Nowadays everything that has the form of an SUV has a high percentage of being a bestseller. Not even the largest and most expensive models are elusive to this trend. The Listen Q8 is a good example of it. With one of the most complete SUV ranges on the market, Audi he knew there was room for one more. One that opted for design above all. It was originally launched on the market in 2019, receiving a small facelift after the summer of 2023.
We have tested this car:
Test Audi Q8 50 TDI 286 CV quattro tiptronicIts imposing style is the first thing that catches your attention. Born from the rib of a Listen Q7, the Q8 extends its line to a more coupé format, more attractive. His line is his main attraction, although thanks to the technique his 2.200 kilograms of weight manage to achieve an unsuspected dynamism. At the end of 2020 there is a minimal update focused mainly on the incorporation of plug-in hybrid versions to the range.
Technical characteristics of the Audi Q8
Beneath its muscular and sculpted bodywork, the Audi Q8 uses the well-known MLB architecture of the Volkswagen Group, the same used by other models of the house, such as the aforementioned Q7, or also the Volkswagen Touareg or even the Porsche Cayenne. This structure positions it at the top of the Audi range, both in size and price.
The MLB platform generates some discrete dimensions for it. 4,98 meters long, 1,99 meters wide and 1,7 meters high. To this we must add a wheelbase of three meters that gives it a very optimal interior space for a maximum of five passengers. Its large size also favors it when it comes to offering generous capacity figures. 605 liters minimum capacity, 439 liters for plug-in hybrids
Although it is an SUV and mounts a typical Audi quattro all-wheel drive scheme, the Q8 is not capable of facing exaggerated escapades through the countryside. Its free height with respect to the ground is 22 centimeters, very good. The biggest limitation will be marked by the tires and the type of compound they use. Tires that by the way, like the car, show a considerable size: 265/55 R19.
Mechanics and gearboxes of the Audi Q8
To drive the Audi Q8, the brand has dedicated the most exclusive engines of the VW Group. The offer is made up of diesel, gasoline and plug-in hybrid units with the DGT ZERO label. All units come standard with a tiptronic automatic transmission and the famous all-wheel drive quattro scheme.
As for the diesel mechanics, the range starts with the access version, the 45 TDI of 231 horses. That same three-liter V6 block is used for the Q8 50 TDI with 286 horses of power The gasoline mechanics start with the Q8 55 TFSI 340 horsepower of power Above are the Audi SQ8 with 507 hpyou and the mighty Audi RS Q8 with 600 horsepower, the latter being the most powerful of the family.
The mechanical novelties come from the hand of PHEV technology. The two units have the same structure. The main engine is a turbocharged 6 cc V2.995 petrol block. It is associated with an electric motor and a battery with a net capacity of 22 kWh. The Q8 55 TFSIe offers 394 horses and 84 kilometers of autonomy, Whereas the Q8 60 TFSIe reaches 489 horses with 84 kilometers of range.
Equipment of the Audi Q8
Audi not only reserves the most performance mechanics for the Q8, it also reserves the best finishes and the best equipment. The range of equipment is made up of two lines. On one hand the baseline and on the other the so-called Black Line Edition. The differences between them lie in aspects of equipment, design and also price, with a difference of 12.000 euros between one and the other.
The jump is significant. The base finish brings with it important equipment elements like the MMI Plus navigation system, the digital instrument panel, the LED headlights, the electric tailgate, cruise control and some other trinkets. To this we must add a not very extensive provision of security elements that forces us to scratch our pockets to get more.
Obviously the Audi Q8 can offer many elements and systems that make life on board safer and more comfortable, but there are also options that improve performance. Steering rear axle, sports air suspension These are just some examples. In addition to that, many technical elements such as the Audi laser headlights for the front or the new OLED lighting signature for the rear. To this we must also add other interesting details such as the night vision camera. Everything to make the Q8 a marvel in every sense.
The Audi Q8 according to Euro NCAP
How could it be otherwise? Audi Q8 has been certified as a car with five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests. After these tests, the large SUV can stand out in some aspects. Safety for adult passengers is especially noteworthy, with a rating of 93 out of 100. Also notable results in safety for child passengers, 87 out of 100, and behavior of security assistants, 73 out of 100. These ratings are still valid after the 2023 update to No changes occur in the structure of the vehicle.
The Audi Q8 of Km 0 and second hand
The Q8 is established as the most expensive SUV in Audi's range, which implies a low sales volume. Despite this, thanks to its premium character and its high attractiveness, depreciation remains at minimum values, around 23%, being one of the best figures in the category. The supply available in alternative sales channels is down given the high sales prices.
If we look for units on the used or second-hand market, we see barely a hundred units available whose prices start at figures close to 68.000 euros for 2019 models with more than 60.000 kilometers traveled. The offer of Km 0 is practically non-existent. Dealers do not accumulate stock due to the low demand for units and the high level of customization required by customers.
Rivals of the Audi Q8
That the Q8 market is very exclusive, does not mean that we find various models that stand up to it. All of them have the same cut: premium character, SUV, and coupé line. Having these measures we find rivals like the BMW X6 and Mercedes GLE coupe. We can also add others that use the same platform, such as the Porsche Cayenne Coupe and Lamborghini Governance, although in these two cases the price and performance can be much higher.
Highlight
- Integrated
- Quality
- Behavior
To improve
- High price
- Tiptronic transmission
- Optional Security Wizards
Audi Q8 prices
The Q8 is the largest and most expensive SUV that the German house has for sale, even more than the Q7. In the cheapest of cases the Audi Q8 has a starting price of 98.495 euros. That's if we're talking about the Q8 with the engine and access equipment. The SQ8 increases the price to at least 131.995 euros. All without offers or promotions. The cheapest plug-in hybrid, the Q8 55 TFSIe has a minimum rate of 102.995 euros.
Image gallery
The content of the article adheres to our principles of editorial ethics. To report an error click here.