Audi Salary Sacrifice: Everything you need to know
The inaugural Audi e-tron concept made its debut at the 2009 International Motor Show in Germany. A decade later, the first fully electric e-tron SUV entered production. The Audi e-tron represents a series of electric and hybrid cars manufactured by Audi since 2009. In 2012, Audi introduced a plug-in hybrid variant, the A3 Sportback e-tron, which became available to customers in Europe in August 2014. Since then, Audi has continued to unveil various models of all-electric cars.
The Audi e-tron boasts an initial recommended retail price (RRP) spanning from £61,275 to £104,935. Comparable alternatives in the electric vehicle market include the BMW iX and the Mercedes-Benz EQC, both competitively priced at around £70,000. A common apprehension regarding EVs is their perceived high upfront costs, making outright purchases less appealing. This is where leasing becomes an attractive option for those looking to step into the electric vehicle realm at a more affordable price point.
The Electric Car Scheme offers an avenue for people to access this opportunity, provided their employer includes it as part of their employee benefits. Through salary sacrifice, employees can achieve substantial savings of 30-60% on any electric car by opting for a reduction in their salary in exchange for an electric car as a benefit. This innovative approach is facilitated by paying for the car before tax, allowing employees to enjoy significant cost savings. Here’s what you need to know if you’re looking to salary sacrifice an Audi from The Electric Car Scheme.
The brand-new Audi Q6 e-tron is available to lease from The Electric Car Scheme
The above images have been sourced from: 1. https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/motors/2021/04/15/audi-q4-e-tron-and-sportback-e-tron-hit-the-road/ 2. https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/first-official-pictures/audi/q6-e-tron/ 3. https://www.topgear.com/car-news/suvs/new-audi-q6-e-tron-prices-starting-ps69k 4. https://gb.readly.com/magazines/autocar/2024-03-20/65fa9aab48a5f2643ac33efb
The Audi Q6 was released on sale in the UK on the 30th April 2024. The entry-level RRP Quattro is priced at £68,975 and the SQ6 pushes this to £92,950. This car was designed, unsurprisingly is designed to sit between the Q4 and Q8. Audi will offer two versions of the Q6 e-tron at launch, both with the same battery pack. The first is the Quattro, which offers 382 miles of range and then the more powerful SQ6.
The Audi Q6 is available to lease from The Electric Car Scheme, allowing you to save 30-60% every month due to salary sacrifice savings.
Quattro Sport | Quattro S Line | |
---|---|---|
Engine Performance (kW) | 285kW | 285kW |
Acceleration 0-62mph (seconds) | 5.9 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
WTLP Range (miles) | 382 miles | 349 miles |
Battery Size (kWh) | 100kWh | 100kWh |
Space inside the Q6 e-tron
The Q6 is a big car and although it is shorter than the BMW iX and Mercedes EQE, all passengers will be comfortable. There is a wide range of adjustments for the driver paired with seats that have plenty of support, are electronically adjustable and heated. There is a lot of storage in the Q6 e-tron, with a wireless phone charger, cupholders, door storage and a large compartment underneath the central armrest.
In the back, there is room for adults to sit across the back. There is enough room behind the driver and headroom is good as well - not impacted by the panoramic roof. There is a fold-down armrest with cupholders, USB-C ports and blinds for the back windows, which is a nice touch.
The boot is big and holds its own compared to competitors. It can hold a capacity of 526 litres, bigger than the iX and EQE. The back seats drop and leave a flat surface, useful when pushing heavy items across. It also has a front boot, taking the space where the engine would usually go, which adds to the overall storage of the car.
Q6 interior style
The Q6 has a lot of dark materials and it adopts the usual Audi layout, which may be welcomed if you’re used to driving an Audi. The use of darker materials means the cabin does feel dark, but the windows and roof mean it doesn’t feel claustrophobic. The material quality feels premium and there are some nice finishing touches which make it feel of a high quality.
