2020 Audi Q8 Review

　　

2020 Audi Q8 Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　Just about every European luxury automaker offers a coupe-like crossover SUV these days. The typical approach is to take an established SUV and give it a sleeker roofline to create a more stylish look. Audi, for its part, debuted its Q8 just last year.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 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 $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$251/mo  for Q8 Premium

　　Q8 Premium

　　Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $68,200 MSRPPremium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $72,200 MSRPPrestige 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $77,700 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　The 2020 Q8 is essentially a two-row version of the seven-passenger Q7. Pleasingly, the styling makeover hasn't taken too much of a bite out of rear headroom and cargo room. An expansive overhead area and an abundance of legroom allow tall occupants to sit comfortably in any of the five seats. The Q8 also has respectable cargo room thanks to its square-shaped liftgate opening.

　　The Q8 is not only more practical than its direct rivals, but it's also pleasingly sporty. You can make quick progress along a curvy road thanks to the Q8's strong turbocharged V6 and stable handling. The Q8 also provides a compliant ride quality, and its optional air suspension further softens harsh impacts. Like any good luxury SUV, the Q8 is whisper-quiet inside at city and highway speeds.

　　The Q8 exhibits a few faults, some of which — such as reduced rear visibility — are common among coupe-like SUVs. There are a few Q8-specific drawbacks as well, including a lazy transmission response and a disappointing lack of interior storage for small personal items.

　　There's also the price: The Q8 costs many thousands of dollars more than a similarly equipped and more useful Q7. But such is the case with all coupe variants, and the segment's sales over the last decade prove that some buyers are willing to spend for high style. If that sounds like you, the 2020 Audi Q8's relative practicality and sporty dynamics make it a top model to consider.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar 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

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Q8 drive? With enough prodding, the Audi Q8 proves that it has the thrust to move at a good clip. In zzdcar 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

8.0/10

　　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 experts found it 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. 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.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　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 Apple CarPlay, 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 what Mercedes' MBUX system offers. 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

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The Q8's design preserves most of the cargo space but offers people something attractive and cool to look at. The optional air suspension also allows you to lower the rear height for easier cargo loading. Storage is scarce for small items aside from the sizable door pockets. Car seat anchors hide behind removable covers, and the generous 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 reversing — the driver swipes to control it on the lower MMI display.

　　

Fuel Economy

6.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? Despite mild hybridization, the Q8 is less efficient when compared to much of its competition with comparable engines. Its rating of 19 mpg combined (17 city/22 highway) is 2-3 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

7.0/10

　　Is the Q8 a good value? The Q8 exudes quality from the inside out. It's not just nice materials, but the execution of 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 a SUV, yet the doors are solid and airtight.

　　But 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. But you're not going to be outrunning sport sedans in this thing even though it looks like you could. However, you will have one of the coolest-looking SUVs in the lineup for school drop-offs.

　　

Which Q8 does zzdcar recommend?

The base Premium trim level comes with plenty of features but we suggest paying a little bit more for the mid-level Premium Plus. Its extra features, such as an additional adjustable climate zone and customizable ambient lighting, enhance the cabin's comfort and cool factor. The Premium Plus also opens the door to the Driver Assistance package — required if you want adaptive cruise control — and the optional air suspension.

　　

2020 Audi Q8 models

The 2020 Audi Q8 is a two-row midsize luxury SUV that comes standard with all-wheel drive, an adaptive suspension, and many safety features and infotainment functions. It's available in three trims. Even the base Premium model comes well-equipped. The Premium Plus includes additional luxury equipment, while the Prestige offers a few exotic technology features.

　　The Q8 is available with only one engine: a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It's connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild hybrid system that enhances stop-start functionality while giving the Q8 a little extra push off the line. Buyers looking for extra punch can check out the V8-powered SQ8 and SQ8, which are reviewed separately.

　　Standard feature highlights for the Premium trim include an adaptive suspension, a hands-free liftgate, a panoramic sunroof, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning with low-speed automatic braking. Inside you'll find Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster display, three-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, leather upholstery, two touchscreen displays, and Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.

　　The Premium's Convenience package brings a wireless charging pad, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, a blind-spot monitor, and Audi's Pre Sense Rear system that helps mitigate the effects of a rear-end collision.

　　The Premium Plus trim adds more luxury features such as front-seat ventilation, four-zone climate control, a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, additional LED ambient lighting, a surround-view parking camera, and the contents of the Convenience package.

　　Premium Plus buyers can specify the Driver Assistance package for making highway driving easier. It adds adaptive cruise control and lane departure intervention.

　　Prestige models come with the Driver Assistance package, plus a head-up display, a different LED headlight design, extended leather upholstery, power rear sunshades and touch-sensitive controls.

　　Other option packages to be on the lookout for include the Cold Weather package, an Adaptive Chassis package (air suspension and rear-wheel steering) and, for the Prestige only, a Luxury package that includes premium cabin materials and upgraded front seats. Several styling packages also slightly alter the Q8's exterior design.

　　

2020 Q8 Highlights

Trim: PremiumPremium PlusPrestigePremium

　　

Base MSRP	$68,200
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$251/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	30.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles