Summary
The Audi Q8 is the German brand’s SUV flagship, and is basically a coupe version of the big-selling Q7. Confusingly, it’s unrelated to the similarly named Audi Q8 e-tron, which is an electric SUV.
The Q8 was launched back in 2018, with a facelifted model range arriving in the second half of 2023. This consisted of a few cosmetic changes and some on-board tech updates.
When The Car Expert tested the Q8, we described it as “a car for buyers who want the elegance of a luxury coupé and the convenience of a large SUV” while wondering just how many buyers would actually want such a vehicle.
While based on the Audi Q7, the Q8 is shorter, lower and wider, offering five seats instead of seven. The car demonstrates its sporty appeal with much bolder visuals particularly on the front end – styling according to Auto Trader that can be “as divisive as it is distinctive.”
Despite the sculpted looks and sloping roof the Q8 is surprisingly practical with lots of space in the rear. Being an Audi the fit and finish interior is to excellent standards and the technology both extensive and bang up to date. But to get all the bells and whistles that are available you have to dip deeply into the options list which can add serious extra cost – Top Gear points out the high-spec Vorsprung model is priced at around £18,000 more than the S-Line, which itself is well specified.
Power options range across a 3.0-litre petrol of 340hp and a 286hp 3.0-litre diesel, along with a couple of plug-in hybrid units. There is also a high-performance version, the SQ8, with a 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine pumping out 507hp and even an RS Q8 version with 600hp and a sub 4-second 0-62mph time.
On the road the Q8 is confident and lives up to its sporty billing – according to Auto Express it “offers good road manners and superb refinement, as well as a plush ride – if you avoid Dynamic mode.”
As of January 2025, the Audi Q8 holds an Expert Rating of D with a score of 59%. It has a good safety rating, but media review scores have been average and running costs are very high.
- Audi Q8 e-tron (electric SUV) – Expert Rating
- Audi RS Q8 (2020 onwards) – Expert Rating
- More Audi Expert Ratings, reviews, news and features
Audi Q8 highlights
- Surprisingly practical
- Powerful performance
- Lots of tech
- Strong standard safety spec
Audi Q8 lowlights
- Styling can be divisive
- Options add lots of expense
- Lots of safety kit on options list
- Super potent S and RS versions seem a bit pointless
Key specifications
Body style: Large SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £76,410 on-road
Launched: Summer 2018
Last updated: Autumn 2023
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
“Although it’ll appeal to limited numbers of buyers, the Q8 is a compelling package that’s enjoyable to drive, comfortable and packed with usable and useful technology.”
Read review
Auto Express
Model reviewed: SQ8 facelift
Score: 8 / 10
“It seems odd to say this about a £100k SUV, but the Audi SQ8 is a whimsical creation, with a practical cabin, a nicely sorted chassis and a V8 engine that somehow manages to enhance the experience without dominating it entirely. Those after genuine cross-country alacrity will still be better served by one of Porsche’s excellent updated Cayennes – but there’s enough about the updated SQ8 to keep it on the shortlists of those after a different badge.”
Author: John McIlroy
Read review
Model reviewed: 2023 facelift range
Score: 7 / 10
“Mid-life facelifts are designed to keep a car fresh and competitive against newer rivals – but Audi hasn’t quite achieved this with the Q8. It’s still a refined and practical offering, but modest updates aren’t enough to halt the feeling that the market for premium SUVs is slightly passing it by. The Porsche Cayenne arguably has greater badge appeal, and is more accomplished in pretty much every way dynamically.”
Author: John McIlroy
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi Q8 is luxurious, extravagant and stylish, and makes an admirable executive express for owners who aren’t too worried about its rather obvious packaging compromises. It takes up about as much room on the road as a Q7 SUV, but has only five seats and a much less useful boot.”
Read review
Model reviewed: SQ8
Score: 7 / 10
“The new Audi SQ8 TFSI moves away from diesel frugality, which strengthens its principles as a performance SUV. It’s slightly better to drive than the SQ7, but it risks making the RS Q8 redundant, given it serves up similar performance as well as greater levels of comfort at a much cheaper price.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi Q8 is designed to be a sportier accompaniment to the Q7, and to that end, it has a much more aggressive look. This styling may prove to be divisive, but buyers will still be impressed by the Q8’s beautifully modern interior, plentiful technology, strong practicality and muscular performance.”
Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: e-Tron 55 Sportback quattro 5Dr Launch Edition (2023
Score: 8 / 10
“The biggest problem for the Q8 e-Tron is still its range when compared to rivals in this price bracket.” (Martyn Collins)
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: SQ8
Score: 6 / 10
“Like all Q-cars wearing a four-ring bandana and displaying flared Quattro arches, the latest effort by Ingolstadt’s Sport division is a quality piece of kit.”
Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: 4.0-litre diesel automatic SQ8
Score: 8 / 10
“The SQ8 is another niche-filling model from an Audi, but a successful one at that, and while a diesel engine might not be the ideal choice for a sports model, the SQ8 is a true performance SUV. It’s the engine that really stands out here, though, with its seriously impressive torque.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: e-tron
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi Q8 e-tron is better than ever thanks to more tech, excellent driving range and superb performance.”
Read review
Model reviewed:
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The striking Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback is an upmarket electric SUV, with a huge battery to match its prodigious long-distance refinement.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol automatic SQ8
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The Audi SQ8 is effortlessly fast and has a great interior but it’s expensive”
Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“You won’t have trouble finding the new Audi Q8 in a crowded car park – it’s one of the biggest SUVs on sale – but boxier alternatives have bigger boots and come with the option of seven seats.”
Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: SQ8
Score: 7 / 10
“Ruthless coverer of ground whilst keeping the driver at arm’s length/”
Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“We always bang on about the huge number of SUVs on our roads these days, but there’s a very good reason why they’re so popular.”
Read review
Motoring Research
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“In its quest to fill every niche, Audi has created the Q8 SUV. It’s a ‘coupe’ version of the Q7, designed for those who value style above practicality.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi Q8 is a more expensive, less practical alternative to the Audi Q7, but one that offers really very good build quality and a roomy back seat. It isn’t about to trouble our list of the best SUVs, but if you like the way it looks and can put up with how hard you need to press the touchscreen controls, then we understand why you’d want to take a closer look.”
Author: Keith Adams
Read review
The Sun
“The Audi SQ8 is faster, smoother and more desirable then ever.”
Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 4.0-litre diesel automatic SQ8
Score: 8 / 10
“From the driver’s seat, the Audi SQ8 is an easy car to love. Effortless performance, impressive comfort and handling that belies its size combine with a classy interior and plenty of space to make this a terrific all-rounder. It is, however, a very expensive beast, especially in this Vorsprung form – and not one that will raise appreciative smiles from your fellow road users.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic
Score: 6 / 10
“More economical diesel, hybrid and big petrol engines are on the way for this handsome if pretty pointless SUV coupé, which is launched with a big diesel engine. Lovely cabin, and comfortable apart from a low-speed ride harshness, the Audi Q8 drives really nicely until you try and wring the last 10% out of it, whereupon you wonder why you bothered.”
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Audi’s big, aggressive Q8 is interesting and clever, with a side order of *whoa*”
Read review
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 93%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 71%
Safety assist: 73%
The current Audi Q8 was tested in 2019 and gained a five-star rating. Testers highlighted the effectiveness of the standard-fit autonomous emergency braking and the car scored maximum points in several of the impact tests. Audi offers a wide range of active safety systems but many are expensive options.
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of January 2025, the Audi Q8 has not been assessed by Green NCAP.
If the Q8 is put through the Green NCAP lab testing programme, we will publish the results here.
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of January 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Audi Q8 to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively for us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Q8, we’ll publish the score here.
