Since its introduction in 2018, the Audi Q8 has been one of the most desirable luxury SUV coupés on the market, helped in part by its imposing presence and added to by its advanced technology. The Q8 is instantly recognisable, thanks to its bold single-frame grille, coupe-inspired roofline, and signature LED lighting. It adds a sporty, luxurious edge to Audi’s SUV range, appealing to those who desire both comfort and cutting-edge connectivity, with the levels of luxury normally reserved for the likes of the A8 luxury saloon inside a more practical, taller body.
The Audi Q8 is a technologically advanced and imposing car, which makes a big impact in the luxury SUV segment. Its combination of clinical, elegant design, effortless performance and surprisingly agile dynamics give it broad appeal, especially as a used car where the initial depreciation has come off the top.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioNew Audi Q8 prices start from around £81,125 for the entry-level S line 55 TFSI or S line 50 TDI quattro, rising to well over £120,000 for the high-performance SQ8 and RS Q8 models.
Plug-in hybrid and high-performance petrol models are available new, whilst earlier diesel and mild-hybrid petrol versions can be found on the used market.
Used Q8s from 2018/19 start at about £38,000, with plug-in hybrids and performance models commanding higher prices.
The Q8 offers a range of powerful engines. New buyers can choose from mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines, as well as the 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid, which pairs a 3.0-litre V6 petrol with an electric motor for a combined output of 381bhp and 600Nm of torque, achieving 0-62 mph in as little as 5.4 seconds and offering up to 28 miles of electric-only range (WLTP).
Diesel options include the 45 TDI (231bhp) and 50 TDI (286bhp), both using a 3.0-litre V6 with mild-hybrid technology for enhanced efficiency. Petrol choices include the 55 TFSI (340bhp) and the high-performance SQ8 (507bhp V8), with the RS Q8 delivering a staggering 600bhp for sports car-level performance.
All Q8s feature quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard, ensuring confident traction and smooth power delivery. Adaptive air suspension is standard or optional depending on trim, providing impressive ride comfort and handling balance.
The Q8’s commanding driving position, large windows, and advanced camera systems provide excellent visibility for such a large vehicle. Standard front and rear parking sensors, cameras, and optional all-wheel steering aid manoeuvrability in urban settings, too, but it’s still a large car and it’s not the easiest to pilot around town.
Steering is precise, though, and the Q8 glides along motorways with hushed refinement. Air suspension smooths out rough surfaces, while dynamic driving modes bestow the Q8 with surprising agility for its size, helped by the quattro four-wheel-drive system.
The Q8 is a comfortable, refined and composed car and it’s clear that a lot of work has gone into engineering its chassis for optimal dynamics, despite its bulk.
The adaptive air suspension absorbs bumps, even on broken road surfaces, and keeps the ride supple, while the chassis remains stable in corners. While not as nimble as a smaller car, the Q8 feels athletic for a large SUV, especially in S and RS trims, which feature sportier tuning and larger wheels. One real standout is the steering, which is excellent for such a large car.
There’s also a modicum of off-road capability, even though it’s no hardcore 4x4. Adjustable ride height and quattro grip mean gravel tracks and muddy fields are managed with ease.
Like all Audis, the Q8’s minimalist cabin is beautifully styled and well-equipped, with very much a design-led feel.
Luxury materials, advanced technology, and impeccable build quality are complemented by Audi’s dual MMI touchscreens (10.1-inch upper, 8.6-inch lower) with haptic feedback, and a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster as standard.
Seating is plush and supportive, with leather upholstery and heated front seats standard on all models. Rear seat space is generous, but the sloping roofline slightly limits headroom for taller passengers. ISOFIX mounts are present on the outer rear seats for child seats.
The Q8 offers a substantial 605 litres of luggage space with all seats in place, expanding to 1,755 litres with the rear seats folded. The boot is wide and flat, with a powered tailgate for ease of loading. Plug-in hybrid models sacrifice only a little space for battery storage, remaining practical for most needs.
In-cabin stowage is generous, with large door pockets, cup holders, and a spacious centre armrest compartment.
Standard kit on the S line includes adaptive air suspension, Matrix LED headlights, leather upholstery, heated seats, Audi Virtual Cockpit, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a full suite of driver assistance systems. Higher trims add four-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, head-up display, Bang & Olufsen audio, and advanced safety features. Over-the-air updates keep infotainment current.
The Audi Q8 is offered in several trim levels, with a number of option packs available too, to ensure that any two cars are rarely the same.
The entry-level S line trim has a sporty appearance with S line exterior enhancements, chunky bumpers and side skirts, Matrix LED headlights, 21-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and the Audi Virtual Cockpit. It also includes navigation, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features as standard.
The Black Edition builds on the S line’s foundation by introducing black styling elements such as black window surrounds, grille, and mirror caps, alongside privacy glass for rear passengers and exclusive alloy wheel designs that further enhance its visual appeal.
The luxury Vorsprung trim has four-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, and a top-tier Bang & Olufsen sound system. This trim level also comes with a suite of advanced driver assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and cross-traffic alert, as well as unique trim details and a wide choice of customisation options.
For those seeking a performance model, the SQ8 introduces more powerful engines and dynamic chassis enhancements for sharper handling. Its distinctive styling cues include quad exhausts and sportier bodywork, while the interior gets figure-hugging sports seats, an upgraded braking system, and specific detailing that reflects its athletic character.
At the very top sits the RS Q8, delivering breathtaking performance courtesy of a high-output 507bhp V8 engine and advanced suspension technology.
Unique RS styling sets it apart, with larger wheels, added aerodynamic elements, and an interior featuring exclusive RS badging, sports seats, and bespoke trim, making it the most powerful and luxurious model in the Q8 family.
In earlier years, trims such as SE and Sport were available, each with varying specifications.
Across all trims, buyers can select from a palette of striking colours, including Glacier White, Mythos Black, Dragon Orange, Galaxy Blue, and Daytona Grey, with further personalisation offered through styling packs and a variety of alloy wheel designs.
The Audi Q8 achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2019, scoring 93% for adult occupant protection and 87% for child occupant protection.
Standard safety features include six airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and stability control. Higher trims add adaptive cruise control, blind spot assist, and cross-traffic alert.
Owner feedback generally points to strong reliability, with robust mechanicals and a well-finished interior. Audi’s three-year warranty is standard, while batteries in plug-in hybrids are covered for up to eight years or 100,000 miles.
Diesel Q8s return between 32-36 mpg (WLTP), while the 55 TFSI petrol manages around 26-29 mpg. The plug-in hybrid 55 TFSI e claims up to 100 mpg (WLTP) with CO2 emissions from 66 g/km, though real-world figures depend on charging habits and journey profiles.
Annual road tax is £620 for most models due to their list price, but this drops to £195 a year after the first five years, so earlier Q8s are now cheaper to tax.
Servicing is every 12 months or 9,000 miles, with Audi’s warranty covering three years or up to 60,000 miles, extendable at extra cost.
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