Compare the2024 Volvo XC40 RechargeVS 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The XC40 Recharge has a standard CTA Auto Brake that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Q8 e-tron Sportback doesn’t offer automatic braking for stationary objects directly to the rear.

The XC40 Recharge’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Q8 e-tron Sportback doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the XC40 Recharge and the Q8 e-tron Sportback have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

Volvo pays for scheduled maintenance on the XC40 Recharge for 4 years and 40,000 miles. Volvo will pay for cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the Q8 e-tron Sportback.

As tested in Motor Trend the XC40 Recharge Twin Motor electric motors is faster than the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback (base engine):

On the EPA test cycle the XC40 Recharge gets better mileage than the Q8 e-tron Sportback:

The XC40 Recharge can travel longer on a full charge than the Q8 e-tron Sportback on a full charge:

The XC40 Recharge’s standard 235/50R19 front and 255/45R19 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series front and 45 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Q8 e-tron Sportback Premium ultra’s standard 55 series tires.

For better maneuverability, the XC40 Recharge’s turning circle is 2.6 feet tighter than the Q8 e-tron Sportback’s (37.4 feet vs. 40 feet).

The Volvo XC40 Recharge may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1100 to 1350 pounds less than the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback.

The XC40 Recharge is 1 foot, 7.3 inches shorter than the Q8 e-tron Sportback, making the XC40 Recharge easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The XC40 Recharge has .1 inches more front legroom and .4 inches more rear headroom than the Q8 e-tron Sportback.

The XC40 Recharge has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Q8 e-tron Sportback with its rear seat folded (57.5 vs. 54.5 cubic feet).

The XC40 Recharge’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Q8 e-tron Sportback’s (2000 vs. 0 pounds).

Optional Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) on the XC40 Recharge uses the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Q8 e-tron Sportback doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The XC40 Recharge’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Q8 e-tron Sportback’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the XC40 Recharge to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Q8 e-tron Sportback doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the XC40 Recharge has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the Q8 e-tron Sportback only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the XC40 Recharge Plus/Ultimate has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Q8 e-tron Sportback doesn’t offer cornering lights. The XC40 Recharge Ultimate also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Volvo XC40 Recharge has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the Q8 e-tron Sportback Premium Plus/Prestige offers wireless charging.

The XC40 Recharge is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Q8 e-tron Sportback doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

The Volvo XC40 outsold the Audi e-tron by over three to one during 2023.