2019 Audi Q8 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What's new

The Audi Q8 is an all-new model

　　Audi's Q7 is undoubtedly a practical three-row SUV, but maybe you find it to be a bit plain Jane when compared against sleeker rivals such as the Land Rover Range Rover or Porsche Cayenne. If that's the case, Audi has come up with a solution: the new 2019 Audi Q8.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Audi Q8 3.0 TFSI Premium quattro 4dr SUV AWD (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 $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$245/mo  for Q8 3.0 TFSI Premium quattro

　　Q8 3.0 TFSI Premium quattro

　　3.0 TFSI Premium quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $67,400 MSRP3.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $71,400 MSRP3.0 TFSI Prestige quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $76,550 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　To ensure the Q8's status as the brand's top-of-the-line SUV, it features muscular exterior styling plus a few new technical innovations. The Q8's standard powertrain features a turbocharged V6 engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. This engine produces 335 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque, and the mild hybrid system ensures quick and smooth engine startup plus more power when accelerating off the line.

　　As you might expect from Audi, all versions of the Q8 come with all-wheel drive. Also standard is an adaptive suspension system that should provide an impressively smooth ride over a variety of road surfaces. Optionally, you can equip the Q8 with air suspension, which provides a greater range of comfort and handling abilities.

　　Inside, you'll find a premium cabin highlighted by Audi's latest MMI infotainment system. Just like on the A8, it features two touchscreens angled toward the driver, and they work via multi-touch gestures and handwriting recognition for inputs and operation. Compared to the related Q7, however, the Q8 isn't as practical. It has less interior volume and lacks the option for a third-row seat.

　　Is the Q8 perfect for large families? Probably not. But if you want a stylish and luxurious SUV that's loaded up with technology, the 2019 Audi Q8 is a great pick.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.8 / 10

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Audi Q8 Prestige (turbo 3.0L V6 | 8-speed automatic | all-wheel drive).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.8 / 10
Driving	7.5
Comfort	8.0
Interior	7.5
Utility	7.5
Technology	8.0

　　

Driving

7.5

　　The midsize luxury SUV class is an unassuming athletic bunch, and the Audi Q8 is a quintessential example of one that both looks and drives the part. Its turbocharged V6 does a decent job of moving the Q8 down the road when you really need it to. But its sluggish responsiveness in casual driving scenarios is a strike against it here.

　　

Acceleration

7.0

　　With enough prodding, the Audi Q8 proves that it has the thrust to move at a good clip. And it should, considering it has a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 under the hood. In zzdcar testing, 0-60 mph came in 5.6 seconds. That's quick, though other similar-engine SUVs in the class are either as quick or quicker.

　　

Braking

8.5

　　The brakes are smooth and easy to use in normal use. And despite the Q8's beefy weight, the brakes give you plenty of confidence in their abilities during maximum braking. In our testing, we recorded a best stop from 60 mph in 121 feet on all-season tires. It's a great showing for the segment.

　　

Steering

8.5

　　A big, heavy SUV with big, heavy wheels doesn't normally provide great steering feedback. However, the Q8 is an exception. The steering is accurate and well-tuned in terms of effort. There's even good on-center feel, and that makes for easy highway cruising.

　　

Handling

8.0

　　Handling is admirable through tight and sweeping corners alike. The suspension is properly buttoned down in Sport mode, and body roll is very nicely controlled. Only in higher-speed corners does the Q8's weight become a limiting factor. Still, the Q8 is pretty nimble for its size.

　　

Drivability

6.0

　　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, but this means you must always drive in either Sport or the customizable Individual mode. Part of the issue may come from the transmission constantly upshifting prematurely, but we're not certain. Gear shifts are otherwise smooth and positive.

　　

Off-road

7.5

　　The Q8 may not be purpose-built for off-road travel, but our test model was equipped with the optional air suspension. The air suspension allows for up to 10 inches of ground clearance. When the Off-Road mode is selected, the computer tailors the stability and traction control for loose, slippery surfaces. It also activates hill descent control automatically, which takes the guesswork out of driving down steep slopes.

　　

Comfort

8.0

　　If you can get past the sedan-like sensation of the front cabin, you'll find the Q8 provides comfort in spades. Excellent seats, a well-balanced suspension, an ultra-effective climate control system, and a hushed cabin combine to deliver the luxury experience people seek in vehicles like this.

　　

Seat comfort

8.5

　　We love the cushy armrests and the comfort provided by the highly adjustable front seats. Seat padding is firm yet supportive, and the heated and cooled seats work well. The massaging function for the front seats do an OK job, but it's a bit too mild for our tastes. The rear bench slides fore and aft and offers great all-around comfort as well.

