The Audi Q8 was introduced in 2018 as a more stylish and dynamic version of the Audi Q7. These two share many parts with each other, but the Q8 seems to be the one most people want. It is also the most expensive and most capable Audi SUV. So, Is Audi Q8 a good car?
The Audi Q8 is one of the best, if not the best Audi cars money can buy right now because it combines the very best qualities a daily driver can have. It comes with loads of powerful gasoline, diesel, and hybrid engines all of which are sophisticated, relatively efficient, and capable of sub 10 seconds 0-60mph times.
The Q8 also looks great inside and out as it is packed with the very latest Audi technology and acres of leather, carbon fiber, aluminum, or black piano plastic. The suspension and chassis tuning is entirely set up for comfort, but the RS and S models do seem a lot more dynamic. Reliability-wise, the Q8 is decent, yet it suffers from a fair bit of issues we are going to mention in this article.
The Q8 is an expensive car and it seems to hold its value really well on the 2nd hand market. Practicality-wise, the Q8 is capable of transporting up to five people without any issues. The trunk space is large, the visibility is great, and the Q8 is also easy to get in and out of.
Audi Q8 – The powertrain
The Audi Q8 comes with three different gas engines starting with the 55 TFSI 3.0L V6 with 340hp. The next in line is the Audi SQ8 which offers a 4.0L V8 with 507hp while the range-topping RS Q8 offers the same engine but the power is up to 600hp. The Q8 comes in two hybrid versions as well, the 55 TFSI e which adds an electric motor for a combined output of 381hp.
The most powerful hybrid version of the Q8 is the Q8 60 TFSI e which also uses the V6, but the added electric powertrain raises the power to 462hp. The Q8 also comes with three diesel engines, a 3.0L V6 with 231hp with the 45 TDI, or 286hp with the 50 TDI. The European market also gets the diesel SQ8 with a 4.0L diesel V8 with 435hp.
All Audi Q8 models come with Audi’s proprietary Tiptronic 8-speed transmissions and permanent Quattro AWD. If you want an efficient Q8, go for the diesels or the hybrid models. If you want the most sophisticated and most capable Q8 models, go for the gas versions.
Audi Q8 – Design and chassis
Probably the greatest asset the Q8 can offer is the looks because it looks stunning both from inside and out. The Q8 resembles the Lamborghini Urus because these two share a fair bit of parts with each other. The Q8 also gets a full rear lightbar which makes the Q8 lighting profile unmistakable from the rear and the front.
The suspension and chassis tuning are on the stiffer side but still dampened well enough for the Q8 to feel comfortable on a daily basis. If you want a more dynamic version of the Q8, you will have to go for the rapid Audi RS Q8 which can easily beat lots of sports cars off the line.
Audi Q8 – Reliability and common issues
The Q8 is a decently reliable car, but only if you maintain it well enough. The most common Q8 issues are associated with the suspension, the steering system, the transmission, increased levels of tire wear, the start/stop system, and issues with the front shock absorber forks.
The Q8 is an expensive car to buy, but it is also an expensive car to tun. Replacement tires cost a fortune and they all need to be the same because the Q8 is an AWD car. Replacement parts are also expensive, and so are insurance and every other expense associated with the car. However, that comes with the territory.
Audi Q8 – Value and practicality
If you want one of the world’s best SUVs, and you are willing to pay for it, the Q8 is the one to get as it offers pretty much everything a modern-day Audi can offer. The Q8 starts at around $70,000 without any options while the most expensive RS Q8 costs an eye-watering $120,000 without any options. Options are plentiful and many Q8 models cost upwards of $150,000.
Practicality-wise, the Q8 is not as good as the Q7, but it certainly isn’t lacking in that department. It can easily accommodate up to four people while the trunk space is large as well. Visibility could be a bit better but is still better than most cars. The Q8 is easy to get in and out of and it feels sturdy, safe, and accommodating.
FAQ Section
Which Audi Q8 is the best?
It depends on who you are asking. If you can’t be bothered with speed, power, and V8 engines, you should go for the 50 TDI diesel model or the 55 TFSI model. If it makes sense for you to go for a hybrid, go for the 60 TFSI e model. However, if you want the best and most capable Q8 models, go for either the S Q8 or the RS Q8.
It’s fairly obvious that the best Q8 model out of them all is the RS Q8 because it gets the best features and the 600hp engine is an extremely exciting engine to drive.
Is the Audi Q8 a safe car?
The Audi Q8 is a really safe car and safety is not an issue with the Q8. It is a 5-star rated car when it comes to safety because it manages to satisfy all safety organizations. It is a robust car with great crash protection and loads of active software safety systems.
However, most of these safety systems are part of additional equipment which somewhat decreases the overall safety levels, but even without any systems, the Q8 is more than safe.
Is the Audi Q8 an off-roader?
The Audi Q8 is an SUV almost exclusively designed for on-road use. It comes with 21-inch wheels are the very least which means that off-roading is a no-go for the Q8. This is not really a surprise as most people interested in the Q8 don’t really care about off-roading anyway.