Infotainment in the Q6
The top of the dashboard is dominated by screens. A seamless sheet of glass covers both an 11.9-inch driver information display and a 14.5-inch infotainment screen. Unlike some older Audi models, there is no rotary controller; the interaction is via touchscreen or voice commands only. An optional 10.9-inch display is also available for the front-seat passenger to control media or view data more easily. Climate controls are operated through the screen, which is standard for cars of this type today, though it is less user-friendly than traditional buttons.
Lease the Audi Q6 from The Electric Car Scheme
You can salary sacrifice the Kia Niro from The Electric Car Scheme and save between 30-60% on the cost of the lease. You can see the savings made every month on National Insurance and Income Tax in the table below. The pricing in the table has been taken from our quote tool, which you can customise based on your salary and the lease terms to suit you!
Lease the brand-new Audi Q6 e-tron from £706 per month and save hundreds on income tax and national insurance.
Audi Q8 e-tron salary sacrifice
The above images were sourced from: 1. https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/audi-q8-sportback-e-tron-14990 2. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2023/12/18/audi-hits-brakes-ev-electric-cars-rollout/ 3. https://www.cargurus.co.uk/Cars/articles/2023-audi-q8-e-tron-price-specs-and-release-date
This electric SUV competes with alternatives such as the BMW iX, the Mercedes EQS SUV, the Lotus Eletre, the Polestar 3, and the Volvo XC90. It represents a mid-generation upgrade, offering the option of cameras instead of wing mirrors and a choice between two batteries, both equipped with dual-motor all-wheel drive.
There are several different specifications of the Q8 that you can get, ranging from the Sport to the Vorsprung. In the black edition you get HD Matrix LED lights at the front, while inside there is quad-zone climate control, heated and electrically adjustable front seats with memory function. The Vorsprung is at the top of the range and therefore has desirable extras, like 22-inch wheels and Nappa leather upholstery inside. You also get heated rear seats and a Bang & Olufsen stereo.
The table below shows the different models of Audi Q8 you can lease from The Electric Car Scheme. There are two battery sizes available: the 95kWh battery which is featured in the Sport 50, S Line 50 and Black Edition 50 and the 114kWh battery featured in the Vorsprung 50.
Sport 50 | S Line 50 | Black edition 50 | Vorsprung 50 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
Engine Performance (kW) | 250kW | 250kW | 250kW | 300kW |
Acceleration 0-62mph (seconds) | 6s | 6s | 6s | 5.6s |
WTLP Range (miles) | 281 miles | 278 miles | 279 miles | 306 miles |
Battery Size (kWh) | 95kWh | 95kWh | 95kWh | 114kWh |
Audi Q8 performance
While the car may feel imposing in size from the inside, it provides a comfortable driving experience, particularly in urban areas. It offers customizable brake regeneration and well-weighted steering, facilitating easy manoeuvring and parking. Standard features include a rear-view camera and all-around sensors, aiding seamless navigation in and out of parking spaces. On the motorway, the Audi Q8 performs admirably, with effective insulation against road and wind noise in the cabin. Adaptive cruise control is available for long drives, although the standard cruise control is also comfortable for extended journeys.
Interior
The images above have been sourced from: 1. https://leasing.com/car-leasing-news/audi-q8-e-tron-2023/ 2. https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/the-new-audi-q8-e-tron-15069/luxury-class-comfort-interior-design-15082 3. https://www.tatlerasia.com/lifestyle/gear/review-new-audi-q8-e-tron-electric-suv
Internally, the Audi Q8 offers ample space for a family and lots of storage options. As the largest Audi SUV available, it provides significant seating adjustments while leaving room for passengers in the second row. The backseat configuration includes a higher middle seat, ensuring plenty of headroom, and comfortably accommodates three adults. The generous 569-litre boot space expands to a flat 1,637-litre area when the back seats are folded down.