　　

Ride comfort

8.0

　　The Q8's suspension manages both compliance and body control very well. While this Audi isn't the cushiest of rides, all manner of bumps is attenuated. Picking Dynamic mode gives the Q8 a firmer ride and increases body control, but the Q8 would do just fine if Comfort mode was all it had.

　　

Noise & vibration

8.0

　　There's a marginal amount of road noise and slightly more wind noise around the windshield on the highway, but otherwise all other ambient noise is nicely isolated. This cabin is appropriately hushed for the segment, offering a nearly vault-like experience without a trace of vibration.

　　

Climate control

8.0

　　The optional four-zone climate control is excellent and adjusts accordingly to maintain the target temperature. Switching between indirect and direct airflow cools you gradually or at a very rapid rate. Not everyone found the touchscreen easy to use, but some editors sang its praises. You can also control the temperature and fan speed through voice commands. Seat heaters, ventilation and steering wheel heat seem a bit subtle but are effective over time.

　　

Interior

7.5

　　Our testers didn't love Audi's bold decision to go full touchscreen on its interface. Some found it too easy to smudge with fingerprints and distracting to use, while others like the clean, new look and operation. The Q8's sleek shape doesn't limit interior space and ease of entry as much as we thought it would.

　　

Ease of use

7.0

　　Audi has abandoned its old MMI controller in favor of a new touchscreen-only interface. It's likely the best implementation of an advanced touchscreen to date, but some of our testers found it more distracting to operate on the go and disliked that it was prone to smudges. The flow and structure of the menus are easy and intuitive to move through, at least, and the gauge cluster is also highly configurable via steering wheel controls.

　　

Getting in/getting out

8.0

　　Step-in height is slightly elevated due to the Q8's SUV nature, but the sill is narrow enough that it's easy to slide a foot in. The Q8's sleeker roofline and aggressively sloped front and rear pillars mean the doorways feel shorter, but the areas where your head passes through have decent clearance so you don't really have to duck. The rear door openings are squared off, which affords a nice amount of clearance ahead of the wheel arch.

　　

Driving position

7.5

　　Perhaps it's just us, but the Q8's sleek roof makes it feel like we can't get the seat low enough. It might just be a perception thing, but it's one of the factors that stands out as you sit down. Otherwise, there is excellent adjustment in the seat and a good amount of steering column reach and tilt range.

　　

Roominess

8.0

　　The space up front is generous, even if the lower roofline gives the impression of less headroom than there actually is. The rear seating is surprisingly opulent, with excellent legroom, lots of toe clearance and ample headroom. Three adults could sit in back in agreeable comfort thanks to the wide rear bench.

　　

Visibility

7.0

　　Visibility isn't as open as the typical SUV. The rake of the front windshield and rear glass does shrink your view out, and the front and rear roof pillars are a little on the thick side. But the mirrors are appropriately sized, and the blind-spot monitoring system is useful.

　　

Quality

9.0

　　Audi's usual excellent quality standards are present in the Q8. Quality materials and attention to detail make this SUV feel special. The Q8 sports frameless windows, a rare if nonexistent feature in the current SUV line, yet the doors are as solid and air tight as any. You definitely get what you pay for, but you will pay a lot.

　　

Utility

7.5

　　The Q8 splits the difference between the traditional SUV and the stylish and trendy "coupe" SUVs. It's a decent compromise that preserves most of the Q8's cargo space but offers people something attractive and cool to look at. Utility accommodations are just slightly smaller than a standard Porsche Cayenne or Mercedes-Benz GLE, though most buyers will be hard-pressed to notice.

　　

Small-item storage

7.0

　　Aside from surprisingly sizable door pockets that will accommodate a large 40-ounce water bottle, storage is scarce for other small items. The bin underneath the center armrest is solely intended for phones, and maybe a wallet, but nothing else. Even the glovebox is a modest size. Audi must see minimalism as a virtue.

　　

Cargo space

7.5

　　The optional air suspension allows you to lower the height at the rear of the Q8 for easier loading. The cargo area is wide, and the 40/20/40-split seats have releases at the doors and fold flat, providing a decent amount of cargo space. Releases at the hatch opening would be nice. At 28.6 cubic feet behind the second row, there's slightly less space than the Cayenne or GLE but only by a few cubic feet.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

8.0

　　The car seat anchors located under little plastic covers on the rear outboard seats are easily accessible. However, the covers pop off rather than fold out of the way and could potentially get lost. The generous amount of rear-seat legroom will ensure that any size car seat should fit without issue.

　　

Towing

8.5

　　Like the three-row Q7, the Q8 can tow up to 7,700 pounds, a respectable amount for the class. There's also the trailer maneuver assist feature that automatically guides the trailer while reversing, as the driver swipes to control it on the lower MMI display.

　　

Technology

8.0

　　It's hard to mention automotive tech without bringing Audi into the conversation. While Mercedes has pushed to the front with its new MBUX system, Audi is still a very strong player with its sleek MMI interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Google Earth-infused maps and slick surround-view cameras are some of the highlights here.

　　

Audio & navigation

8.5

　　Our tester came with the optional Bang & Olufsen system. Bang & Olufsen systems usually blow us away, but the sound quality from the Q8's system is rather ordinary. Audi's navigation system powered by Google Maps is still one of the nicer systems, and it is easy to use especially via the virtual cockpit gauge cluster.

　　

Smartphone integration

8.0

　　Audi is now one of the few to offer wireless Apple CarPlay (without a subscription model like BMW), and it works wonderfully. It's easy to pair and use. Android Auto is also available but is not wireless. There are two USBs for the front under the armrest along with the wireless charger and SD card slot, as well as two USBs in the back and a 12-volt outlet. There are also rear-seat audio controls.

　　

Driver aids

8.0

　　The Q8 comes with a number of driver aids standard and a few that get added through trims and packages. They all work pretty well, though some of the collision and lane departure warnings will be too intrusive for drivers who still pay attention while on the road. Audi's surround-view camera system is still among the best in the industry.

　　

Voice control

7.5

　　Voice controls do a little more than average in that you can operate the climate control using them. However, seat heaters and ventilation can't be operated via commands. The system does a pretty good job of understanding more natural language, but you also have access to Siri and Google Assistant.

　　

Which Q8 does zzdcar recommend?

　　We believe the Premium Plus trim provides the best value. It comes with larger wheels, a premium sound system, and a few more safety features you'll likely want. Look to get the Driver Assistance package as well. It adds all of the Q8's available safety features, including adaptive cruise control.

　　

2019 Audi Q8 models

　　The 2019 Audi Q8 is a luxury five-seat, two-row SUV that comes standard with all-wheel-drive, adaptive suspension, and many safety features and infotainment functions. It's available in three trims, and even the base Premium model comes well-equipped. The Premium Plus includes additional active safety equipment, while the Prestige offers additional technology features.

　　The Q8 is currently available with only one engine: a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that produces 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque and an eight-speed automatic transmission. A 48-volt mild hybrid system enhances stop-start functionality while giving the Q8 a little extra push off the line. An all-wheel-drive system is standard and features a rear-biased 60/40 torque split to provide a sportier feel when accelerating out of turns.

　　Standard feature highlights for the Premium trim include 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, an adaptive suspension, keyless ignition and entry, a hands-free liftgate, a panoramic sunroof, automatic wipers, and forward collision warning with low-speed automatic braking.

　　Inside you'll find a Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster display, three-zone automatic climate control, leather seating, a 40/20/40-split rear seat that slides and reclines, heated front seats, and driver-seat memory settings.

　　Infotainment duties are handled by Audi's new MMI system, which features two touchscreens. The larger 10.1-inch display is used for navigation and entertainment functions, while the lower 8.6-inch display is used for climate control, vehicle functions and handwriting input. You also get a navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10-speaker sound system.

　　Premium Plus models ride on 21-inch wheels and add more luxury features such as front-seat ventilation, four-zone climate control, a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, additional LED ambient lighting, illuminated scuff plates, and a wireless phone charger. Other standard safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring and Audi's Pre Sense rear system that helps mitigate the effects of a rear-end collision.

　　Prestige models come with several luxury features, such as a head-up display, Matrix-style LED lights, extended leather upholstery, touch-sensitive controls, and the contents of the Driver Assistance package (adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, intersection assist, and traffic sign recognition).

　　Other Q8 options include a Cold Weather package (heated rear seats and heated steering wheel), an Adaptive Chassis package (air suspension and rear-wheel steering) and a Towing package. For the Prestige only, Audi offers a Luxury package that includes upgraded leather upholstery and multicontour front seats with massage.

　　Additional stand-alone options include 22-inch wheels, a night-vision system, a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, and rear side airbags.

　　Jump to:Related 2019 Q8 articles

　　

2019 Q8 Highlights

Trim: 3.0 TFSI Premium quattro3.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro3.0 TFSI Prestige quattro3.0 TFSI Premium quattro

　　

Base MSRP	$67,400
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	19 MPG
Cost to Drive	$245/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	28.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles