Overview

The Audi Q8 is the German premium brand’s flagship SUV. In the most basic terms, it’s a coupe version of the Audi Q7, meaning it has sleeker roofline and five seats instead of seven. Classic coupe styling cues include frameless door windows, bolder wheelarches and considerable presence, but this remains above all else a large, imposing machine that rides high above the road on wheels up to 23 inches in diameter.

Very mildly facelifted for 2023, the latest model gains a range of three bolder new colours – Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue and Chili Red – plus updates to the lighting, bumpers and front grille. The latter now frames the latest ‘2D’ Audi logo, and sets the tone for following Audi SUV models. On the inside there are new veneers but no fundamental alterations.

There are also no new engines. Buyers are initially restricted to 3.0-litre V6 petrol and diesel models, plus a powerful 507hp SQ8 V8 performance model at the top of the range. An update to the even faster RS Q8 is due in 2024, alongside revised plug-in hybrid variants.

When it was originally launched back in 2019, the Audi Q8 was far from a trailblazer, coming after rival SUV coupes including the BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE and Range Rover Sport, and arriving roughly alongside the Porsche Cayenne Coupe, which is based on the same underlying technology. However, the Q8’s sheer size places it apart from these in some ways, featuring as it does a particularly spacious back seat and a large boot.

Other rivals to consider include the Maserati Levante and Range Rover Velar. What’s more, if you’re seeking a premium experience rather than a particular bodystyle, you might also look at the Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, Aston Martin DBX and Ferrari Purosangue. Though these do cost considerably more.

Returning to the latest Q8, this is not much of a facelift if Audi was really hoping to remain competitive against such a strong selection of alternatives. Having recently driven the updated Porsche Cayenne, which has received a much more extensive set of upgrades for its mid-life facelift, it would appear that Audi has rather decided to rest on its laurels here. In terms of both driving dynamics and comfort, the Q8 is now far from being a front-runner in this sector of the market.

Still, it is spacious and does come with some interesting technology, including new HD matrix LED headlights and digital OLED taillights.

Read on to find out what we think of every aspect of this SUV coupe, including the interior, the driving experience, the engines and the efficiency. Our expert Audi Q8 review will then conclude with the essential Parkers verdict.