What's New
- New features include a top-down virtual 360-degree camera and a virtual cockpit digital gauge display
- New S line and S line plus cosmetic packages
- Price increases for all trims, ranging from $800 to $1,150
Pros & Cons
- Throaty mild hybrid-assisted V-8 engine
- Lack of a third row translates into generous second-row legroom
- Packed with standard high-tech features
- Counterintuitive dual-screen infotainment system
- Missing third row may pivot shoppers to the Q7
- Pricy, given its lack of practicality
Audi Q8 Overview
The Audi Q8 SUV is barely out of diapers, having hit the market in 2018 as Audi’s entry in the relatively new SUV coupe mini-segment. Essentially a sportified Q7 with rakish backlight and minus that SUV’s third-row, the Q8 is an SUV that handles a lot like a car and looks the business.
A turbocharged 335-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 is aided by a 48-volt hybrid-assist system to aid stop-start operation, which was smooth and quiet during our experience. An eight-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive provide plenty of grip and rip for a large two-row SUV. While the Q8 isn’t in the same performance-meets-utility league as the RS6 Avant uber-wagon, Audi recently revealed the RS Q8, a 592-horsepower answer to a question few have asked. Featuring a biturbo V8, RS-specific grille, and gloss black trim bits and an RS spoiler that provides a striking finish at the top and provides downforce on the rear axle for improved balance at high speeds, it offers a more involving driver experience.
The Q8 and RS Q8 sit atop Audi’s SUV lineup and offer an appropriately refined blend of luxurious comfort and on-demand power.
Trim Specifications
In terms of features, the Q8’s trims are a full step above Audi’s other SUVs, with Premium Plus adding the top-view camera and 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system that would otherwise be at the Prestige level, while the Q8 Prestige comes with the company’s normally optional Driver Assistance package, complete with lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist and advanced adaptive cruise control.
Among the model’s huge range of available options and packages, standouts include the adaptive air suspension and all-wheel steering in the Advanced Chassis package, and matte black finishes in the Black Optic and S Line Plus packages — the latter are Premium Plus and Prestige-only, and also come with massive 22-inch high-gloss anthracite wheels.
Warranty
4 Years/50,000 Miles
4 Years/50,000 Miles
12 Years/Unlimited Miles
8 Years/100,000 Miles
4 Years/Unlimited Miles