Infotainment in the Q8 e-tron
Transitioning to the infotainment system and overall ambience of the Audi Q8, the clear and user-friendly screens contribute to a positive experience. A 10.1-inch touchscreen at the top controls the main infotainment functions, accompanied by a lower 8.6-inch screen for managing shortcuts like air conditioning controls. The third screen, located behind the steering wheel, displays driving information. Connectivity options include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For those seeking additional features, an optional technology pack is available, offering a Bang & Olufsen sound system, advanced parking assist, and a head-up display.
Lease the Q8 e-tron from The Electric Car Scheme
Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback
The Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback represents a newer and enhanced iteration of the e-tron Sportback SUV. It introduces two battery options: the 89kWh and the 106kWh. The larger battery variant is exclusively available with the higher-powered '55' and SQ8 models, both featuring dual motors.
In the entry-level Q8 Sportback e-tron 50, an 89kWh battery is paired with dual electric motors, providing all-wheel drive and delivering 340 horsepower. This configuration offers a range of 290 miles. On the other hand, the more powerful 55 model boasts a 106kWh battery, resulting in 408 horsepower and an extended range of 343 miles. Opting for the sportier version adds an extra motor, generating a combined 503 horsepower and achieving a range of 295 miles in the Sportback form.
Sport 50 | S Line 50 | Black Edition 50 | Vorsprung 50 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
Engine Performance (kW) | 250 kWh | 250kWh | 250kW | 250kWh |
Acceleration 0-62mph (seconds) | 6.0s | 6.0s | 6.0s | 6.0s |
WTLP Range (miles) | 290 miles | 288 miles | 290 miles | 266 miles |
Battery Size (kWh) | 95kWh | 95kWh | 95kWh | 95kWh |
Similarly to the Q8 Hatchback, the trim you choose depends on the features you get. In the entry-level Sport, you do still feel the luxury with leather upholstery, heated front seats with electrical adjustment, two-zone climate control, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, and satellite navigation are all standard. The Black Edition has 21-inch alloy wheels and the interior has gloss black styling with a three-spoke, flat-bottomed steering wheel.
What is the difference between the Q8 e-tron and Q8 e-tron Sportback?
The most noticeable difference between the two is the shape. The Q8 e-tron has more “conventional” SUV dimensions whereas the e-tron Sportback has a sportier, coupé design with a lower roofline and a further focus on style. There is also a difference in specifications you can choose from, the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback offers the S Line as the base model, which is available on the standard Q8 and comes with 21” alloy wheels and S line styling.
The Sportback also loses 45 litres of boot space (whilst still offering 615 litres to play with). The headroom is also worse off in the Sportback due to the sloping roof, but this is not hugely noticeable.
Salary sacrifice the Q8 e-tron Sportback
Switching to an electric car is one of the most significant ways to make a positive change to net zero. Our mission, at The Electric Car Scheme, is to make it cheaper and easier than any other option through salary sacrifice. We have now also launched our used car salary sacrifice offering, which makes electric cars cheaper than ever before. This allows employees to save 30-60% on any used electric car by reducing their salary. We are extremely excited by this launch and believe you should be too!
Below, you can see how much a new Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback would cost to salary sacrifice monthly.
Audi Q4 e-tron salary sacrifice
The images about have been sourced from 1. https://europe.autonews.com/latest-launches/audi-attacks-ev-mass-market-q4-e-tron 2. https://www.topgear.com/car-news/electric/audi-has-updated-q4-e-tron-give-it-more-range-more-power-and-faster-charging 3. https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/motors/2021/04/15/audi-q4-e-tron-and-sportback-e-tron-hit-the-road/
This electric SUV competes with alternatives such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia EV6, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Currently, there's only one available option: an 82kWh battery that can be complemented with tech packs. The Audi Q4 typically offers a range of 326 miles and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds.
