Audi Q8
Used Car Review

Overview

The Audi Q8 commands attention with its bold, distinctive presence. The Audi Q8 might be exactly what you need. This flagship SUV combines striking coupe styling with premium luxury and impressive performance capabilities. It’s designed for drivers who want the commanding presence of a large SUV without compromising on style or sophistication.

The Q8 stands apart from traditional boxy SUVs with its sleek, sloping roofline and bold front grille. Inside, you’ll find one of the most advanced and luxurious cabins in the segment, featuring cutting edge technology and premium materials throughout. While rivals like the BMW 3 Series focus on sportiness, the Q8 prioritizes comfort and prestige. The interior showcases Audi’s famous attention to detail with multiple touchscreens and high quality leather appointments.

On the road, the Q8 delivers a refined and powerful driving experience. The available engines provide strong acceleration while maintaining excellent refinement for long distance cruising. It handles surprisingly well for such a large vehicle, giving you confidence on winding roads while remaining supremely comfortable for daily commuting. The trade off for this style and luxury is a higher price point than more practical SUVs, but you’re investing in German engineering excellence and unmistakable road presence.

What's the Audi Q8 Like to Drive?

The Audi Q8 lineup offers impressive performance across its engine range. The entry level 55 TFSI produces around 340 horsepower, delivering smooth and effortless acceleration that makes overtaking feel confident and secure. The more powerful SQ8 and RS Q8 variants push performance into sports car territory with 0 to 60 times under 4 seconds. Even the base engines provide more than adequate power for most driving situations, with refined delivery that prioritizes comfort over outright aggression.

Where the Q8 truly excels is in its composed road manners. The adaptive air suspension soaks up road imperfections beautifully while maintaining good body control through corners. The steering is precise and well weighted, giving you confidence when navigating tight spaces or winding country roads. The quattro all wheel drive system provides excellent traction in all weather conditions. This large SUV feels surprisingly nimble and manageable, making it easy to drive despite its substantial size and presence on the road.

Audi Q8 Interior, Tech & Comfort Review

The Q8’s cabin establishes itself as one of today’s most compelling luxury interiors through bold design and refined execution. The dashboard features multiple high resolution touchscreens that control everything from climate to navigation with crisp, responsive operation. Premium materials are used throughout, with soft leather, genuine wood trim, and metal accents creating an atmosphere that rivals executive saloons. The build quality is exceptional, with every switch and surface feeling solid and precisely engineered.

The front seats offer excellent support and multiple adjustment options, including massage functions on higher trim levels. The cabin is remarkably quiet at all speeds, thanks to excellent sound insulation and acoustic glass. Rear passengers enjoy generous legroom and headroom, though the sloping roofline does reduce space slightly compared to the more upright Q7. Standard features include wireless smartphone charging, premium audio systems, and advanced climate control that maintains perfect cabin temperature regardless of weather conditions outside.

The Audi Q8 successfully delivers on its promise of combining luxury, performance, and distinctive styling. Its interior sets new standards for technology integration and material quality, while the driving experience balances comfort with surprising agility. The range of powerful yet refined engines ensures there’s a variant to suit different performance preferences.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Audi Q8 Expensive to Run?

Expect substantive running costs from the Q8, though they align logically with its ultra-premium grand touring credentials. Fuel economy varies significantly depending on the engine choice, with the base 55 TFSI achieving around 30 mpg in real world driving conditions. The more powerful variants naturally consume more fuel, but modern turbo technology helps maintain reasonable efficiency for such performance levels. Insurance costs will be substantial due to the high value and powerful engines, though the comprehensive safety features help offset some premium increases.

The initial purchase price represents a significant investment, with even used examples commanding strong values in the luxury SUV market. However, Audi’s reputation for build quality means long term reliability should be good with proper maintenance. Servicing costs are higher than mainstream brands, but the sophisticated technology and premium components justify the expense. Car finance options can help spread the cost, making this flagship SUV more accessible to buyers who appreciate its combination of style, technology, and performance.

Audi Q8 Practicality & Boot Space

For such a stylish SUV, the Q8 offers impressive practical capabilities. The 605 litre boot provides ample space for luggage, golf bags, or weekly shopping trips. The rear seats fold down to create an even larger cargo area when needed. Storage compartments throughout the cabin keep smaller items organized, while the large door pockets accommodate bottles and personal belongings. The wide opening tailgate makes loading bulky items straightforward and convenient.

The Q8 works well for families who prioritize style alongside practicality. While the sloping roofline reduces rear headroom compared to more upright SUVs, most adults can still travel comfortably in the back seats. The high seating position provides excellent visibility, making it easy to navigate traffic or park in tight spaces. For buyers considering used Audi cars, the Q8 represents the pinnacle of the brand’s SUV engineering, offering a compelling blend of luxury, technology, and everyday usability in an eye catching package.

The Audi Q8 successfully bridges the gap between athletic SUV prowess and graceful coupe elegance. It packages advanced technology, premium materials, and impressive performance into a distinctive design that commands attention wherever you drive. While it may not offer the maximum cargo space of more traditional SUVs, it excels in delivering a refined and engaging driving experience.

You choose the Q8 when you want a luxury SUV that doesn’t look like every other vehicle on the road. Its combination of cutting edge technology, powerful engines, and exceptional build quality creates a compelling ownership proposition. For drivers seeking a flagship SUV with distinctive styling and uncompromising luxury, the Q8 delivers an ownership experience that justifies its premium positioning, especially with financing options making it more accessible.