The 2024 Audi Q8 backs its coupe-like styling with pleasing performance and plenty of luxury and technology features. A high price tag and a few compromises, however, prevent it from being the overall favorite in the class.Read full review
Throttle response is slow in the default driving mode
What's new
Updated front and rear styling
Adaptive cruise control and lane centering assistance are now standard
Other minor updates to feature availability
Part of the first Q8 generation introduced for 2019
Overview
The 2024 Audi Q8 is the four-ring brand's flagship SUV. The model shares much with the related Q7 three-row luxury SUV, but the Q8 is smaller, makes do with only two rows of seats, and boasts sleeker styling with a coupe-like sloping roofline. For 2024, the Q8 receives a mild face-lift to bring its styling more in line with the new Q8 e-tron, an electric SUV that doesn't share much with the Q8 except the name. Changes include a redesigned grille, thinner headlights and revised feature availability. Besides those updates, the Q8 carries on with the same 48-volt hybrid-assisted turbocharged V6 and standard Quattro all-wheel-drive system as before.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Audi Q8 Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $5.22 per gallon for premium unleaded in California.
Every Audi Q8 packs a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 assisted by a 48-volt mild hybrid system. This setup produces 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque and is intended to boost efficiency, especially in stop-and-go traffic. But unfortunately for the Q8, the Edmunds team didn't see those benefits in our real-world tests. On our highway-heavy test loop, the stylish SUV only slightly outperformed its EPA estimate of 19 mpg combined, which is already on the low side for the class.
Competitors to consider
The Audi Q8 competes with other coupe-style luxury SUVs, including the Porsche Cayenne Coupe, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and BMW X6. Additionally, the Q8 could be cross-shopped against standard two-row luxury SUVs such as the Genesis GV80 and BMW X5. Check out our Expert Rating to find out where the Q8 stands against a few of its key competitors.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our Verdict
The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Good
7.8
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2024 Audi Q8 backs its coupe-like styling with pleasing performance and plenty of luxury and technology features. A high price tag and a few compromises, however, prevent it from being the overall favorite in the class.
How does the Q8 drive? With enough prodding, the Audi Q8 proves that it has the thrust to move at a good clip. In Edmunds' testing, 0-60 mph came in 5.6 seconds. That's quick, though other SUVs in the class with similar engines are either as quick or quicker. But throttle response in the default drive mode feels strangely weak, especially considering how much power is available. Response improves to acceptable levels in Sport mode.
The Q8 handles admirably through tight and sweeping corners alike. The suspension is properly buttoned-down in Sport mode, and body roll is nicely controlled. Only in higher-speed corners does the Q8's weight become a limiting factor. The steering is accurate and well tuned in terms of effort.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the Q8? Like any good luxury SUV, the Q8 provides comfort in spades. We love the front seats' wide range of adjustment and cushy armrests. The seat padding is firm yet comfortable. Heating and ventilation functions seem subtle but are effective over time.
The Q8's suspension manages both compliance and body control very well. While this Audi isn't the cushiest of rides, it provides a sufficiently comfortable ride quality. At highway speeds, there's a marginal amount of road noise and slightly more wind noise around the windshield. Otherwise, all other ambient noise is nicely isolated.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? Audi's bold decision to go full touchscreen on its latest infotainment interface is controversial. Some of our team found the interface distracting and easy to smudge, while others liked the clean look and operation. We were more united in our dislike of the Q8's limited visibility. The rake of the front windshield and rear glass does shrink your view out, and the front and rear roof pillars are on the thick side.
The Q8 offers plenty of room, though. The space up front is generous even if the lower roofline gives the impression of less headroom than there is. The rear seating is surprisingly opulent, with excellent legroom, lots of toe clearance and ample headroom. The wide rear bench can hold three adults in agreeable comfort.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $11,612 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $11,612 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Premium Plus trim.
How’s the tech? The MMI interface isn't for everybody, but you can't deny that the Q8's cabin tech looks fully modern and comes with plenty of features. We like that it supports wireless smartphone integration, and the Digital Cockpit instrument panel is both useful and crisp-looking.
We're less impressed by the voice control system, which isn't as full-featured as Mercedes' MBUX system. It needs to be able to handle more functions, especially since Audi buried nearly all controls in the distracting infotainment system. The Q8's driver aids work well, but Audi's decision to make adaptive cruise control part of an optional midtrim package is irksome.
Storage
8/10
How’s the storage? The Q8's design preserves most of the cargo space and offers people something attractive and cool to look at. The optional air suspension allows you to lower the rear for easier access to a wide cargo area. The split seats fold flat and provide a decent 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Storage is scarce for small items aside from the sizable door pockets. Car seat anchors hide behind removable covers, and the ample legroom ensures car seats of any size will fit.
The optional towing package gives the Q8 a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which is generous for the class. A trailer maneuver assist feature automatically guides the trailer while you're reversing — the driver swipes to control it on the lower MMI infotainment display.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
6/10
How’s the fuel economy? Despite the mild hybrid powertrain, the Q8 is less efficient than much of its competition with comparable engines. Its rating of 20 mpg combined (18 city/23 highway) is about 2 mpg lower than most. We measured 19.5 mpg on our highway-heavy test loop, which is slightly lower than we anticipated. This may be due to the use of Sport mode to offset its sluggishness in Normal mode.
