Is it just me, or is Audi’s Q8 one of the finest looking SUVs on the market today? My well-optioned tester was painted black, making it even more menacing than usual, and came equipped with a ski rack to show that it’s not just another pretty face, but practical too.
Audi introduced the Q8 as a 2019 model, and other than some tech features that found their way downstream to lesser trims in newer versions, 2019, 2020 and 2021 models are all the same. Fortunately, the SUV being reviewed here includes almost everything Audi had available when tested, and therefore all that’s on offer for 2021.
If you think Audi’s coupe-like utility somewhat resembles Lamborghini’s Urus or even Porsche’s new Cayenne Coupe, it’s due to both riding on the back of this Q8, which itself shares underpinnings with the larger three-row Q7 that was co-developed with Volkswagen’s Touareg. Consider this Q8 a sportier two-row Q7, albeit with a more premium image and performance-oriented mission.
Plenty of performance options available with the Q8
Case in point, there’s no 591 horsepower RS version of the Q7, just an SQ7 to go along with the mid-range SQ8. Still, 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque (instead of 590 lb-ft) is nothing to scoff at. Both were introduced last year for 2020, as was the more potent RS Q8 that would’ve immediately been hailed as the supercar of SUVs if the aforementioned Lambo hadn’t already laid claim to that title. Zero to 60 in 3.1 seconds is hard to beat for any stock SUV, although Bentley’s Bentayga, which rides on Audi’s Q7 platform, does a decent job of covering the same ground in the mid-three-second range. The RS Q8 does the deed in 3.7 seconds, incidentally, while the SQ8 can cover the same distance in 4.3 seconds.
What about the base Q8? It’s still on a performance mission, albeit one with less intensity due to a respectable yet more down to earth 5.9-second run. The regular Q8 is more about going stylishly quick, with a standard turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that at 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque starts off with a lot more verve than the base Q7’s 2.0-liter turbo-four, which merely makes 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Sure, you can amp up the Q7 with the Q8’s standard mill or the formidable SQ7’s V8, but the very fact you can’t get the greener, cleaner four-cylinder option in the Q8 is proof positive that it’s targeting a more upmarket clientele.
One of Audi’s best interiors to date
This won’t be immediately apparent upon cracking open the front door and peeking inside, however, as the Q7 received all the Q8’s interior upgrades last year, which means both now incorporate some of the best cabin designs, materials quality, and build execution in the industry. Like Audi’s new brand-wide exterior styling, the interior gets plenty of sharp angles laid out in a horizontal theme that visually lends to a feeling of expansive width, while the majority of surfaces are soft to the touch and put together impeccably.
Dark charcoal gray might have made my tester come across as austere if it weren’t for surrounding contrast-stitched leather surfacing, inky piano black lacquer inlays, rich gray/brown open-pore hardwood trim, and Audi’s usual array of satin-finish aluminum accents, all of which simultaneously warmed and brightened the SUV’s internal ambiance for a welcoming experience overall.
Light from the panoramic sunroof overhead didn’t hurt matters either, nor did the colorful assortment of high-definition displays that included Audi’s superb “Virtual Cockpit” digital gauge cluster ahead of the driver, a large main touchscreen just to the right on the center stack, and just below that a dedicated touch capacitive display for the HVAC system.
Digital nirvana for the technologically aroused
Audi was quicker than most to adopt digital gauges, and despite being early to market they managed to hit the mark spot on. The cluster provides more personalization than most rival systems, but even better is its ability to almost completely transform into a massive multi-information display, only leaving tiny speedometer and tachometer dials to its outer edges. This provides a sensational visual effect as well as an excellent view of infotainment functions, particularly when the navigation system’s detailed map is shown.
This is especially helpful when wanting to use different functions at the same time. With the navigation system directly in front of the driver, the audio system can be managed on the center display by the front passenger, while the separate HVAC interface never competes for attention. The depth of color and contrast of all displays is impressive too, and as you might expect in an Audi, the graphics were tasteful and usability easy thanks to a tile layout that incorporates various colors to highlight each feature. Even the backup camera, which included an overhead bird’s-eye view in my tester, was so clear and bright it was if looking at an OLED TV.
The touch-sensitive theme continues onto the lower console where a row of buttons allows the selection of Comfort, Auto, Dynamic (sport), Individual and Off-Road “drive select” modes, the cancellation of traction and stability control, turning on hazard flashers, and opting for defog/defrost settings. On this note, all-analog switchgear was impressively crafted.
Comfortable, roomy, and practical too
As for getting comfortable, which is truly the regular Q8’s priority, my driver’s seat featured no shortage of adjustments, even including an extendable lower cushion for cupping under the knees (I love this), heating and cooling functions, as well as massage action with wave, pulse, stretch, relaxation, shoulder, and activation modes, along with three intensity levels.
Finding the ideal seating position is made easier thanks to a powered tilt and telescopic steering column with plenty of rearward reach for good comfort and control, while backseat drivers benefit from more space than I expected in an SUV with the Q8’s coupe-like profile. There were actually three to four inches of additional room over my head, and while I only measure five-foot-eight, this should be enough to accommodate someone six to eight inches taller than me. Leg and knee room was more than sufficient too, allowing me to almost fully stretch out, while three aside won’t be a problem in this mid-size SUV either.
Rear amenities included a wide folding armrest at the center, fitted with cupholders that pop up when needed, plus powered sunshades that can be actuated on both windows by either outboard rear passenger. The rear HVAC system comes with a vent on each B-pillar and two more on the backside of the front console, the latter also including a touchscreen for two more automatic climate zones, totaling four, plus controls for the heatable rear seats.
The Q8’s cargo department is large for this class as well and features convenient 40/20/40 split-folding rear seatbacks that can only be lowered via levers on the seats themselves. I found the lack of release levers in the cargo area strange, but I’ll gladly walk around to the side doors when dropping the seats in exchange for a center pass-through.
With such practicalities in mind, it’s important to note this base Q8 is quite reasonable on fuel too, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg in the city, 17 on the highway, and 18 combined, or if you hail from north of the 49th, 13.8, 11.7 and 12.7 L/100km respectively.
A great performer in every way
The latter efficiency, along with all the just-noted cargo space and its standard Quattro all-wheel drive, makes the Q8 ideal for a winter getaway to snow-packed mountains, boards and additional gear stowed in back with all four occupants kept warm via just-noted seat warmers. You’ll certainly have no problem maintaining pace up the hill, the previously mentioned base V6 more than adequate for passing busloads of skiers and other slowpokes, its various drive modes allowing everything from ultra-smooth economy to quick, exacting shifts throughout its eight forward gears. Quattro all-wheel drive is superb no matter the road conditions, but especially confidence-inspiring on slippery tarmac, as is the sharp, direct electromechanical steering setup and superbly sorted five-link front and rear suspensions.
The 2020 Q8 Premium 55 TFSI Quattro can be had for a very reasonable $68,200 plus freight and fees, while Canadian buyers can purchase an even better equipped base version in much more creatively named Progressiv trim for $82,350CAD (the equivalent of $64,400USD). US and Canadian Q8s are optioned similarly in their respective top-line $77,850 Prestige and $90,200 ($75,500USD) Technik trim and believe me, you won’t feel hard done by in either interior. In fact, for that money, you’re getting one of the most impressive five-occupant SUVs available, period. Consider it seriously.