Audi’s ambitious Q8 e-tron is nearing the end of its production journey. The German automaker has confirmed that manufacturing of the premium electric SUV will cease on February 28, 2025, as a result of the planned closure of its Brussels factory. This means that the Q8 e-tron is now available only in remaining stock, with no fresh production cycles in sight.
Why is the Q8 e-tron Being Discontinued?
Several key factors contributed to this decision:
- Declining Demand: The Q8 e-tron has struggled with sales in a highly competitive EV market, where new models from Tesla, Mercedes, and BMW have gained momentum.
- Underutilization of Production Capacity: Audi’s Brussels plant, which is dedicated to building the Q8 e-tron, produced just over 54,800 units in 2023 far below its maximum annual output of 120,000.
- High Operational Costs: Keeping the factory running with such low production numbers was deemed unsustainable by Audi.
Impact on Employees and the Future of the Factory
The Brussels factory employs around 3,000 workers, all of whom are affected by this decision. While Audi explored selling the facility to another automaker, no viable deal was reached, leading to the ultimate decision to shut down operations completely.
What’s Next for Audi’s Electric Lineup?
While the Q8 e-tron is being retired, Audi isn’t stepping back from the electric SUV market. The company is shifting focus toward its upcoming Q6 e-tron, which is built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture co-developed with Porsche to offer superior range, performance, and charging capabilities.
Additionally, Audi is expected to introduce a new high-end electric SUV in the future, likely based on the Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), which will power the next generation of VW Group EVs.
What Should Potential Buyers Do?
If you’re interested in the Audi Q8 e-tron, now is the time to act. With production ending, dealerships are selling only remaining stock, and availability will decrease rapidly. Alternatively, customers looking for an Audi EV can explore the Q4 e-tron or wait for the Q6 e-tron, which promises a fresh design and improved technology.
Final Thoughts
The end of the Q8 e-tron marks a major shift in Audi’s EV strategy. The decision reflects both market demand changes and the brand’s transition to next-gen electric platforms. While it’s the end of the road for this model, Audi’s electrification journey is far from over with more exciting EVs on the horizon.