Compare the2024 Audi Q8 e-tron SportbackVS 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics

Safety

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The Q8 e-tron Sportback’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Mustang Mach-E doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Mustang Mach-E doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The Q8 e-tron Sportback’s standard pretensioning seatbelts also sense rear collisions and remove slack from the seatbelts to help protect the occupants from whiplash and other injuries. The Mustang Mach-E doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Q8 e-tron Sportback. But it costs extra on the Mustang Mach-E.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Q8 e-tron Sportback’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The Mustang Mach-E doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The Q8 e-tron Sportback has Car-to-X Services, a system that seemlesly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The Mustang Mach-E doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from infrastructure.

Both the Q8 e-tron Sportback and the Mustang Mach-E 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.

The Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback weighs 836 to 1404 pounds more than the Ford Mustang Mach-E. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback is safer than the Mustang Mach-E:

	Q8 e-tron Sportback	Mustang Mach-E
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Structure	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	92	115
Neck Tension	156 lbs.	357 lbs.
Neck Compression	-22 lbs.	45 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	.63 in	1.42 in
Shoulder Force	134 lbs.	268 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.14 in	1.42 in
Torso Deflection Rate	6 MPH	9 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	669 lbs.	825 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Neck Tension	67 lbs.	112 lbs.
Neck Compression	-67 lbs.	22 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Deflection	.63 in	.87 in
Shoulder Force	245 lbs.	268 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.63 in	.94 in
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Mustang Mach-E is not a “Top Safety Pick” for 2024.

Warranty

The Q8 e-tron Sportback comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Mustang Mach-E’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The Q8 e-tron Sportback’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the Mustang Mach-E’s (12 vs. 5 years).

Reliability

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Audi vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Audi 3 places higher in reliability than Ford.

Engine

The Q8 e-tron Sportback has more powerful engines than the Mustang Mach-E:

	Horsepower	Torque
Q8 e-tron Sportback electric motors	402 HP	490 lbs.-ft.
SQ8 e-tron Sportback electric motors	496 HP	717 lbs.-ft.
Mustang Mach-E electric motor	264 HP	387 lbs.-ft.
Mustang Mach-E ER electric motor	290 HP	387 lbs.-ft.
Mustang Mach-E eAWD electric motors	325 HP	500 lbs.-ft.
Mustang Mach-E ER eAWD electric motors	365 HP	500 lbs.-ft.
Mustang Mach-E GT electric motors	480 HP	600 lbs.-ft.
Mustang Mach-E GT Performance/Rally electric motors	480 HP	700 lbs.-ft.

As tested in Motor Trend the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback (base engine) is faster than the Mustang Mach-E ER electric motor:

	Q8 e-tron Sportback	Mustang Mach-E
Zero to 30 MPH	2.3 sec	2.8 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	5.2 sec	6.3 sec
Zero to 80 MPH	8.3 sec	9.9 sec
Passing 45 to 65 MPH	2.3 sec	2.6 sec
Quarter Mile	13.9 sec	14.8 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	101.6 MPH	96.8 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Q8 e-tron Sportback gets better mileage than the Mustang Mach-E:

			MPGe
Q8 e-tron Sportback
	AWD	Electric Motors	84 city/90 hwy
		ultra Electric Motors	84 city/89 hwy
Mustang Mach-E
	AWD	GT Performance/Rally Electric Motors	88 city/75 hwy

The Q8 e-tron Sportback can travel longer on a full charge than the Mustang Mach-E on a full charge:

			Miles
Q8 e-tron Sportback
	AWD	ultra Electric Motors	300 miles
		Electric Motors	296 miles
		SQ8 Electric Motors	253 miles
Mustang Mach-E
	RWD	Electric Motor	250 miles
	AWD	GT Performance/Rally Electric Motors	265 miles
		Electric Motors	230 miles
		GT Electric Motors	280 miles

The Q8 e-tron Sportback has a standard locking charge port which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The Mustang Mach-E doesn’t have a locking charge port. A locking charge port prevents tampering and damage.

Transmission

The Q8 e-tron Sportback’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Mustang Mach-E doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Q8 e-tron Sportback’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Mustang Mach-E:

	Q8 e-tron Sportback	Mustang Mach-E	Mustang Mach-E GT/Rally
Front Rotors	15.7 inches	14.2 inches	15.2 inches
Rear Rotors	13.8 inches	12.4 inches	12.4 inches

The Q8 e-tron Sportback’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Mustang Mach-E are solid, not vented.

The Q8 e-tron Sportback stops much shorter than the Mustang Mach-E:

	Q8 e-tron Sportback	Mustang Mach-E
60 to 0 MPH	104 feet	124 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Q8 e-tron Sportback has larger standard tires than the Mustang Mach-E (255/50R20 vs. 225/55R19). The Q8 e-tron Sportback Premium Plus/Prestige’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Mustang Mach-E (265/45R21 vs. 245/45R20).

The Q8 e-tron Sportback’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Mustang Mach-E GT’s 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Q8 e-tron Sportback offers optional 22-inch wheels. The Mustang Mach-E’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

The Q8 e-tron Sportback has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Mustang Mach-E; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

Suspension and Handling

The front and rear suspension of the Q8 e-tron Sportback uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the Mustang Mach-E, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The Q8 e-tron Sportback has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Q8 e-tron Sportback’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The Mustang Mach-E doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Q8 e-tron Sportback is 1.2 inches wider in the front and 1.1 inches wider in the rear than on the Mustang Mach-E.

The Q8 e-tron Sportback handles at .92 G’s, while the Mustang Mach-E pulls only .77 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Q8 e-tron Sportback executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.6 seconds quicker than the Mustang Mach-E (25.4 seconds @ .75 average G’s vs. 28 seconds @ .62 average G’s).

Passenger Space

The Q8 e-tron Sportback has 1 inch more front shoulder room, 1 inch more rear legroom and 1.3 inches more rear shoulder room than the Mustang Mach-E.

Cargo Capacity

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the Q8 e-tron Sportback’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Mustang Mach-E doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Q8 e-tron Sportback. The Mustang Mach-E doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Q8 e-tron Sportback’s liftgate can be opened and closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Mustang Mach-E doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Towing

The Q8 e-tron Sportback offers up to a 4000 lbs. towing capacity. The Mustang Mach-E has no towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

A Service Interval Display is standard on the Q8 e-tron Sportback to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for vehicle inspections, vehicle inspection based on odometer mileage. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Ford doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the Mustang Mach-E.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Audi service is better than Ford. J.D. Power ranks Audi 8th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 27% lower rating, Ford is ranked 22nd.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory seat and mirrors optional at extra cost in the Mustang Mach-E, the Q8 e-tron Sportback Prestige has a passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The Q8 e-tron Sportback’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the Mustang Mach-E.

The Q8 e-tron Sportback Prestige has a standard heads-up display that projects speed and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Mustang Mach-E doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Q8 e-tron Sportback’s standard Audi Advanced Key allows you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the vehicle, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Intelligent Access standard on the Mustang Mach-E doesn’t offer a sensor on the cargo door. Intelligent Access is not available on the Mustang Mach-E Premium/GT.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Q8 e-tron Sportback to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Mustang Mach-E doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

When the Q8 e-tron Sportback is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Mustang Mach-E’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Q8 e-tron Sportback’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Mustang Mach-E has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Q8 e-tron Sportback has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats cost extra on the Mustang Mach-E. The Q8 e-tron Sportback Premium Plus/Prestige also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Mustang Mach-E.

Standard air conditioned seats in the front and rear seats keep the Q8 e-tron Sportback Premium Plus/Prestige’s passengers comfortable and take the sting out of hot leather in summer. The Mustang Mach-E doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The Q8 e-tron Sportback has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the Mustang Mach-E.

The Q8 e-tron Sportback Prestige has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Mustang Mach-E.