden the SUV’s stance.

The effect also suggests improved aerodynamics, aided by small air foils near the wheel arches and a fully-clad underbody section.  

Otherwise, aside from the odd inclusion of the make-model name on the B-pillar and minor trim updates out back, the Q8 e-tron keeps the same, contemporary appearance of its predecessor. Which is no bad thing. 

And there are even fewer changes inside.

Mercedes has created something of a problem for itself with its decision to introduce AMG styling packages for the majority of its range, including the C-Class.

It means the C 43 has to walk a fine line between looking like a unique AMG model, rather than just a C300 with a bodykit and not out-doing the C63.

To that end it has AMG’s now familiar grille with vertical bars, the unique and complex-looking 20-inch alloy rims and a small lip spoiler on the boot. But otherwise it is surprisingly understated for an AMG, lacking the more obvious and muscular stance of previous AMG offerings.

Inside, there’s a similar theme, with the typical Mercedes-Benz luxury appointments but with a sportier, AMG twist. The steering wheel is chunky and comes with AMG branding, metallic shift paddles and a pair of rotary dials/buttons that allow you to alter the various drive modes and settings.

The one on the right allows you to switch between the pre-set Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual modes, while the one on the left can scroll between the various individual aspects to tailor the settings to the conditions.

In typical modern fashion the design is tech-laden, with a digital display for the instrument panel (that can be switched between various graphics) and a large, tablet-style central multimedia touchscreen that controls the majority of the car’s non-driving functions.

More than merely good enough.

Entry and egress are easy thanks to a lofty ride height and wide-opening doors. Once sat, you’ll discover Audi has not changed anything much inside compared to the old e-tron. Frankly, very little needed to.

You’ll still find a strikingly stylish and upmarket cabin offering sufficient space for five people, a commanding driving position, superbly supportive front seats that are a boon when long-distance driving, plenty of storage options, ample ventilation and suitably moody lighting.

While not the most modern dash on the market when contrasted to the vast ‘hyper’ screens of some rivals, the Q8 e-tron’s remains very architectural in appearance and presentation.

Trim and material quality are certainly up to brand expectations. Practicality remains a priority, with lots of storage areas within the dash, console and door cards.

There are no fewer than three screens – a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster Audi calls 'Virtual Cockpit', a 10.1-inch central multimedia display with haptic feedback and an 8.6-inch unit for climate control.

While they may seem daunting at first, a little familiarisation means most users will find them easy to operate.

Kudos, too, to the super-clear markings in the instrumentation, as well as the very satisfying tactile sensations of using the quality switchgear and controls. Typical Audi thoroughness here.

The same applies to the Q8 e-tron’s roomy and pleasantly-presented back seat area, with intelligently designed seating offering a nicely angled backrest as well as supportive cushion.

Three people can fit across without too much pain, though two is better, as the folding centre armrest and other amenities like air vents and climate control systems can be better-accessed and enjoyed.

You can see, smell and feel where your money’s gone inside. This is a quiet, isolated and cocooning experience, whether cruising on the motorway or stuck in heavy urban traffic. As you’d expect from a luxury SUV.

About the only real jarring aspect are the $3500 virtual exterior mirrors, created to improve aero performance. Their door-mounted screens are set low, outside the natural visual eyeline of the driver, creating confusion and adding precious extra seconds of eyes not on the road ahead. They’re irritating to the point of frustration.

Otherwise, the Q8 e-tron gets the job done inside, with cargo capacity at a reasonable 569 litres in the SUV wagon and 528L in the Sportback. And there’s even a 62L tub in the frunk up front to store the cables that also come standard with the EV.

Audi interior and packaging expertise strikes again.

The new C-Class has grown slightly in size compared to the model it replaces, most notably with a 26mm increase in the wheelbase which you can feel in the cabin.

The front seat space is good, with excellent adjustability for the power-adjustable seats and steering column. I had no trouble finding my ideal seating position which makes for a more enjoyable and uncompromised driving experience.

Rear space is a bit tighter (which is typical for this segment/size of vehicle), but thankfully the standard seats do have very deep sculpting in the backs which allow for more knee space and foot room.

However, at approximately 180cm (six-foot), I wouldn’t like to sit behind my seating position for long periods as my knees were touching the seat back, and headroom is compromised with the panoramic glass roof.

In terms of small item storage there’s a lidded console box in between the front seats as well as a pair of cupholders and a small tray where you can place your mobile phone.

It’s worth noting, though, that early examples of the C 43 in Australia do not have a wireless smartphone charging pad, with that reportedly being introduced from February production.

While that’s good news, it’s not really competitive in this day and age to offer a car costing six-figures without such technology.

There’s also only a single USB-C power outlet in the front, which is another disappointment, but there is a pair in the back.

Mercedes does win some points back for a respectable 455-litre boot, which has a nice wide load opening that will make packing luggage easier.

