Audi Q8 (2023 - )

The Q8 is Audi’s flagship Q model and it certainly has plenty of kerb appeal thanks to its larger-than-life, yet dynamically-styled SUV proportions, as well as a raft of high-end technology. Customers can choose between petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains and for anyone looking for a performance model, there is the RS Q8 version.

There are three core trims to select from called S line, Black Edition and Vorsprung, although a limited-run Launch Edition was available when the first-generation car was facelifted in 2024.

We opted for the Q8 Black Edition for our test drive, powered by a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine that could probably have competed with the Artemis II for miles on a single tank!

Powering our Audi Q8 Black Edition test car was a punchy 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, delivering 286PS and 600Nm of torque. The acceleration through the eight-speed automatic transmission is beautifully smooth for a vehicle weighing in at 2.1 tonnes with the 0-62mph sprint ticked off in just 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 149mph.
When it comes to performance, the Q8 doesn’t drive like a full-sized SUV. Instead it is deceptively agile with perfectly weighted steering and impressive balance. It will cruise with ease at 70mph on motorways with the fuel gauge barely moving, and then when faced with narrower country lanes it’s confident and well grounded, even on the largest 22-inch wheels. It does feel a little wide at times, but that was our only concern.
There are seven drive modes to choose from called Efficiency, Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Individual, Off Road and All Road that change the characteristics of the vehicle. Additionally, if you pull the gear lever right back from the Drive setting you will move into Sport for added performance. The steering wheel paddles can be used to change gears manually, a feature I usually like, but the timing on the automatic gearbox is so good, you barely need to take over.
In towns and busy villages, the great driver visibility is a bonus and the Parking System Plus set-up will help identify a suitable space and automatically park the Q8 for you.
 

The facelifted Q8 features a number of new design cues, such as larger air inlets in the front bumper, a new-look single-frame grille, plus upgraded lighting technology featuring Matrix headlights. Our Q8 Black Edition also boasted plenty of high gloss black trimmings to help it stand out, such as black Audi rings, black door mirrors, along with 22-inch, 10-spoke alloys wheels with a black metallic finish. The tail lights are connected by a light bar and there are blacked out rear windows for an added touch of mystery.
Moving inside, the Q8 is upmarket, clutter-free and very high-end with a nice mix of physical and haptic touch controls to navigate the on-board tech, of which there is plenty.
The main focal point is a stand-alone, 10.1-inch infotainment screen offering access to the sat nav, smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, DAB radio, rear-view camera and plenty more besides.
A separate 12.3-inch display shows all the important driving data, such as speed, navigational directions, speed limits and other features – this can be configured to taste.
Finally, a third 8.6-inch display is where all the climate control settings are easily adjusted, including seat and steering wheel heating. 
Speaking of seats, they are upholstered in a premium leather material and are powered which makes it quick and easy to find the ideal driving position. There are also memory settings which is handy if the car is shared between drivers.
The cabin oozes charm with soft-touch surfaces, plush fixtures and fittings, along with plenty of model-specific badging throughout.
 

If you’re a shrinking violet kind of person, then the Q8 may not be the car for you. It’s simply huge and has a very strong road presence stretching 5,004mm in length, 1,996mm wide (excluding mirrors), 1,717mm tall and with a 3,004mm wheelbase. 

Those figures make for an exceptionally spacious cabin and generously-sized boot too. Up front there is bundles of room for adults over six foot to sit comfortably. And two more can fit in the back with enough room for a third, although the middle seat passenger will have to straddle a large transmission hump.

The boot is accessed via a powered tailgate and can swallow 605 litres of luggage with all seats in an upright position. But drop the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats and that capacity increases to 1,755. There are hooks to secure shopping bags as well as side nets for smaller items.

And there are plenty of additional storage areas scattered throughout the cabin too, including a glovebox, a central cubby, wide door bins, front and rear cup holders, seat back pockets, a small hidden compartment next to the driver’s door, a wireless charging pad and USB-C ports for all occupants.

With family adventures and getaways high on the wish list, the Q8 can tow a braked caravan weighing up to 3.5 tonnes and it has the excellent Quattro all-wheel drive system to cope with any boggy ground along the way.

The Audi Q8 line-up is priced from £81,295 for the entry-level S line model with the diesel powertrain and rises to £123,260 for the mighty SQ8 Vorsprung version with the petrol engine delivering 507PS.
Our test car – the Q8 SUV Black Edition with the 286PS diesel unit, cost £85,845 (on the road), but there were some optional extras to factor in too. For example, it featured upgraded Satellite silver paintwork at £795, a panoramic glass sunroof (£1,810) and a Technology Pack costing £2,995, which introduced that fabulous B&O audio system, a 360-degree camera, plus a head-up display.
According to WLTP-testing, our Q8 could deliver a combined 33.4mpg with carbon emissions of 222g/km. Unfortunately that high CO2 output, as well as the vehicle’s hefty price-tag, mean there will be some extra costs to factor in when budgeting.
As the cost of the car exceeds the government’s new £50k Expensive Car Supplement threshold, there will be an extra charge of £440 from years two to six. Additionally, the first-year road tax bill is high at £3,420 but this will drop to the standard £200 fee after 12 months.
Any business driver considering the Q8 for a work-based vehicle will see the worst Benefit in Kind rating of 37 per cent.
 

For such a big car, the Audi Q8 is deceptively nimble and fun to drive. It’s quick out the starting blocks, is a very competent motorway cruiser and also has a fun side when put to the test on quieter lanes.

The all-round handling impresses as do the refinement levels – long gone are those agricultural rumblings of a diesel engine.

Like all premium cars, it comes at a cost, but it is competitively priced against similar rivals from German marques such as BMW and Mercedes.