The Audi Q8 flagship SUV has undergone significant technology upgrades, improvements in perceived quality, and a simplified exterior design. In the UK, it will be available starting from £75,500.
The new Audi Q8 range, which will be released on October 10th, consists of three core specifications: S Line, Black Edition, and Vorsprung. These options offer a choice of petrol and diesel powertrains. The range also includes the performance-focused Audi SQ8, available in Black Edition and Vorsprung variants.
The entry-level S Line models come equipped with electric sports seats, keyless go, a digital cockpit, a head-up display, four-zone climate control, and a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system as standard features.
As the name implies, Black Edition models feature black trim inside and out, including 22-inch wheels, door mirrors, and Audi badges. The starting price for Black Edition cars is £80,050.
The high-spec Vorsprung cars start at £99,300 and offer a panoramic sunroof, all-wheel steering, powerful LED headlights, and leather upholstery. Additional features include massage seats, heated rear seats, and power-closing doors.
The powerful SQ8 starts at £97,245 and includes bespoke exterior styling, 23-inch alloy wheels, Quattro all-wheel drive, adaptive air sports suspension, and parking assistance.
Following in the footsteps of the recently updated Audi Q8 E-tron, the German automaker’s rival to the BMW X7 includes subtle styling changes such as matrix LED lights, smoother surfacing, larger front air intakes for a more aggressive look, and a new exhaust system that promises an enhanced engine sound.
The most noticeable visual change is the redesigned grille, featuring vertical inlays with a brushed aluminum effect specific to Audi’s flagship cars. Higher-trim models have color-coded body trim for a more minimalist appearance.
The powertrain options remain largely unchanged, with the hot SQ8 using the same 500bhp 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine found in the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and Lamborghini Urus. It also features cylinder deactivation, allowing it to run on four cylinders.
It is understood that the even more powerful RS Q8 will receive similar upgrades in the coming months, but there is no information yet on changes to its 592bhp V8 engine.
Beneath the SQ8 is the Q8 60 TFSI, which is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged petrol V6 engine with 335bhp. It has a 0-62mph time of 5.6 seconds. All V6 engines utilize mild-hybrid technology, allowing the engine to switch off and coast for up to 40 seconds in low-demand situations.
The diesel options remain unchanged. The base 45 TDI has a 227bhp 3.0-liter V6 engine, while the 50 TDI has a 282bhp version, reducing the 0-62mph time by one second to 6.1 seconds. The top speeds are 140mph and 150mph, respectively.