We’ll get to the major change under the bonnet shortly, but another significant alteration for this latest C 43 is the price.

It now starts at $134,900 (plus on-road costs), which pushes it well above its market rivals, the BMW M340i xDrive and Audi S4, which start at $104,900 and $106,200, respectively.

However, Mercedes has added more technology under the bonnet and loaded the C 43 up with standard equipment, including its '4Matic' all-wheel drive system, adaptive damping, rear-wheel steering and 20-inch alloy wheels.

In terms of creature comforts, the C 43 is well-appointed, with leather upholstery, a head-up display, augmented reality navigation, a panoramic sliding sunroof, and a Burmester 3D surround sound system.

There are two option packages for the C 43. The 'Digital Light Package' costs $2400 and adds Multibeam LED headlights with 'Ultra Range' highbeam, 'Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus' as well as active light function and cornering light function.

The 'Performance Ergonomics Package' includes AMG Performance front seats, an AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather and microfibre and the 'AMG Track Pace' system for an additional $5200.

Tech-overload alert. As per its predecessor, the Q8 e-tron 55 continues with two electric motors – one on each axle – for ‘quattro’ all-wheel drive.

Upgraded internals are said to improve efficiency substantially. Both are induction/asynchronous motors, mated to a single-gear two-stage ratio planetary transmission.

In the 55 model, the dual-motor set-up delivers a combined 300kW of power and 664Nm of torque, for a healthy 0-100km/h sprint-time of 5.6 seconds, on the way to a 200km/h top speed.

That’s impressive, given the lightest Q8 e-tron 55 tips the scales from 2595kg. That said, the Audi’s power-to-weight ratio is an equally strong 116kg/tonne.

Other updates include more direct steering, stiffer front suspension and retuned chassis controls.

Suspension is a five-link arrangement all-around, with adaptive air suspension featuring an electronically controlled with continuously variable adaptive damping system.

The biggest talking point about this new car is the engine, with AMG downsizing from the old C 43’s six-cylinder to a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine.

But it’s not just any turbocharged four-pot, because it is fitted with technology that Mercedes claims has been inspired directly from its Formula One team.

While the F1 team engine facility is based in England, this engine was designed and developed by the Mercedes-AMG team at its Affalterbach headquarters, but the concept of the electric turbocharger reportedly comes from the engine that powered Lewis Hamilton to multiple world championships.

The electric exhaust gas turbocharger - to give it its official name - uses a small electric motor on the turbocharger shaft to spin up the blades without having to wait for any exhaust gases to pass through it first.

To power the electric turbo the C 43 is equipped with a mild-hybrid 48-volt electrical system.

Mercedes claims this means reduced lag and improved throttle response for a sportier driving experience. 

It also helps make this small engine produce big amounts of performance, with AMG extracting 300kW of power and 500Nm of torque from this 2.0-litre, which is more power than the previous six-cylinder C 43 managed.

The engine is paired to a nine-speed multi-clutch transmission, which isn’t a dual-clutch with a pair of clutches operating on every second gear ratio, but instead uses a “wet start-off clutch” for better take-offs and smoother shifting on the move (at least in theory).

Power is sent to the road via all four wheels thanks to Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

The good news is that the lithium-ion battery pack size rises from 95kWh to 114kWh, and is accompanied by faster DC charging capability, due to a jump from 150kW to 170kW.

While far from the class best, this cuts down charging times by a considerable margin.

The claimed driving range is 454km, while average consumption is a disappointing 25.6kWh/100km. The Q8 e-tron’s trip computer during our run in it recorded a mid-to-high 20s readout, by the way.

Despite the smaller engine you can hardly call the C 43 miserly, with a claimed combined urban/highway cycle rating of 9.1-litres per 100km. That’s only a 0.2L/100km improvement over the old six-cylinder.

On test, which included a return trip from Sydney to Bathurst via motorways and some dynamic back road driving, we saw a return of 11.8L/100km on the car's onboard computer.

While hardly hybrid-worrying, it’s impressive to think that driven modestly, such a potent engine can return a single-digit fuel figure.

For decades, Audi used the advertising tagline ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ – which means Progress through Technology in its native German – to highlight how advanced its vehicles are.

So, how has the Q8 e-tron advanced over its predecessor?

Right from the get-go, there’s so much to dig about the electric Audi SUV, especially if you’re new to luxury EVs.

To start with, it’s as quiet as you’d expect, even by luxury brand standards. As the Audi accelerates, the sense of momentum is somewhat masked by how refined and civilised your progress is.

Watch that, though. You could get a speeding fine more easily than you expect!

Anyway, with 664Nm of torque coming on instantly, there’s certainly no shortage of it, backed up by enough muscle for effortless and instantaneous overtaking. This sort of motoring can become highly addictive.

Similarly, a low centre of gravity, combined with a beautifully modulated electric power steering and the quattro AWD set-up, provides pleasing agility combined with reassuring roadholding. Even when you’re pressing on, the Q8 e-tron corners and grip with confidence and control.

So far, so good. Especially considering the air suspension is further cushioning your sense of speed, with excellent bump absorption for an isolated ride.

That’s on the standard 20-inch alloys spec. Riding on the larger wheels, there is a bit more firmness, as well as some road-noise intrusion.

Plus, it doesn’t take long to realise the Q8 e-tron is a very heavy vehicle. Though undeniably quick and athletic, changing directions in a hurry means that the SUV can feel a bit unwieldy.

Throttle response at higher velocities can seem a little muted and, over certain crests and humps when travelling fast, there is a sense that the driver really needs to have their wits about them.

Best to take it a bit easier, then, and enjoy the serenity the Audi EV SUV delivers in more typical and restrained travelling scenarios.

There is so much that the Q8 e-tron brings, and driving it normally really does reveal a sophisticated, comfortable, dependable and high-quality grand-touring experience.

Push a bit harder, though, and some cracks show up.

Let’s start with the good news. The new Mercedes-AMG C 43 is a quick car. The engine may be small in size but the electric turbocharger does its thing and provides plenty of punch.

You can get a performance boost, too, thanks to the belt-driven starter generator, which acts as a mild hybrid and gives you a surge of 10kW for a brief period if you need a sudden burst of extra speed.

The chassis is well-sorted, too, at least from a dynamic point-of-view. The rear-wheel steering can provide up to 2.5 degrees of turning, which improves handling at speed and manoeuvrability when parking.

However, there are some less-impressive elements to the C 43, too. The obvious one is the drama, or rather the lack thereof.

As I said at the beginning, the C 43 has never been as wild or raucous as the V8-powered C 63, but when you buy an AMG there’s a rightful expectation that it will provide some thrills.

The C 43 simply doesn’t have that character about it. Yes, it’s fast, but it produces that speed with efficiency rather than excitement.

And it’s not an engine size problem, because even the 2.0-litre four-cylinder A 35 and CLA 35 offer more ‘wow factor’ than the C 43.

Yes, the engine makes noise under acceleration (and it can be altered between discreet and sporty) but even at its best it sounds muted and lacks the evocative tone of a V8 or six-cylinder engine. 

Another disappointment is the transmission calibration, with the gearbox awkwardly shifting out of first gear on multiple occasions during our test drive.

In the taller gears it felt smooth enough cruising along, but given its low speed shifts we’d like to spend more time in the urban environment before passing final judgement. 

The other notable element of the driving experience we struggled with was the ride quality. While fine on the smoother motorways, our test drive included time on some patchy country back roads and the C 43, even in the ‘Comfort’ suspension setting, was simply too firm.

Riding on low profile tyres, the adaptive dampers struggled to isolate the cabin from the imperfections in the road, leading to a fussy ride at times.

Overall the C 43 is a good car, but it feels like there are still some areas where Mercedes could improve it to make it really live up to the AMG badge.

The C43 gets a comprehensive list of safety equipment that leaves little out. Obviously there are the usual passive safety items, like 10 airbags, including dual-front combined pelvic/thorax airbags and a front centre bag that drops between the front seat passengers to minimise the chances of a head clash.

Also included as standard is autonomous emergency braking front and rear (covering speeds between 7.0-200km/h), adaptive cruise control with active stop/go, a 360-degree parking camera, 'Active Parking Assist', 'Active Lane Keeping Assist', 'Blind Spot Assist' and, of course, anti-lock brakes with 'Brake Assist' and 'Adaptive Brakes' with Hold function and electronic stability control.

Also included are dusk-sensing LED lights, rain-sensing wipers and run-flat tyres with tyre pressure warning.

The C43 also comes equipped with Mercedes’ 'Driving Assistance Package Plus', which adds even more safety gear. This includes 'Active Blind Spot Assist', 'Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function', 'Active Emergency Stop Assist', 'Active Lane Change Assist', 'Active Lane Keeping Assist', 'Active Steering Assist', and 'Active Stop-and-Go Assist'.

While the C43 hasn’t been specifically crash-tested, the latest C-Class was rated by ANCAP with a five-star score for all models except the upcoming C 63 S E Performance.

Audi provides a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty as well as six-years’ worth of free roadside assistance, which is nothing unusual these days, while the battery warranty is eight years or 160,000km.

The first six years of scheduled servicing is free, too. Intervals are every two years/30,000km (whichever comes first).

Plus, owners also receive six years of complimentary access to Chargefox’s network.

The C 43 is covered by Mercedes’ five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, which has become the new standard for the luxury car market.

Service intervals for the car are at 12 months/25,000km, which is on par with industry standard.

Mercedes-Benz Australia will offer a service plan for the C 43, prices were yet to be confirmed at the time of publication but the company has indicated it will be similar to the C300. 

That means $550 for year one, $900 for year two, the third service costs $1000 and the fourth year service costs $2450 - for a total of $4900 for the first four years of ownership.