Audi Q8 (2024-) Review

Introduction

Things move quickly in the car industry, and what was a class-leading car three years ago can feel like an also-ran today. That’s why Audi felt the need to update its range-topping Q8, which faces the onslaught of new models from Porsche, Land Rover, BMW and others. It wasn’t that there was anything particularly wrong with the old car, but the game has moved on since it was launched.

The changes Audi has made are minor, with new headlights, a new grille and a tweaked front bumper representing the most significant modifications. It’s hardly a total overhaul - and it falls to us to find out whether the refreshed, facelifted Q8 will be left behind by the brilliant cars with which it now competes, or whether subtle tweaks were enough to keep it competitive.

At a Glance

Externally, the Q8 doesn’t look all that different from its predecessor, and that’s primarily because it isn’t all that different. Yes, there are new lights and they come with a choice of four different light ‘signatures’ – that’s the shape the daytime running lights make in the cluster, for those of us that don’t speak Audi – and you get a new grille and new bumpers, but the shape is still much the same muscular, imposing silhouette to which we’ve become accustomed.

Inside, the differences are even less pronounced. Some new decorative trims are available, but that’s about the lot. So the robust dashboard remains, punctuated with two touchscreens and a digital instrument display, and built with the sort of solidity normally reserved for tanks. This thing is immensely well built, and all the materials feel premium, too, giving it plenty of upmarket appeal.

As before, the engine range comprises petrol and diesel options at launch, with plug-in hybrids on the way. For the time being, though, the 3.0-litre diesel is the obvious choice, offering the best balance of performance and economy without breaking the bank. The 4.0-litre SQ8 version, however, is the most desirable, with more than 500hp and a silky-yet-menacing V8 engine.

Strangely, such a high power output really suits the Q8, which feels sportier than some SUVs without ever being all that engaging. The steering doesn’t have huge amounts of feel, which holds the car back in corners, but the body is well controlled, so cornering doesn’t feel unpleasant. The ride is a mixed bag, too, with a definite firmness that isn’t helped by the larger wheel options, but an overall sense of calm when cruising on the motorway. The faster the Q8 goes, the more comfortable it is.

Key Features

Arguably the best thing about the Q8 is the way it’s built. Audi has really got the hang of perceived quality, which means it knows exactly how to fit the best materials in the best possible way. The result is that everything in the Q8’s cabin not only feels luxurious, but also feels robust, almost as if the whole thing is made from one lump. It isn’t, of course, because Audi has managed to pack in screens, buttons, decorative trim and controls, but the panel gaps are so tight and the finish is so brilliant that it feels solid in the extreme.

Also in that cabin is the one piece of technology that has allowed Audi’s products to stand out for so long. We’re talking about the Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display, which other manufacturers have tried to copy, but nobody has managed to surpass. The display itself is beginning to feel its age – others are sharper and offer higher resolution – but nothing else offers the configuration options, the class or the clarity of the information. The fact it remains so good about a decade after it was first introduced speaks volumes for its brilliance.

Performance & Drive

For the time being, Q8 customers can choose from three different engines, although that range is set to grow with the arrival of new plug-in hybrid options. As things stand, though, it’s a straight choice between petrol and diesel power, with a high-performance petrol SQ8 model offered for those seeking a bit more power.

Not that you really need it when even the basic 3.0-litre diesel, which wears the 50 TDI badge, has more than enough power to be getting on with. At 286hp, it’s the least powerful engine in the range, but it’s still fitted with Audi’s Quattro four-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic gearbox, allowing it to get from 0-62mph in just a fraction over six seconds. That’s quick enough for anyone’s needs, and it comes with the ability to tow a 3.5-tonne trailer if that’s your thing.

If not, you can go for the 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, dubbed 55 TFSI. That engine has 340hp, which provides a small improvement in acceleration, and it’s a little quieter than the diesel. That’s saying something, because the 50 TDI is a very refined engine, but the 55 TFSI goes about its business with barely a whisper. It will burn more fuel than the diesel, though.

