The Q8 is Audi’s top-of-the-range SUV with sporty, coupe-like styling and a high-tech interior that has a real wow factor. It’s a practical family car, feels great to drive and is very comfortable on even the longest of journeys.
The Q8 has been sold new since 2018 as Audi’s top-of-the-range SUV. It’s closely related to the Q7 SUV and shares many features with it (including its dashboard) but the Q8 has a sportier exterior design and five seats to the Q7’s seven. It’s available with powerful petrol (TFSI) and diesel (TDi) engines, or petrol/electric plug-in hybrid power. Even the least powerful model gives very rapid acceleration but if you want a sportier driving experience from your SUV, there’s also the diesel SQ8 and petrol RS Q8. Both are extremely fast and fun to drive on a favourite road.
There are S line, Black Edition and Vorsprung trim levels featuring different wheel designs, exterior and interior styling details, and equipment packages.
All Q8 models are very well equipped. Most of the features are controlled through two user-friendly touchscreens. The upper screen deals with the infotainment and navigation, the lower one contains the climate control and drive mode selector. A large digital display behind the steering wheel shows a range of information and can be configured to show what interests you the most.
Other highlights include multi-zone climate control, heated leather seats, smartphone connectivity, 3D sat nav, LED headlights and adaptive air suspension. The top-spec Vorsprung model gets a glass sunroof, massaging seats and a concert-quality Bang & Olufsen stereo.
The Q8 is reasonably fuel efficient for a large SUV. According to official average figures, the 3.0-litre diesel can give up to 33mpg, and the more powerful SQ8 can give 31mpg. The petrol 3.0-litre can give up to 26mpg and the RS Q8 up to 20mpg. The plug-in hybrid models can give up to 100mpg with a fully charged battery and have a zero-emissions range of up to 28 miles. Most models are in higher road tax bands and insurance groups.
Other big SUVs similar to the Q8, that combine sportiness with luxury, include the BMW X6, Range Rover Sport and Porsche Cayenne. There are options that will give you even more space than the Q8, and which are more fun to drive, but its style, comfort, and high-tech interior are very compelling.
The Q8 is a large SUV with five doors and five seats. There’s a lot of space in the front seats and generous legroom in the back, though the car’s relatively low roof means taller passengers may feel a little cramped. But that shouldn’t affect children, who’ll love the space and being sat high up. If you need more seats, check out the Audi Q7. The Q8’s boot has enough room for all the family-holiday luggage and the back seats can fold down for your flatpack-furniture shopping trips. You can also lower the rear suspension, making it easier to load heavy stuff.
Safety organisation Euro NCAP awarded a full five-star rating to the Q8. Not only is it designed to protect the driver and passengers in a crash, it’s fitted with dozens of features to help you drive as safely as possible.
The Q8 is available with plug-in hybrid power. There are two versions – the ‘55 TFSI e’ and the more powerful ‘60 TFSI e’. Both have petrol engines. The 55 TFSI e has a zero-emissions range of up to 28 miles; the 60 TFSI a few miles less. Average fuel economy is 94-100mpg, according to official figures, and low CO2 emissions significantly reduce road tax bills for drivers of company cars. Every other Q8 model has a mild-hybrid system that improves economy and emissions.
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