Name: Audi Q8 Review
Item: Audi Q8
Author: Gumtree.com

Striking and powerful, the Audi Q8 is a luxury SUV with a sophisticated coupe-style appearance. Its show-stopping appeal has been leading the field since its launch in 2017. With plenty of room for five and an exceptional list of safety features, it’s a family-friendly car that’s both practical and desirable. Under the bonnet you’ll find performance-driven precision engineering in petrol and diesel engines and an efficient plug-in hybrid. Full of quality both inside and out, the S Line, Black Edition, and Vorsprung trims offer premium features for a deluxe driving experience.

View our Q8 model page to see available options for the Audi Q8.

What we think about the Audi Q8

The Q8 has elegant features you rarely see in an SUV and a refined style that warrants its place at the top end of the market.

Pros

Fantastic build quality

Quiet and refined performance

Attractive styling

Cons

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Premium price

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Less spacious than the Q7

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Fiddly infotainment menu

Launched in 2017, you’ll find the Q8 available as a petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid. There are four variations to choose from, including the super-charged SQ8 and RS Q8. We’re looking at the standard Q8 here. Trim levels start with the S Line but it’s not an entry-level trim by any means. For a more unique look, choose the Black Edition for its Titanium Black Styling Pack. The top-of-the-range Vorsprung has all the styling of the Black Edition plus all-wheel-drive for added traction and control on all surfaces.

Driving performance of the Audi Q8

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

You’ll be quick off the mark with the Q8, as it has supreme pulling power – especially for a vehicle of its size. The petrol engine can reach 0-60 in just 5.6 seconds, but if speed is your thing the RS Q8 achieves it in a jaw-dropping 3.8 seconds. An eight-speed automatic transmission includes manual and sport modes to adapt to different conditions, and you’ll have the added bonus of four-wheel drive on the Vorsprung. Responsive steering on all trims helps you to grip the road firmly, making cornering and turning a breeze.

Safety and reliability of the Audi Q8

Our Safety Rating8 / 10

The Q8’s safety features are some of the best in its class. It’s got a Euro NCAP five-star safety rating and almost 40 safety aids. All models have accident prevention tools onboard such as auto emergency braking, forward collision warning and pedestrian detection. You’ll also have the benefit of safety gadgets such as lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring. One of our favourite features is the rear and forward traffic alert systems, as they help keep you informed when navigating junctions. All the tools are in place to help you avoid an accident but, if the worst was to happen, safety is firmly top of the list with Isofix points and multiple airbags available in all variants. With it being such a new model and from a quality manufacturer like Audi, it’s unlikely you’ll experience any reliability issues, but a 60,000 miles, three-year warranty is offered for peace of mind.

Under the bonnet of the Audi Q8

Our Engine Rating7 / 10

Both the petrol and diesel engines have great pulling power, even from low revs, and reach high speeds with ease. The 55 TFSI is a 3.0-litre V6 mild-hybrid petrol engine with 340 bhp. There’s also a plug-in petrol hybrid, the 55 TFSI e, which has 381 bhp and can fully charge in just two and a half hours. The diesel variant, the 50 TDI, is also a V6 mild-hybrid and has 286 bhp. You’ll not need to go any bigger, but if you’re looking for the top-of-the-range, a V8 engine can be found in both the SQ8 and RS Q8.

What you'll find in the Audi Q8

Our Design Rating9 / 10

The Q8’s sleek coupe-style looks give it real star status without sacrificing its space for passengers. The front has an extra-large grille and striking mask trim that can be found in either silver or gloss black, giving it that refined-but-beefy look that works extremely well with the matrix LED headlights. It’s got the quality engineering you’d expect from an Audi but also a unique charm that sets it apart from other models such as the Q5 and Q7.

Comfort and interiors in the Audi Q8

Our Comfort Rating7 / 10

A plush interior completes the Q8 experience. In the front, you’ll have all the comfort you need for long journeys from the heated leather sports seats. There’s also plenty of headroom and legroom for you and your passengers. The boot’s got lots of space, too, with a capacity of up to 606 litres. On the dash, you’ll find the renowned digital Audi Virtual Cockpit display. Use it to customise your instrument view to just how you like it and integrate functions like satellite navigation and Apple CarPlay into your clear eye-line. There are also two large digital touchscreen displays in the centre console area. The screens are high-definition and responsive but can be difficult to get used to, as the menu isn’t as intuitive as others in this class. The ability to use voice commands makes operating the system easier, though.

What features you'll find in the Audi Q8

Our Features Rating9 / 10

The Vorsprung Edition’s 22-inch alloys offer the wow factor and ultimate kerb appeal. But, even the 21-inch rims on the S Line more than match the stature of the chassis. Sporty features such as side ventilation grilles and a roof spoiler are found on the S Line trim, and you’ll also get a sports suspension on the Vorsprung. Parking is a breeze with a high-definition, surround-view camera system, and front and rear sensors. On the Vorsprung, you’ll even get a semi-autonomous park assist functionality.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Audi Q8

Our Fuel Consumption Rating8 / 10

If you’re after fuel efficiency from the Q8, opt for the plug-in hybrid – it offers mpg of 94.2-97.4 and can run on its electric-only mode for up to 28 miles. You’ll be doing your bit for the environment in this mode, too, with zero emissions – perfect for short inner-city commutes. The diesel mild-hybrid is the next best performer with a 34 mpg. You can expect a more modest number of around 25 mpg for the petrol variant.

Running costs of the Audi Q8

Our Cost Rating7 / 10

As a premium SUV, the Q8 is at the very top of insurance groupings, so you’ll need to factor this into your running costs. As it’s relatively new on the market you’ll also have to pay the supplement car tax levy until it reaches six years old. It’s competitive in its class for fuel economy though, and we’d go for the plug-in hybrid or diesel if you’re planning on doing a lot of miles.

Our verdict of the Audi Q8

4.5 / 5 Gumtree rating

The Q8 is in a class of its own and is the star of the show in Audi's line-up. It's the perfect choice of SUV, offering style and performance with a comfortable, family-friendly ride.

Audi Q8 Review