Vehicle Overview
| Vehicle Segment | Full-Size Luxury SUV (Coupe-style) |
| Body Style | 5-Door SUV with Fastback Roofline |
| Release Year | 2018 (Global debut, MY2019 in some markets) |
| Trim/Variant Reviewed | Q8 55 TFSI quattro (3.0L V6) |
Key Specifications
| Engine | 3.0L Turbocharged V6 (Mild Hybrid) |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Tiptronic Automatic |
| Power Output | 340 hp @ 5,000–6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 500 Nm @ 1,370–4,500 rpm |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) |
| Dimensions | 4,986 mm (L) × 1,995 mm (W) × 1,705 mm (H); Wheelbase: 2,995 mm |
| Weight | ~2,145 kg (Kerb) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 liters |
| Fuel Economy | ~11.4 L/100 km (combined EU) |
| Boot Space | 605 L (seats up), ~1,755 L (folded) |
Exterior Design
Audi’s boldest SUV design to date – wide stance, short overhangs, sloped rear
Massive octagonal grille, HD Matrix LED headlamps, and signature light bar taillights
Frameless doors, strong shoulder line, and aggressive wheel arches
Available with S line styling package for a sportier look
20" to 22" alloy wheels; dual exhaust outlets; panoramic sunroof standard on upper trims
Interior, Comfort & Materials
Dual touchscreen layout with haptic feedback (10.1” upper, 8.6” lower)
Clean, futuristic design with ambient lighting and contrast stitching
High-grade leather, real wood or aluminum trims, Alcantara roofliner
Spacious for 5 passengers, though no third row (unlike Q7)
Heated and ventilated front seats, massage functions available
Extremely refined cabin with excellent sound insulation (NVH)
Features & Infotainment
Audi MMI Touch Response with dual HD touchscreens
12.3” Audi Virtual Cockpit (digital instrument cluster)
Standard Apple CarPlay / Android Auto (wireless in some markets)
Natural voice commands, handwriting recognition
| Premium audio options | Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System |
| Connected car tech | remote lock, geo-fencing, real-time traffic, OTA updates |
Safety & Ratings
Standard safety features
ABS, ESC, traction control
6+ airbags, Audi pre-sense front & basic
Blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert
| Optional | Lane departure warning, adaptive cruise, 360° camera, night vision assist |
Crash Test Ratings
| Euro NCAP | ★★★★★ (2019) |
Strong scores in adult and child safety
Top Safety Pick in some regions (IIHS – North America)
Driving Performance & Handling
0–100 km/h in ~5.9 seconds (Q8 55 TFSI) – quick for its size
Smooth power delivery thanks to mild-hybrid 48V system
Air suspension (optional) ensures a comfortable ride across surfaces
quattro AWD gives planted, confident handling in all conditions
| Drive Select modes | Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Off-road |
Rear-wheel steering (optional) improves low-speed maneuverability
Fuel Efficiency / Range
| Rated Consumption (EU) | ~11.4 L/100 km |
| Real-World Efficiency | ~12–13 L/100 km mixed driving |
| Mild Hybrid Tech | 48V system supports coasting and engine-off scenarios |
Large 85L tank offers decent range for long drives
No full EV or plug-in hybrid version at launch (later added in later model years)
Practicality & Everyday Usability
605 L boot space, with flat load floor and power tailgate
Rear seats slide and recline; fold 40:20:40 for added flexibility
| Plenty of cabin storage | center console, door bins, wireless phone charger |
Rear parking sensors and camera standard; optional park assist
Wide door openings and comfortable ingress/egress
Family-friendly but lacks third row (unlike Q7)
Warranty & Maintenance
| Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles (USA); varies by region |
| Maintenance Intervals | Oil service every ~15,000 km |
Optional AudiCare maintenance packages
Known reliability issues minimal in early model years; software updates improved MMI response
On-Road Price & Value for Money
| Starting MSRP (USA) | ~$67,400 (Q8 55 TFSI quattro) |
Fully loaded models can reach ~$80,000+
| Europe | Starting from ~€76,000 |
Offers great tech and refinement, but commands a premium over Q7
Worth it for buyers seeking style, presence, and exclusivity
Comparison with Rivals
| Model | Power | Seats | AWD | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi Q8 55 TFSI | 340 hp | 5 | Yes | ~$67,400 |
| BMW X6 xDrive40i | 335 hp | 5 | Yes | ~$70,000 |
| Mercedes GLE Coupe | 362 hp | 5 | Yes | ~$75,000 |
| Porsche Cayenne Coupe | 335 hp | 5 | Yes | ~$77,000 |
| Q8 excels in | Interior tech, design, ride comfort |
| Falls short in | Cargo space vs Q7, no 7-seat option |
Pros & Cons
Pros
Bold, futuristic exterior design
Top-class interior fit and finish
Advanced tech stack with dual MMI screens
Comfortable ride with optional air suspension
Strong performance and quattro grip
Cons
No third-row seating
Higher price than Q7 with similar equipment
Fuel efficiency lags behind some rivals
Overall Rating
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4.4 / 5) |
A bold and luxurious flagship SUV that delivers style, substance, and next-gen tech—though not ideal for larger families.
Final Verdict
The 2018 Audi Q8 is a head-turning flagship SUV for buyers who want cutting-edge tech, luxury refinement, and a sporty design twist. It’s ideal for those who don't need 7 seats but want an upmarket, versatile, and highly connected driving experience. A solid choice for executive drivers, tech lovers, and premium SUV shoppers.
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Pros & cons
- Premium badge appeal and refined cabin ambience
- Good fit for UK buyers who choose the right trim
- Strong shortlist candidate when total costs are checked
- Final value depends heavily on trim, options and finance price
- Larger wheels can reduce ride comfort and raise tyre costs
- Availability, standard equipment and pricing may vary during the year
Final verdict
The Audi Q8 is a credible option in the UK market if it matches your priorities. The smartest approach is to decide what matters most - comfort, space, efficiency, performance, image or technology - then compare the exact trim against two or three rivals on the same route and the same finance basis. Choose the version that feels easiest to live with, not simply the one with the longest equipment list.
Buyer checkpoints
| Buyer checkpoint | True Motion Auto view |
|---|---|
| Best for | Drivers wanting premium materials, image and comfort. |
| Body style | Car |
| Powertrain focus | Petrol, diesel or hybrid depending on model year and trim |
| UK ownership note | Check insurance group, VED, charging or fuel costs and service-plan pricing before buying. |
| Verdict | Worth shortlisting if its size, running costs and equipment match your daily use. |
Frequently asked questions
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Specifications, prices and equipment were current at publication and vary by model year, trim and market. Verify final details with a franchised dealer before ordering. Read how we review cars and our editorial policy.