Were money and economy no object, mind you, it would be the 4.0-litre, V8 petrol-powered SQ8 we’d choose. That big engine is marvellously effortless and surprisingly quiet, although it makes a thunderous roar when pushed. It’s fabulous, but a 4.1-second 0-62mph time is probably unnecessary and the promise of barely 20mpg might make some customers wince.

No, with our sensible hats on, the diesel is the one to go for, and it suits the Q8 pretty well. Although the car manages to control its bulky bodywork well in corners, the steering is a bit inert and the Q8 always feels heavy, so that really precludes any feeling of sportiness. The ride, on the other hand, is quite smooth at motorway speeds, but it gets a bit firm around town, where the massive wheels probably don’t help very much. The 55 TFSI is a bit smoother than the SQ8 and the 50 TDI, however, so with that engine and the smallest wheels it might prove a little more tranquil.

Not that we expect Q8 customers to spend all that much time in town centres. This is a big car for longer trips carrying lots of people and things, and in that use case the diesel once again comes out as the one to have.

Running Costs & Emissions

At launch, the only engine to beat 30mpg on the official economy test is the 3.0-litre ‘50 TDI’ diesel. With the 55 TFSI and the SQ8 both floundering in the mid-20s, it’s the only sensible option for those who will be covering a lot of miles – especially if they’re doing long journeys. Even so, it won’t be especially cheap to run, but then it is a luxury car with almost 300hp, so that’s probably to be expected.

Those leasing a Q8 as a company car, however, will probably want to hold off for the plug-in hybrids. Although they promise three-figure fuel economy, you’re unlikely to achieve that in the real world, but they will allow those who charge regularly to cover short distances on electric power alone. But that isn’t what makes them cheap to run. No, the low official emissions and expected boost in electric-only range means the hybrids will incur very low company car tax rates, which could make them cheaper to run than the diesels.

Interior & Technology

If Audi knows one thing, it’s how to do interiors. The new Q8’s cabin isn’t all that different to that of its predecessor – Audi is offering some new decorative trim options, and that’s your lot as far as upgrades are concerned – but somehow that isn’t a problem. For a kick-off, the quality is sensational, with fabulous materials stuck together with rigorous brilliance, making the whole thing feel immensely solid.

But there’s more to it than just construction. The design might not be brand new, but it’s still pretty stylish, with a chunky image that suits the exterior design nicely. The only concern is the block of glossy black trim across the dash, which is a magnet for fingerprints, but otherwise it’s excellent.

Taking pride of place in the centre of the dash is a pair of touchscreens, with the lower screen taking responsibility for the climate control and some other functions, including the hill descent control and the head-up display. The upper screen, meanwhile, is a classic Audi touchscreen, with easy-to-navigate menus and logical displays, but both screens have strange haptic feedback that makes them slightly more awkward than they need to be.

That’s a minor concern, though, and it’s more than counteracted by the inclusion of the Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, which remains among the best in the business despite its age. With lots of configurable displays that allow you to set it up just as you want it, the system is yet to be beaten, and it makes the Audi feel even more modern and high tech than it would otherwise.

Practicality & Boot Space

The Q8 is not supposed to be the most spacious or the most practical car in Audi’s SUV range – that honour goes to the Q7 – but the Q8 is hardly cramped. Up front, the driver and front passenger get ample seat adjustment and there’s a decent driving position, as well as plenty of headroom. Further back, there’s a massive amount of space in the rear footwells, too, and even tall passengers will be flush for headroom. Unlike the Q7, however, there’s no way of getting two rear seats in the boot, so the Q8 remains a five-seater.

Speaking of the boot, that too is pretty big, with 600 litres of storage space in total. That might not be massive alongside some of the biggest cars in the class, but it’s more than enough to be getting on with. You won’t have any trouble fitting the luggage for a family holiday in there, and nor will you have any issues with shopping or school bags. And even if you do struggle, you can always fit a roof box.

Safety

Because the Q8’s structure has changed so little – the upgrades are largely just cosmetic – Euro NCAP has not re-tested the big Audi in its lab crash tests. But then the old car was deemed safe enough for a five-star rating, thanks in no small part to its 93% score for adult occupant protection. A commendable 87% for child occupant protection will also give families confidence in its crashworthiness, while solid scores for vulnerable road user protection and assistance tech sealed the five-star deal.