There are three trims you can choose from, Sport, S Line and the Black Edition. The entry-level trim does give you lots of high-tech features and as a standard, you get a set of 19-inch alloy wheels and premium aluminium windows with roof rails. The Black Edition is more premium, being at the top of the line, and has 21-inch wheels, and a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel with shift paddles to control the regeneration.
The table below shows drive type, engine performance, acceleration, WTLP range and battery size for the three trims.
Sport 45 | S Line 45 | Black Edition 55 | |
---|---|---|---|
Drive Type | RWD | RWD | 4WD |
Engine Performance (kW) | 210kW | 210kW | 250kW |
Acceleration 0-62mph (seconds) | 6.7 seconds | 6.7s | 5.4s |
WTLP Range (miles) | 329 miles | 322 miles | 316 miles |
Battery Size (kWh) | 82kWh | 82kWh | 82kWh |
Driving
The steering in the Audi Q4 is light and precise, facilitating easy driving in towns and on country roads. While visibility is generally good, those desiring a parking camera will need to settle for the standard-fit rear parking sensors unless opting for a tech package upgrade. Regenerative braking offers two modes: off, allowing the car to coast freely when lifting off the accelerator, and a 'B' mode, accessible by flicking a gear, which increases deceleration when lifting off the accelerator. On the motorway, the Q4 is comfortable, boasting good suspension for a smooth driving experience, although wind and tire noise may become more noticeable at higher speeds.
Interior
Internally, the front seats are manually adjustable and provide excellent support and comfort. The flat floor enhances the feeling of spaciousness, with ample cabin storage available. This configuration translates to generous knee, foot, and headroom for rear passengers, with only exceptionally tall individuals facing potential space constraints. The middle seat is more comfortable than in conventional cars, though extended periods of sitting may become uncomfortable. The standard Q4 e-tron offers a 520-litre boot capacity, expanding to an impressive 1,490 litres when the rear seats are folded.
Infotainment
This image has been sourced from: https://carbuzz.com/cars/audi/q4-sportback-e-tron/
The entry-level Q4 e-tron features an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Wireless phone charging is available, alongside two USB-C connections in the front and two in the back. Amazon Alexa serves as the onboard assistant, aiding with tasks like managing shopping lists or calendars. Notably, Audi has adopted touch-sensitive steering wheel controls in place of physical buttons, which some users may find inconvenient. The standard sustem comes with live hazard alerts, a route planner, which can help you find charging spots along the way and updates in real-time
Salary sacrifice a Audi Q4 e-tron
Through salary sacrifice, you could get the Audi Q4 for £698 per month. You save £445 on income tax and £22 on national insurance, taking the total lease cost down from £1,112.
Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback
These images have been sourced from: 1. https://www.just-auto.com/features/electrified-audi-suvs-2020-to-2030/ 2. https://www.vertumotors.com/news/introducing-the-new-audi-q4-sportback-e-tron-concept/ 3. https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-2024-audi-q4-e-tron-brings-more-range-and-335bhp
The Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron, a family electric SUV with a sporty, sloping roofline, closely resembles the Q4 e-tron. Standard features include LED headlights, and you can choose from 19- and 20-inch alloy wheel options. Notably, adaptive cruise control and a head-up display are available as options but aren't included as standard.
The 40 e-tron variant is equipped with a 77kWh battery and a single motor, providing a commendable range of up to 328 miles on a full charge—ideal for long journeys. The Q4 Sportback exhibits smooth and easy manoeuvrability around town and at low speeds, aided by its light steering that facilitates three-point turns. The regenerative braking system is most effective at low speeds, recuperating energy during braking to charge the battery. However, due to larger rear blind spots compared to the standard Q4, rear visibility is compromised, requiring the addition of the Comfort and Sound pack with a reversing camera.
