Audi Q8 SUV overview 2022

The Audi Q8 was the model’s first coupe-SUV and it was arguably slightly late to hitch an ever-expanding class, as a result of BMW had had the X6 in the marketplace for a number of years beforehand, with newer arrivals together with the Porsche Cayenne Coupe and Mercedes GLE Coupe.

Based mostly on the identical platform because the Q7, the Q8 presents itself as a extra dynamic and sporty machine than its sister mannequin. Certainly, it options a much more sweeping, muscular design than the fairly battleship-esque Q7. It definitely has presence on the highway, which is essential to attract clients away from the clutches of rivals.

High 10 finest luxurious SUVs 2022

Audi has finished a great job of creating the Q8 distinct from the Q7, notably when you think about the variations between the 2 are basically beauty. The entrance of the automotive contains a far wider and decrease model of Audi’s signature ‘singleframe’ grille design, with considerably bigger air intakes beneath and sharp, slim LED headlights.

The flanks of the Q8 are distinctive, too. It borrows sporty design cues from different Audi coupe fashions, with angular wheelarch flares influenced by the Audi Quattro sports activities automotive that established the model’s four-wheel-drive credentials in rallying. The roof spoiler is a outstanding characteristic, with a daring trying design that matches completely with the automotive’s sporty ethos. The total-width LED mild bar in the back of the automotive provides it a futuristic look just like that of the range-topping Audi A8. The S line mannequin options 21-inch wheels that do an admirable job of filling the Q8’s large wheelarches.

For those who desire a high-performance model of the Q8, there’s an SQ8 with a 500bhp V8 petrol engine (which changed a V8 diesel engine in July 2020). The range-topping RS Q8 mannequin shares its 592bhp V8 petrol engine with the Audi RS6 Avant property. Each these variations of the Q8 provide formidable efficiency however the SQ8 begins at simply over £83,000 and the RS Q8 is north of £100,000.

Inside, issues are extra elegant than sporty; the atmosphere is just like that skilled by Audi A8 drivers. The Q8 shares that mannequin’s cutting-edge central management system for infotainment and comfort options. This makes use of two touchscreen panels – 10.1-inch above, 8.6-inch under – that present ‘haptic suggestions’ (the feeling of a click on or vibration) when instructions are issued. It is a incredible system that provides an actual futuristic really feel.

One other hi-tech contact is Audi’s Digital Cockpit digital instrument panel, which is configurable to show varied data, together with 3D color mapping, which could be displayed proper in your line of sight, with velocity and different driving information proven both facet.

Each Q8 comes with numerous know-how and tools, however there are nonetheless a number of trim ranges to select from. S line, Black Version and high-end Vorsprung can be found, with a number of choices on the SQ8 and RS Q8 as nicely. Vorsprung variations boast an particularly indulgent stage of normal package. Regardless of occupying as a lot area on the highway as a Q7, there is not any seven-seat possibility for the Q8 – that sweeping roofline would make it inconceivable to supply any headroom by any means in a 3rd row. As a substitute, there’s an enormous boot and second-row passengers have as a lot area as within the Q7.

Audi’s full suite of security help techniques is offered and the Q8 bought a robust five-star security rating when independently crash-tested by Euro NCAP. Whereas Audi’s performances for security ought to offer you confidence, reliability remains to be an space that may very well be improved. Audi’s Twenty third-place rating in our Driver Energy proprietor satisfaction survey wasn’t vastly spectacular.

The Q8’s simple visible attraction – in and out – makes Audi’s greatest coupe-SUV a gorgeous possession prospect. Nonetheless, the Q8 is not any higher at transporting a household than its Q7 sister and does not provide any extra driving pleasure. In the end, the additional versatility of the seven-seat Q7 makes it simpler to suggest.