Speaking of safety assistance tech, there’s plenty of it on the Q8. There to help prevent accidents from happening in the first place, Audi has included too many systems to list here, but the most important of them is autonomous emergency braking, which can slow or even stop the car automatically if the driver fails to respond to a hazard. Blind-spot monitoring tech is another helpful system, showing drivers when a vehicle is lurking in the hard-to-see areas over their shoulders, while parking sensors and reversing cameras help to prevent low-speed bumps.

Options

For those choosing either the 50 TDI or the 55 TFSI engines, there’s a choice of three trim levels, with the basic option being the S Line. That car comes with 21-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation and a reversing camera as standard, as well as chrome brightwork and LED lights. But it also comes with fabric seats, which customers may prefer to upgrade to leather at no extra cost.

Above that is the Black Edition, which, as the name suggests, takes the S Line’s chrome brightwork and replaces it with glossy black trim. It also gets 22-inch black alloy wheels and the same choice of fabric or leather upholstery. Or you could go for the even more upmarket Vorsprung model, which also gets 22-inch alloys (albeit not wholly black ones) and fancier seats with leather trim as standard.

Those who opt for the SQ8 only get the choice of Black Edition or Vorsprung trim levels, but they aren’t the only choices on offer. No matter which car you choose, there’s a range of packages on offer, from extra tech to cosmetic upgrades, and we recommend sorting through to work out which you want before sorting your lease deal.

Speaking of options, there’s also a trio of new paint colours – Chili Red, Ascari Blue and Sakhir Gold – of which we find Ascari Blue the most appealing. But given the choice, we’d either go for Waitomo Blue or the special Goodwood Green colour, which is an expensive option but looks stunning.

Rival Cars

The luxury SUV market is getting crowded, and the Q8 now has plenty of rivals to contend with. Some of them are very tough competitors indeed.

Perhaps the most obvious rivals come from the other two of the ‘big three’ German brands: BMW and Mercedes-Benz. BMW has its fabulous X5 and X6 models, both of which are fantastic to drive, although the X5 is a little more comfortable than its coupe-shaped sibling. And Mercedes-Benz’s GLE prioritises comfort and luxury, but does so with some style.

Then there’s the ever-popular Range Rover Sport (above), which was recently updated to become one of the most stylish SUVs on the market, if it wasn’t already. Great to drive, great to look at and incredibly comfortable, it’s a brilliant SUV.

If you’re in the market for something more left-field, however, there’s always the more practical Volvo XC90, which is getting on a bit, but it’s still brilliant. And there’s the Lexus RX, which is much newer and comes with a selection of appealing hybrid powertrains.

And those seeking a bit more power and performance might be tempted by the Lamborghini Urus, which is a startling feat of engineering, or the Aston Martin DBX, which is arguably even better, albeit let down by its Mercedes-derived on-board technology.

But the undisputed leader of the pack is the Porsche Cayenne (above). Available as a conventional SUV or a fastback-styled Coupe, it has everything going for it. Great engines (although there’s no diesel option), fabulous handling and a well-built, luxurious interior are complemented by a supple ride and some great technology. As an all-rounder, it’s difficult to beat.

Verdict & Next Steps

It’s safe to say Audi’s changes to the Q8 have hardly revolutionised the car, but that isn’t all bad news. Viewed in isolation, it’s still a wholly competent luxury SUV with a solid driving experience and an even more solid cabin, as well as some appealing technology. So although some of its rivals might be more advanced and more capable all-rounders, the Q8 still has plenty in its favour. For those returning to the Q8, or even just the Audi brand, the new model will tick plenty of boxes.

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**Score based on Select’s unique meta score analysis, taking into account the UK’s top leading independent car website reviews of the Audi Q8 SUV.

**Correct as of 06/12/2023. Based on 9 months initial payment, 5,000 miles annually, over a 48 month lease. Initial payment equivalent to 9 monthly payments, or £8,305.11 (Plus admin fee) Ts and Cs apply. Credit is subject to status.