The Audi Q8, a two-row SUV, is a stylized variant of the boxier Q7 three-row SUV, featuring sleek looks and a ride to match. Though the Q8’s starting price is much higher, they both have the same strong underpinnings, which include an eight-speed automatic gearbox, all-wheel drive, and a turbocharged V-6 engine with 335 horsepower.
Although the Q8’s acceleration and chassis have a hint of sweetness to them, this premium SUV isn’t afraid to burn through petrol. The Q8, with its luxurious cabin and cutting-edge steering, prioritises comfort above all else, much like other sporty-shaped SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLE-class Coupe or BMW X6. There are obviously higher-power variants available, such as the 500-hp SQ8 and the even wilder 591-hp RS Q8, but we assess those models individually.
What’s Novel for Audi Q8 2024?
Audi improves the upmarket Q8 significantly for 2024 with new features and styling. Redesigned front and rear fascias, new optional matrix-beam LED headlights, new alloys, colours, and seat stitching are all part of the Q8 update.
Cost and Selection
Depending on the model and extras, the 2024 Audi Q8’s price ranges from $74,895 to $82,995.
We would go for the Audi Q8 Premium trim level and add a few extras to it. A fully digital gauge cluster, integrated navigation, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a power-operated tailboard are just a few of its exceptional standard features. Even though 21-inch rims are required, we would still choose the Black Optic package because of its more aggressive look. We would also include the Convenience package (which includes wireless charging, cross-traffic alerts in the back, blind-spot monitoring, and more) and the Towing package. With the latter, the Q8’s maximum towing capacity of 7700 pounds is unlocked.
Performance, Engine, and Transmission
Every Q8 from Audi comes with a 3.0-liter V-6 turbocharged engine that produces 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with Quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The stop-start action, which was quiet and seamless in our experience, is aided by a 48-volt hybrid assistance system.The engine and gearbox worked together best in Dynamic mode, which elicited quicker responses, but the gearbox exhibited largely obedient behaviour elsewhere. All we ask is that the exhaust and engine produce more audacious noises.
It’s not as engaging as an Audi sedan like the svelte A7, even if it changes directions quickly and hustles around curves with obedience. Long travels were made more comfortable by the Q8’s modest steering effort and straight input, but switchback roads became monotonous. The stock wheels are 21 inches, but the test vehicle we drove had 22 inches on optional air suspension. Even on rough surfaces, these big rollers were mainly silent. Our Q8 could manoeuvre through narrow areas and handle rough terrain since it had four-wheel steering and an adjustable ride height (both available with the Adaptive Chassis option). At highway speeds, its brake pedal was effortless to adjust, but in traffic, it exhibited erratic responses.
Ability to Tow and Carry Payload
If a towing package is installed, the Audi Q8 has a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds.
Real-World MPG & Fuel Efficiency
Compared to comparable competitors with all-wheel drive, the Q8’s EPA estimates are poorer. 17 city and 23 highway mpg are the government’s estimated fuel economy for the Q8.
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Even with its EPA highway rating, the Q8 we drove on our highway fuel efficiency route managed to achieve a remarkable 28 mpg over a 200-mile distance. 29 mpg was achieved by a BMW X6 with equivalent equipment. Visit the EPA website for additional details regarding the Q8’s fuel efficiency.
Space, Cosiness, and Packing
Audi’s interior design for the Q8 is elegant and robust, as is customary. These are high-quality materials with precisely aligned panels. A panoramic sunroof and heated front seats are included on the base model, but it lacks expensive amenities like four-zone climate control and a leather dashboard with contrast stitching.
Front massaging seats, better leather upholstery, and quieter dual pane glass are only found on the top-tier model. A head-up display and adjustable ambient interior lighting were also included in our test car. The Q8 boasts an excellent amount of passenger room in addition to its striking looks.
Even at this high altitude, the driving position is still dynamic, and the rear can comfortably accommodate two adults who choose to unwind there. Despite having a smaller cargo capacity than the three-row Q7, the two-row Q8 nevertheless allows us to fit eight carry-on bags under the back seat. When the split rear bench was folded almost flat, that number rose to 23 (two fewer than in the Q7). The optional air suspension, which lowers the rear end to assist with moving bags in and out, was installed on our test car. The Q8 features little cubby storage within. We had limited space to put little goods because of its short door pockets and shallow center-console bin.