Sport 45 | S Line 45 | Black Edition 55 | |
---|---|---|---|
Drive Type | RWD | RWD | 4WD |
Engine Performance (kW) | 210kW | 210kW | 250kW |
Acceleration 0-62mph (seconds) | 6.7s | 6.7s | 5.4s |
WTLP Range (miles) | 339 miles | 335 miles | 326 miles |
Battery Size (kWh) | 82kWh | 82kWh | 82kWh |
What is the difference between the Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback?
Similarly to the two differing Q8 models, the main difference between the Q4 e-tron and Sportback is the sloping roofline and more broadly, how the exterior looks. Interior space and specification options do differ.
Driving
Similar to the Q4 e-tron, the Sportback is comfortable on the motorway with minimal engine noise. The S Line model, featuring sports suspension, offers a stiffer driving experience compared to other trims, which might be noticeable on country lanes and bumps.
Interior
Internally, the Q4 Sportback, compared to the Q4 SUV, has slightly less headroom in the back, though it's not problematic unless rear passengers are over six feet tall. Seating three adults in the rear may be a bit tight on shorter journeys. The seats are generally comfortable, providing ample space in both the front and back.
Infotainment
The infotainment screen and climate controls in the Sportback are angled towards the driver, ensuring easy control while on the move. Top-spec models feature a hexagonal steering wheel for a futuristic look, which can also be added to lower specifications. The 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen is user-friendly, allowing seamless connectivity with your phone, as well as compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Opting for the Comfort and Sound pack adds a reversing rear camera, 360-degree parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and a SONOS sound system.
Lease an Audi Q-4 e-tron Sportback from The Electric Car Scheme
If a Q4 e-tron Sportback is more your style, pay £695 if you’re a higher rate tax payer. By salary sacrificing this car, you will save £463 per month - over a year this means you would save £6,012 as opposed to leasing the car yourself.
What are the main differences between the Q8 and Q4 e-tron?
Both models fit five passengers comfortably but the Q-8 e-tron is slightly larger, measuring 193.5 inches in length compared to the Q4 which measures 180.7 inches. This added length gives the Q8 e-tron more cargo and passenger space.
Both models come with different trims and features, so you can choose the one best suited to how you want to use your car and how much you want to spend. The standard features of the Q4 are as follows:
LED headlights and taillights,
19-inch graphic grey wheels with all-season tyres,
Tri-zone climate control,
Heated front seats,
Leather upholstery,
A rearview camera,
An 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen.
The Q8 comes with the following standard features.
LED headlights.
A tailgate roof spoiler,
20-inch bi-colour wheels with all-season tyres,
A power tailgate with hands-free release,
Four-zone automatic climate control,
A heated steering wheel with regenerative braking paddles,
Heated front seats,
Leather upholstery,
Dual touch screens with a 10.1-inch and 8.6-inch unit,
Audi connect with navigation.
Further differences include range, performance (speed) and exclusive features on offer. It is important to note that you should think about how you wish to use your car and how much you want to pay for your car upfront or on a monthly basis (if you’re leasing the vehicle). This should help you decide between the two Audi models.
The new Audi e-tron GT Family coming in 2024
The new Audi e-tron GT Family is said to “pave the way for a new era of electric driving”, featuring Audi’s most powerful production series car to date.
It will be available in three trim levels: the S e-tron GT, the RS e-tron GT, and the RS e-tron GT Performance. Prices increase depending on the specifications you choose. All new models benefit from revised styling, and both RS models feature a motorsport rear diffuser with an integrated red reflector reminiscent of Formula E car brake lights. They also boast revised batteries, allowing for an impressive total range of 375 miles, minimising the need for frequent stops on longer journeys. Additionally, they now support a higher maximum charging power of 320 kW.
S e-tron GT
Each axle in the S e-tron GT is driven by its own motor, enabling rapid acceleration while maintaining stability at high speeds. It achieves 0-62mph in just 3.4 seconds and offers a maximum range of between 373 and 375 miles on a full charge - the highest in the e-tron GT lineup and a significant improvement over previous models. As mentioned earlier, it can charge at up to 320 kW DC as standard and can charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 18 minutes!
The S e-tron GT boasts a sporty appearance, featuring a broad front end, bumper, and S design. Standard features include 20” alloy wheels, though you have the option to upgrade to 20” five-spoke aero wheels in black and grey. Inside, it is equipped with an HD Audi virtual cockpit, replacing traditional dials with a large screen above the steering wheel for an immersive driving experience. The cabin also offers multi-colour ambient lighting, allowing you to customise the car's atmosphere to suit your preferences. Additionally, there are sport seats with 14-way adjustment, trimmed in artificial leather.
You do have the option to enhance your S e-tron GT with an optional pack
Tour Pack - Standard | Technology Pack Pro - £5,495 | |
---|---|---|
Adaptive cruise assist with emergency assist | All-wheel steering | |
Adaptive cruise control with speed limiter | Matrix LED with laser lights | |
Active lane assist | Panoramic glass roof with switchable transparency | |
Efficiency assist | ||
Turn assist | ||
Swerve assist | ||
Camera-based traffic recognition |
RS e-tron GT
The RS e-tron GT can achieve a maximum range of between 332-369 miles on a full charge and 0-62mph in 2.8 seconds. The RS e-tron GT is sleeker and cleaner from the front, with L shaped blade and a honeycomb single frame. There are subtle changes from the back, with a new functional RS rear diffuser which has a verticle reflector. The RS comes with 21” alloy wheels as standard, or choose new 21” six-spoke RS wheels on the carbon black trim.
Inside the cabin, there is plenty of technology to become accustomed to. You have the Audi Virtual Cockpit and RS-specific displays which come as a standard and replace traditional dials with a large configurable screen above the steering wheel for immersive driving. The interior feels sporty and if you choose the RS pack on the Carbon Black or Carbon Vorpsrung trim you will get a steering wheel finished in Dinamic a deep black with a colour 12 o’clock marker, coloured seatbelts and contrast stitching seats.
Enhanced specifications for the RS e-tron GT
Tour Pack - Standard | Panoramic roof - £3,175 | |
---|---|---|
Adaptive cruise control assist with emergency assist | Optional panoramic roof with switchable transparency | |
Adaptive cruise control with speed limiter | ||
Active lane assist | ||
Efficiency assist | ||
Turn assist | ||
Swerve assist | ||
Camera-based traffic sign recognition |
RS e-tron GT Performance
The new RS e-tron GT Performance brings 748 PS to every drive, which is boosted up to 925 PS in launch control, which makes this car the most powerful production Audi. PS refers to the power available in individual driving situations and 775 PS converts to 570kW. The GT Performance can achieve 0-62mph in 2.5 seconds and has a maximum range of between 336 and 365 miles on a single charge. Much like the RS e-tron GT, the biggest styling change takes place in the front with L-shaped blades and a 3D honeycomb single frame. The same changes have been made to the back and the wheels are also the same!
Inside the RS e-tron GT Performance, you'll find everything that the RS e-tron GT offers, along with a flat-top and bottom steering wheel featuring Audi Select and push-to-pass satellite buttons. The RS Design Packs are also available on the Performance model, featuring specific elements in Serpentine Green unique to this variant. The Sports Seats Pro come with an 18-way adjustment, and an integrated illuminated logo, and are trimmed in Nappa leather with a memory function for the driver's seat. There are two trim levels available: the Tour Pack, which is standard, and the Panoramic Roof Pack, identical to that of the RS e-tron.
The Electric Car Scheme enables employers and employees to launch with confidence knowing you’re getting the best prices, first-rate protection, and a trusted 5* service. You will receive the best prices on electric cars available in the market, unrivalled protection against unexpected costs, and a trusted 5* service that goes above and beyond your expectations.
You can learn more about The Electric Car Scheme by visiting the rest of our website. Or look at our range of cars by using our quote tool.
Last updated: 21/06/24