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 want to salary sacrifice an electric Audi
Audi Q8 e-tron salary sacrifice
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's 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.
| 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 |
Driving
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.
The Audi Q8 e-tron is available to salary sacrifice with The Electric Car Scheme. Visit our quote tool, input your salary and choose the trim you want.
Interior
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-liter boot space expands to a flat 1,637-liter area when the back seats are folded down.
Infotainment
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.
If you choose to salary sacrifice the Audi Q8 e-tron, you will be saving £593 every month in income tax and national insurance savings. Have a browse of our quote tool to see how much you could save by inputting your salary and choosing the EV of your dreams!
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.
If you were to lease a Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback yourself, you would pay £1,449. Salary sacrifice allows you to save £608 every month because of your tax savings. You can browse all of the electric cars we have available at The Electric Car Scheme by visiting our quote tool.
Audi Q4 e-tron salary sacrifice
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.
| 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.
The entry-level Q4 e-tron features an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Infotainment
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
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
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 |
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.
The Sportback offers 535 litres of boot space, but with the rear seats down, the lower roofline results in 30 litres less storage than the Q4 e-tron.
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.
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.
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.