Value
7/10
Is the Q8 a good value? The Q8 exudes quality from the inside out. It's not just nice materials — the execution of the design and attention to detail also make the Q8 feel special. One interesting design detail is the use of frameless windows in the mold of a sports car. This is a rare feature for an SUV, yet the doors are solid and airtight.
That impressive build quality comes at a fairly steep price. Our fully loaded test vehicle came within a whisper of $100,000, which is quite a lot for a V6-powered midsize SUV. Audi's warranties are average for a luxury automaker.
Wildcard
8.5/10
The Q8 scores big points with its sporty styling, and thankfully it has the performance chops to back it up. Still, you're not going to be outrunning sport sedans in this thing even though it looks like you could. But you will have one of the coolest-looking SUVs in the lineup for school drop-offs.
Which Q8 does Edmunds recommend?
You can't go wrong with the midtier Premium Plus model. That trim gets you all the standard features of the base Premium plus the contents of the Convenience package — including a 360-degree camera system and a heated steering wheel — plus add-ons like ventilated front seats and a kicking 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
2020 Audi Q8 Prestige 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A)
I’ve owned my Prestige Trim with the Luxury and Year One packages for about 4 months. Absolutely love it. Best styling out there for the “coupe style” SUVs, with the added benefits of a roomy second row and cargo area. Fit and finish of materials are superb quality.
The vehicle handles very well, respecting its size. The power is more than adequate, with plenty of on ramp and … passing power when you need it.
If there is a weak spot, there is a bit of a quirk in the gearing and synchronization with the stop start system. At times, the vehicle can feel a little sluggish at very low speeds in the regular drive setting. I chalk this up to the EPA standards. Simply turn off the stop start or put the gearing in Sport mode and everything works as would be expected for the torque and HP of the engine. Read up on other consumer views of manufacturer stop start systems and you will see similar criticisms though. So, it’s not just an Audi or Q8 thing.
I’m very happy with my purchase. Put it on your short list if you are looking at the handful of coupe SUVs.
2021 update— my Q8 continues to put a smile on my face. Fit and finish remains top notch, love the drive.
Just OK
2 out of 5 stars
Chris, 02/02/2023
2023 Audi Q8 Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A)
Have 3k on our gas q8. Mush accelerator, typical slow computer to get it moving. Same features as the Toyota I just rented in Florida but 3x the cost. Too gimmicky. No place for sunglasses, how hard is that Audi? My droid doesn’t charge in the cell holder which is behind my elbow in the console. So I carry around a charger in the glove box and I installed a cell holder. Had to wire my … radar detector all the way to console to get 12 volts cause the car runs on 38 volts so I couldn’t go into the engine compartment. (Good luck if you need a jump). More road noise than my 2015 Dodge Ram; I.e. poor noise isolation in suspension even running tires at 26psi. Actually miss my 2014 Jeep grande Cherokee compared to this, which was quieter. Audi engineers need to graduate high school and think about the drivers and the layout. Suggest you really test drive it before you plop down $70k. Radio is painful. Yeah. It’s just OK if you’re trying to impress you neighbors. It tries to do everything I suspect to compete, but misses the point of driving. Oh well, three years and it’s getting replaced. Would like to see some real reviews here.
Q8, AMG GLE 53, vs X6
5 out of 5 stars
RIckS, 10/12/2020
2020 Audi Q8 Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A)
I drove, researched, and compared all 3 of these cars for a month. It quickly came down to the Audi or the Benz, while the X6 delivered a phenomenal drive, I just can’t get over the direction BMW has taken on its interior design and styling, which does not ring a European aesthetic.Also my previous X5 M did not age well, despite being routine maintenance and regular detailing, I just … wasn’t willing to go back to BMW for this round.
The Audi had caught my eye from the very beginning, there is nothing else quite like it on the road, other than the similar Lambo. The AMG has a striking exterior design which also captured my attention, until I opened the door. The cockpit with one long horizontal screen and row of 4 air vents just do not sit well with me nor read design or luxury to my eye. Huge disappointment, as it performed beautifully on the road, not too soft, but a heavy, tight grip and the driving assistance and safety options were my favorite of the 3, by a narrow margin. I just couldn’t get over having to look at the interior with its two dimensional horizontal and flat panel. All 3 brands delivered fantastic performance that were more than enough to keep me happy.
I chose a well equipped Q8 premium plus S Line, and love the car more now than when I purchased it several months ago. Styling and design lead the others, I notice a lot of stares, it is not as common on the road as the BMW or the AMG. The car continues to amaze me and I still learn a new tech feature on the car occasionally, I agree mostly with the Edmunds review, especially on lack of storage and initial acceleration, Sport improves this, but it falls short of the BMW and AMG in this department. As I am mostly a highway driver, the Audi is a blast to drive.
