Best in class Key Rival: Audi Q8


Five years after its launch, this is the updated E-Tron, except on top of a makeover and bigger battery, it also gets a new name – the Q8 E-Tron.


Outside, like the rest of the recent Audi range, the Q8 E-Tron gets a more aggressive look. This includes a thorough de-chrome, and a new single-frame grille with the latest flush four-ring logo. Inside, the changes are limited to revised trim and material options. With the biggest changes taking place underneath, this 55 spec version’s battery increases from 89kWh to 106kWh, with Audi claiming a WLTP range of 315 miles. Also getting a boost are the DC charging speeds which are up from 150kW to 170kW, equalling a 10-80% charge in around 30 minutes.


The 55’s battery might have increased, but it’s a middle player in this set, placed highest with joint second place for NI (£23), and for P11D values (£103,810). The Q8 E-Tron also scores third positions for SMR


Audi Q8 E-Tron Quattro Vorsprung 55


P11D: £103,810 CO2 (tax): 0g/km (2%) BIK 20/40% a month: £34/£69 Range: 315 miles National Insurance: £23 First year VED: £0 Subsequent VED: £0 Battery size/power: 106kWh/408hp AFR: 9p


Key Rival: BMW iX


The distinctive looks remain a talking point, but with its limo-like levels of ride and refinement combined with the expected keen drive, the BMW iX must be one of the best EV SUVs on sale. After over two years, the unusual exterior seems more normal. However, it’s the iX’s interior that’s the real triumph. Starting with the horizontal dashboard design, with the rectangular joint instrument and infotainment screens perched on top. Controls are kept to a minimum, but on top of the style, the surprise and delight comes from the high-end finishes such as matt


Residual value: 39% Depreciation: £62,555 Fuel costs: £4,780 SMR: £3,392


wood on the control-laden centre console, suede-like finishes, and metal highlights. The xDrive 50 is fitted with the larger of the two batteries available for the iX, equalling an impressive official range. When it comes to charging, the iX can


Key Rival: Lotus Eletre


Probably the most unusual and controversial member of this group is the newest and has iconic Lotus badging. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately!),


CPM 94.4p


the Eletre has nothing to do with Lotus founder Colin Chapman, or sports cars such as the Elise. Instead, this offering is an all-new, tech-heavy, electric-


powered SUV, that is built in China thanks to new owners.


Powered by a big 112kWh battery, it’s cooled and heated up to 350kW, thanks to its 800-volt architecture, and has an impressive 380 miles of range. On the road, the almost unbelievable 4.5-second 0-62 acceleration figure seems


Lotus Eletre S 112kWh


P11D: £105,750 CO2 (tax): 0g/km (2%) BIK 20/40% a month: £35/£70 Range: 380 miles National Insurance: £24 First year VED: £0 Subsequent VED: £0 Battery size/power: 112kWh/603hp AFR: 9p


CPM 117p


(£3,738), residual value (£41,900) and depreciation figures (£61,155). Although its 118p cost per mile figure isn’t that far behind the others here.


CPM 118p


Residual value: 41% Depreciation: £61,155 Fuel costs: £6,114 SMR: £3,738


BMW iX xDrive 50 M Sport


P11D: £104,230 CO2 (tax): 0g/km (2%) BIK 20/40% a month: £34/£69 Range: 380 miles National Insurance: £23 First year VED: £0 Subsequent VED: £0 Battery size/power: 111.5kWh/525hp AFR: 9p


£4,780 cost for electricity. The BMW also has the second-lowest SMR (£3,392), and the joint second lowest National Insurance figure with the Audi (£23).


be fast-charged up to 200kW, with a predicted 10–80% charge expected to take just over half an hour, via a fast charger. In this set, the iX has the joint-best range at 380 miles, but will be the cheapest to run over a three-year term, with a predicted


Maybe the iX’s unusual looks have played their part in its poor residual value results, which with 39% and £40,825, are the worst here. As a result, the BMW finishes in the mid-range with its cost per mile figure of 117p.


Residual value: 55% Depreciation: £47,400 Fuel costs: £4,927 SMR: £4,339


believable, as it’s the acceleration that marks the Eletre out here, with even short bursts pushing you into the back of the seat. This is a long car, so it’s not surprising this Lotus’s interior is impressively spacious – even in the back, there’s plenty of head and legroom – even for the tallest. Plus, a large and practical 699-litre boot. The Eletre’s Lotus badge is obviously a hit with buyers, as its £47,400 depreciation and 55% residual value are the best here. Although its £105,730 P11D figure is the most expensive, its 94.4p cost per mile figure is the best finishing in a solid first place.


www.businesscar.co.uk | February 2024 | 49


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