Yesterday I sold my 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E Cali Route 1 to get a used 2022 Audi e-tron Sportback with the Prestige package. I made the decision over reliability and service concerns with the Ford in the past two months. Audi was also the brand I was seeking and the discount on this car was too good to pass up. While the new car is currently in the shop (both keys were locked in the car on accident + polishing some chipped rims from the previous owner free of charge) I was given a new Audi Q8 e-tron Premium as a temporary loaner. Using the Q8, I am learning how to use the new infotainment system and other features as I prepare to officially receive my e-tron Sportback tomorrow. Assuming both Audis are very similar to some degree, here is how the the Audi and Ford compare in my opinion after a day of use:

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Ride Comfort: This will be the biggest difference to note off the bat. While my Mach-E had the standard stiff suspension and 18" tires, the e-tron has adaptive air suspension, and it is a massive upgrade in my opinion. On the highway it truly feels like a luxury ride, not being jostled around on certain bumps like in the Mach-E.

Visibility: The Mach-E wins on this front. Both cars are about the same height (the Mach-E is actually taller according to CarSized) but the e-tron’s hood is taller, meaning front visibility can be more of an issue especially if you set your seat position lower and are in a cramped spot. The e-tron feels like a much larger SUV than it actually is. Luckily both cars have a 360 camera.

Efficiency (Q8 only): On my commute the Mach-E averaged 3.3 miles per kw/h. On my drive home tonight with the Q8 in efficiency drive mode and driving very efficiently, I got it pretty close at 3.2 mi/kwh. I’m sure a more average drive along with the sportier wheels and reduced efficiency of the old e-tron means I’ll get a less efficient result for sure, but still impressed with the Q8 for what it is.

Steering: Q8’s steering feel is definitely lighter, and in Dynamic (sport) mode I didn’t notice much difference. Mach-E steering is sportier/heavier in comparison when it’s set in Engage (normal) or Unbridled (sport) modes.

E-sound: This doesn’t need much explaining for those familiar with both cars. The Mach-E has an optional “propulsion sound” which sounds like a gas engine. The e-tron in comparison has a more sci-fi sound (similar to the ‘Avengers’ Infinity Gauntlet), and it’s only noticeable at low speed as this sound is coming exclusively from the exterior pedestrian alert system and cannot be turned off. I’ll post a video of this later on.

Infotainment: I’m still getting used to the e-tron’s after a year in the Mach-E’s. I will say the e-tron is a bit more complicated as you have more adjustable settings across all three separate screens. The radio presets in the Mach-E are instantly available in the radio menu, but in the e-tron you have to access a separate ‘favorites’ folder in either the instrument cluster or center screen to access those presets first. In the e-tron however, getting to see both radio presets and the whole XM list as well as a traffic map and mi/kwh stats directly in the instrument cluster is a nice plus. Have not tested Android Auto yet.

Regenerative braking: The Mach-E has adjustable and optional one-pedal driving, while the e-tron technically does not. In the e-tron, paddle shifters are used to toggle three levels of regen braking which is actually decent but not as strong as the Mach-E’s and doesn’t bring the vehicle to a stop. When slowing down for traffic on a highway, it can feel like you have “no-pedal driving” in the e-tron as you use your hands instead of foot to slow down the car, though the brake pedal is still needed to achieve the same level of regen in the Mach-E. The e-tron does have auto hold (holds the car without needing the brake after you use the brake to stop), as does the Q4 e-tron which we also test-drove.

Power: Both cars accelerate in about 5.5 seconds. The e-tron’s acceleration is more gradual, though I haven’t really messed with dynamic mode too much yet. In both cars you’ll feel a good “jolt” if you step on it from an auto-hold stop.

Charge procedure: The e-tron is slightly more complicated in that you press a button to unlock the charger before you can take it out. In the Mach-e you simply take it out, even if it’s charging. The e-tron’s door closes automatically after you take the cable out like in a Tesla, while the Mach-E’s charge door is all manual.

Lane Keep Assist: My Mach-E had BlueCruise which, while not perfect, was nice to have, but it does cost $800 per year as of this post. It also had ‘hands-on’ lane keep assist which worked on some but not all roads - it always disengages in certain parts of roads on my commute, whereas the Q8 loaner’s lane keep system did not do that on those same roads. Note: I am unsure whether my 2022 e-tron Prestige has lane keep assist as “Adaptive Cruise Assist with Lane Assist” is not listed on the '22 e-tron’s window sticker but is listed on the Q8’s.

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Overall, if the Q8 is any impression then I’m pretty satisfied with my choice with the older e-tron I got, as it does save me quite a bit of cash to buy used. Ultimately the e-tron feels more like a luxury cruiser instead of a sports racer, and the other way around with the Mach-E, and after being in the Mach-E I gladly welcome the more serene ride - and better service experience - for a change.