I don’t feel the review mentions the capabilities it deserves on its technology. The Audi sets a benchmark in the technology arena and the Audi pre- sense feature has already prevented what would have been a very bad accident, it performed like no other car I have ever driven or witnessed; to say the it’s execution was impressive is an understatement and I still get a chill thinking about my Q8 dodging the incident and stopping on a dime while I watched 3 cars directly in front myself pile into each other. I was told I was lucky to drive away without a scratch on myself or the car.. This is my first Audi, and it is not going to be my last.
Beautiful Color, Great Ride, Exhausting Technology
3 out of 5 stars
J Baker, 09/21/2022
2022 Audi Q8 Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A)
I jumped ship from 19 years of Lexus based on the design, color, comfort, etc on this new Galaxy Blue Q8. Too much to list on all the Pro's of this new vehicle, so I am just listing the con's in my opinion. I was ready to take this back to the dealer the first week that I had this due to the complication of all the electronics and tryin to get all my settings set. ( I am pretty computer … savy working on these things for over 30 years ) The govt complains about texting and driving, try to figure out the complicated menu system while driving. Plus you can't adjust most things while you're driving. The interior cargo storage is a joke also. The only thing the phone charger is good for is heating up your phone and not even getting it charged. After spending a few weeks with this and getting some things figured out, I have come to like the vehicle a little better. I feel Audi shouldn't have made this so complicated, where's the easy button?
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Audi Q8, so we've included reviews for other years of the Q8 since its last redesign.
For better or worse, the X6 started the raked-roof SUV trend. The original swoopy sport-ute may have garnered much ridicule over its three generations, but it got a lot of things right. The X6 is available in three different flavors, but the base xDrive40i is the closest foil for the Q8 and should be plenty powerful for most people. That model's 335-horsepower turbocharged inline-six provides enough grunt to back up its radical exterior design. The X6 also handles decently well for such a large SUV.
If you're looking for a coupe-style SUV that both looks and drives the part, the Cayenne Coupe should be on your list. Porsche's large fastback-style SUV is surprisingly agile and can take turns with nearly imperceptible body roll. What's more, that stellar handling ability doesn't come at the expense of ride comfort. Where the Cayenne Coupe falters, however, is with its interior ergonomics and in-car tech, which both could use improvement. Though their base equipment is comparable, the Cayenne Coupe is priced slightly higher than the Q8.
We're big fans of the Mercedes GLE and GLE Coupe. So much so, in fact, that we ranked them No. 1 and 2 in the midsize luxury SUV category. We especially like the GLE Coupe's classy, well-made interior and powerful base turbocharged V6 engine, which makes 429 horsepower to the Q8's 335 hp. The GLE Coupe also handles well and is very comfortable to drive. Its sloping roofline is one of the more extreme examples in the class, though, and as a result the GLE Coupe's rear headroom and cargo space take a significant hit.
Uses sensors at the front and rear of the SUV to warn of an imminent collision and prepares the cabin. Can automatically apply the brakes too.
Audi Adaptive Cruise Assist
Maintains a driver-set distance between the Q8 and the car in front.
Audi Emergency Assist
With adaptive cruise control and lane keeping engaged, it can detect an unresponsive driver and bring the Q8 to a safe stop with the hazard lights flashing.
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
4 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Rating
Front Seat
5 / 5
Back Seat
5 / 5
Rollover
Rating
Rollover
4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result
No Tip
Risk Of Rollover
15.9%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Good
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good
2024 Audi Q8 First Impressions
by Edmunds
•4/17/2024
What is the Q8?
The Audi Q7 is a midsize three-row crossover that serves as the largest, most spacious vehicle in Audi's lineup. The 2024 Audi Q8 is essentially the same SUV, though its sleeker design means that only two rows fit. The Q8 makes up for the hit to practicality with surprisingly agile handling and a richly detailed interior. It also offers extreme performance in the form of the 591-horsepower RS Q8; there's no equivalent in the Q7 lineup.
Spy photographers have seen camouflaged versions of the SQ8 — the V8-powered model that slots between the regular Q8 and RS Q8 — on the road recently, which leads them to believe the Q8 will be refreshed for 2024. Expect to see new bumpers as part of the refresh, alongside redesigned lights and updates to the technology suite.
Edmunds says
The Audi Q8 is one of the better midsize SUVs thanks to its compelling blend of performance, comfort and style. An expected refresh for 2024 will almost certainly make Audi's sharp-looking crossover more competitive.
FAQ
Is the Audi Q8 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Q8 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.8 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 Q8 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 26 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Q8 has 30.5 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Audi Q8. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Audi Q8?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Audi Q8:
Updated front and rear styling
Adaptive cruise control and lane centering assistance are now standard
Other minor updates to feature availability
Part of the first Q8 generation introduced for 2019
To determine whether the Audi Q8 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Q8. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Q8's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Audi Q8 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Audi Q8 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 Q8 and gave it a 7.8 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Q8 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 26 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Q8 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Audi Q8?
The least-expensive 2024 Audi Q8 is the 2024 Audi Q8 Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $73,700.
Other versions include:
Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $73,700
Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $77,800
Prestige 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $81,800
If you're interested in the Audi Q8, the next question is, which Q8 model is right for you? Q8 variants include Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A), Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A), and Prestige 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A). For a full list of Q8 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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