2024 Audi Q8 SUV

　　

2024 Audi Q8 Review

byAlex NishimotoCorrespondent

　　Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.

　　, rating written byAlex NishimotoDirector, Vehicle Testing

　　Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at zzdcar, Jonathan has tested and reviewed thousands of cars and written thousands of car-related articles over the course of his career. Jonathan got his start testing cars for Road & Track magazine as a newly minted mechanical engineer grad from University of California, Irvine, and has also contributed to Motor Trend and the Associated Press. He likes to say he learned to drive a manual transmission in a rear-wheel-drive mid-engine vehicle but often omits it was his family's 1991 Toyota Previa minivan.

　　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 is expected to receive a mild face-lift to bring its styling more in line with that of the new Q8 e-tron all-electric variant. Changes include a redesigned grille, thinner headlights and OLED taillights. 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 N/A undefined in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　Not Available  for Q8 Premium

　　Q8 Premium

　　Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $73,700 MSRPPremium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $77,800 MSRPPrestige 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $81,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Power and fuel efficiency

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 zzdcar team didn't see those benefits in our real-world tests. On our highway-heavy test loop, the stylish SUV missed its EPA estimate of 20 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, BMW X5 and Jaguar F-Pace. Check out our Expert Rating to find out where the Q8 stands against a few of its key competitors.

　　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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below