Audi Q8

Audi Q8 SUV

With prestige, presence and impeccable quality the Audi Q8 has it all, making statement as the Audi flagship SUV. As well as the regular Q8, there are also more sporting versions, the SQ8 and the blisteringly fast RS8.

Q8 Exterior

No shrinking violet this one; with strong body contours the Q8 conveys a sense of power and sophistication plus the dynamic ability of permanent all-wheel drive. With a wheelbase of almost three metres, the Audi Q8 offers ample space for five people, the interior space exceeding that of the direct competitors in almost all relevant dimensions. Think of it as a stylish mix of of an elegant four-door luxury coupé with a large SUV.

Below the distinctive high-density matrix LED headlights, the spoiler, which protrudes at the front, and the large, strongly contoured air intakes further highlight the aggressive look of the Q8. Six distinctive vertical chrome fins make the radiator grille appear upright and solid; a feature that is art of Audi’s new design language.

Thanks to the frameless doors, the coupé-style roof line seems to stretch low across the vehicle body visually, ending in the a long roof spoiler. Available in a choice of twelve colours, it’s a very striking car with a powerful profile, rather like the sister car, the Q7, but lower and wider.

Q8 Interior

Audi have really updated their interior design and the new look is slowly featuring across the range. The cabin is dominated by two central control touchscreens and the now commonplace, but still amazing, Virtual Cockpit dashboard. The upper 10” display allows control of the car’s media, navigation and Audi Connect systems as well as other general settings. The lower 8.6” monitor, houses controls for the climate control, heated seats and other driver-assistance features and parking sensors/cameras. The menu structure is intuitively logical and smartphone flat, including freely configurable favourites and start screens.

For the interior of the Audi Q8, new customers can choose from several colours and configurations. In S-Line trim for example, the front sport seats feature integrated head restraints, an S logo and are upholstered in leather/Alcantara Buyers can option Valcona leather available to order. In the range-topping ‘Vorsprung’ version, these seats are standard.

Overall, it’s a beautifully appointed cabin packed with expensive kit. As a vehicle from this prestige German car maker, buyers can be sure that, even when buying a used Audi Q8, the interior will be superbly built with fine materials and comfortable, supportive leather seats. The driver’s view out is slightly lower than the Q7 but still offers that commanding view of the road ahead.

There’s plenty of infotainment and safety technology on board as standard but buyers can tailor their new Q8 thanks to the three different specifications and a host of options.

Driving The Q8

The Audi Q8 is available with a choice of a 286hp 3.0L litre diesel or a 3.0 litre TFSI petrol engine. The SQ8 uses a 435hp 4.0 litre V8 mild hybrid set-up with 900Nm of torque; enough to pull a train. Despite its size the SQ8 dashes from rest to 62miles per hour in just 4.8 seconds. If that isn’t thrilling enough then the RS8 utilises a 4.0 litre, V8 bi-turbo which knocks a second of the above time. All models drive through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The Q8 can best be described as an SUV with true sporting pretensions. For its size, it slices through bends with great agility, aided by air suspension. The steering feels noticeably sharper than many rivals and traction is predictably excellent thanks to Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive, switching power to where grip is needed. Drivers can feel confident even with bad road conditions.

Rear wheel steering at low speeds, helps with manoeuvrability when parking for example. At high speeds, it aids stability. Thanks to this the car feels surprisingly easy to handle around town yet eats motorway miles with ease. Turn of road and the security of quattro drive becomes apparent.

But Is It Reliable?

It’s an Audi so the answer is yes. In a globally popular consumer survey the Q8 scored very well indeed. This quiet and luxurious SUV should give many reliable years service.

The Audi Q8, as mentioned, is fast and capable. The sibling Q7 model is more sedate and has more luggage space and the option of seven seats, but for drivers who love to drive, the Q8 answers most questions. Buyers wishing to import a new or used Audi Q8 from the UK can contact us here at MHH International for more information about this fine car.