Audi Q8

Audi Q8 is a large premium coupe-style SUV introduced in 2018 as the flagship of Audi’s SUV range. Built on Volkswagen Group’s MLB Evo platform and assembled in Bratislava, it is closely related to the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Touareg and other large group SUVs. 

The first generation uses a five-door SUV coupe body with a shorter, more style-focused profile than the Q7 while keeping quattro all-wheel drive and an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Engine choices include 3.0-liter V6 TDI diesels, 3.0-liter TFSI petrol engines and plug-in hybrid TFSI e versions combining a V6 petrol engine with electric assistance. Performance models expanded the range: the SQ8 used powerful V8 diesel or petrol engines depending on market, while the RS Q8 brought a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with around 600 horsepower.

In 2023, the Q8 received a facelift with revised front and rear styling, updated lighting technology, digital OLED rear lights on selected versions and improved equipment. The basic concept remained unchanged: a large luxury SUV with strong road performance, high towing capability and a more design-led character than the seven-seat Q7.

In user reviews, the Audi Q8 is often described as an SUV bought as much for presence as for practicality. Owners like the quiet cabin, strong engines, confident quattro grip and high-quality interior. The RS Q8 is admired for almost absurd performance in such a large body. Criticism usually points to high purchase and maintenance costs, expensive tires and brakes, limited rear headroom compared with boxier SUVs, modest visibility and the fact that much of its appeal depends on costly optional equipment.