Audi Q8 vs Polestar 2
What's the difference?

Audi Q8

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2025 price

View pricing & specs

Polestar 2

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2026 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2025 Audi Q8

2026 Polestar 2

By Emily Agar

By Jack Quick

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo V6, 3.0L

Electric motor type

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Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Vehicle type

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Fuel Efficiency

2.6L/100km (combined)

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Energy consumption

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Electric range

74 km

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Battery capacity

25.90 kWh

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Seating

Likes

Athletic and sporty looks a winning combo
Drives beautifully
Improved EV driving range

Fun and agile to drive
More efficient and quicker charging
Amazing (yet optional) Bowers & Wilkins sound system

Dislikes

High price tag is hard to justify
Lacks clever storage options
Small boot compared to siblings

Cabin space and storage still compromised
Options add up quick
No cover for panoramic glass roof

2025 Audi Q8 Summary

The Audi Q8 has had a mid-life upgrade and it brings a few minor tweaks to the design, technology and equipment.

Plug-in hybrids tend to rank a little lower on my excitement scale when it comes to available powertrains because I usually find the constant charging inconvenient.

However, the electric driving range of the 60 TSFIe quattro S Line grade has been bolstered by 27km, increasing it to 74km overall.

View full pricing & specs

2026 Polestar 2 Summary

The Polestar 2 was one of the first electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia to break through to the mainstream, however it has always been relegated to the Tesla Model 3’s shadow.

As a result Polestar is constantly playing catch up, releasing update after update for this premium-pushing electric liftback. The most notable was a major mid-life update in 2024.

Two years after this, Polestar has just rolled out the 2026 model year (MY26) update which introduces a range of subtle changes, largely under the surface.

It comes as Polestar is now introducing newer models, there’s mounting pressure from legacy carmakers who are only now catching up to EV tech, and Australians are moving away from buying passenger cars to SUVs.

Has this latest update improved the appeal? Read on to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Audi Q8 2026 Polestar 2

Verdict

The updated Audi Q8 60 TFSIe quattro S line still looks good inside and out. It fits a family comfortably without feeling too big and there’s enough here to satisfy those who like the luxury features.

It's price tag will hurt it but the improved power outputs and driving range is a big plus and makes the plug-in hybrid powertrain make more sense.

Verdict

This latest update for the Polestar 2 is lovely, but driving the original is a reminder of how solid this car has always been if you overlook the inherent impracticalities of being an EV on a combustion-engine platform.

The fact you still get steady flow of over-the-air software updates bringing new features, plus you can now upgrade to the new Qualcomm processor chip, saving some coin and getting a second-hand model that’s a couple of years old isn’t a bad option at all.

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

Audi Q8 vs Polestar 2 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi Q8 vs Polestar 2
What's the difference?