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 26 mpg | E | 22 – 28 mpg | E – E |
Diesel models | 34 mpg | D | 31 – 35 mpg | D – E |
Plug-in hybrid models | 199 mpg | A | 26 – 217 mpg | A – E |
CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 251 g/km | D | 230 – 290 g/km | D – D |
Diesel models | 218 g/km | D | 212 – 240 g/km | D – D |
Plug-in hybrid models | 32 g/km | A | 30 – 67 g/km | A – A |
Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Plug-in hybrid models | 49 miles | D | 28 – 51 miles | C – E |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 50 | F | 47 – 50 | D – F |
Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
Year 1 | £469 | D |
Year 2 | £1,101 | D |
Year 3 | £1,836 | D |
Year 4 | £2,232 | D |
Year 5 | £2,810 | D |
Overall | £8,448 | D |
Running costs for the Audi Q8 range are very high, according to data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Fuel economy is poor for petrol models but a bit better for diesel-engined versions, though still rather disappointing. The plug-in hybrid models look amazing on paper, but this is largely thanks to ridiculous EU/UK government lab tests that are completely inadequate for plug-in hybrids. There is no way you will ever travel for 103 miles on a single gallon (4.5 litres) of fuel and some electricity…
The battery range of the plug-in hybrid model is weak when compared to class-leading rivals, with around 29 miles of real-world electric-only driving. It means that most households could do some of their weekly driving without using any petrol, but not all without consistently recharging.
Compared to the rest of the large SUV sector, the car’s service and maintenance costs are a bit higher than average. Insurance premiums are likely to be expensive too, based on data from the UK’s insurance group assessor, Thatcham Research.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Audi Q8
Date: January 2024
Recall number: R/2024/018
Model types: All
Build dates: 08/2023 to 10/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 187
Defect: The function of the side airbag may be restricted due to the airbag not being sufficiently secured to the front left seat frame.
Remedy: Conduct a check of the airbag to ensure it is secured correctly; if necessary the side airbag is to be correctly hooked in position and resecured.
Date: November 2023
Recall number: R/2023/331
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 13
Defect: A weld seam on the outer backrest frame of the front seats may not have been made correctly.
Remedy: Check the front seats and if required to replace the affected backrest.
Date: February 2022
Recall number: R/2022/036
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2019 to 02/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 5,327
Defect: Following a previous campaign the toe and/or camber values on the rear axle may in certain circumstances incorrectly be changed without this being noticed.
Remedy: The wheel alignment must be checked and if necessary the suspension must be serviced on the affected vehicles.
Date: June 2021
Recall number: R/2021/236
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2019 to 02/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 10,089
Defect: One or more nuts which do not meet the specifications may have been fitted on the rear axle suspension links.
Remedy: The affected nuts on the rear axle will be replaced on affected vehicles.
Date: May 2020
Recall number: R/2020/135
Model types: All
Build dates: 09/2019 to 12/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 1,568
Defect: It is possible that gear oil may escape due to a faulty welded joint on the gearbox oil line.
Remedy: The production date of the gear oil line must be checked first on the vehicles affected and the gear oil line must be replaced if necessary.
Date: March 2020
Recall number: R/2020/075
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2015 to 02/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 114
Defect: The bolted connection between the steering shaft and the steering rack may not have been tightened to the required torque.
Remedy: The bolted connection between the steering shaft and the steering rack will be checked and if necessary replaced.
Date: February 2019
Recall number: R/2019/065
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2018 to 12/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 31
Defect: A casting process error may affect the rigidity of the front shock absorber fork.
Remedy: Replace the affected shock absorber forks.
As of September 2024, there have been seven DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Audi Q8 addressing various different issues.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Audi dealer.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Q8, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Audi Q8, you might also be interested in these alternatives
BMW X6 | Maserati Levante | Mercedes-Benz GLE | Porsche Cayenne | Range Rover Sport
The BMW X6 is regarded as the key rival to the Audi Q8, and offers a better driving performance. The Mercedes-Benz GLE also goes up against it, while the Audi’s sporty styling might also tempt buyers of the Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport, though both these are more practical.
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Audi Q8 at The Car Expert
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