The Audi Q8 is the coupe-bodied version of the brand’s large combustion SUV, launched in 2018 and updated in 2023. It sits on the MLB Evo platform and is assembled at Volkswagen’s Bratislava plant in Slovakia, on the same 2,995 mm wheelbase as the Q7. The trade-off between the two is fixed: the Q7 offers up to seven seats and a squared-off tailgate, the Q8 offers five seats, a sloping roof and 605 litres of boot space, rising to 1,755 with the 40:20:40 rear bench folded. Overall length is quoted between 4,986 and 5,022 mm depending on bumper and trim.
Powertrains. All Q8s drive through an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic and quattro all-wheel drive, and all use a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Europe has two 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesels, the 45 TDI with 228 hp and 500 Nm and the 50 TDI with 282 hp and 600 Nm, plus the 55 TFSI, a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol V6 with 335 hp and 500 Nm that reaches 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. The United States is sold only the 55 TFSI, rated there at 335 hp and 369 lb-ft.
Plug-in hybrids. Two European versions combine the petrol V6 with an electric motor: the 55 TFSI e produces 389 hp and 600 Nm, the 60 TFSI e 483 hp and 700 Nm, with 0-100 km/h in 5.7 and 5.0 seconds. Both carry a 25.9 kWh battery (22 kWh usable), quoted at up to 85 km of WLTP combined electric range or up to 90 km on the city cycle, and charge at up to 7.4 kW on AC. Electric-only top speed is 135 km/h.
Design and interior. The 2023 update brought split-level daytime running lights with selectable signatures, digital OLED tail lights and an optional laser high beam. Inside, the Q8 keeps Audi’s two-touchscreen MMI layout with a digital instrument cluster, and offers air suspension, four-wheel steering and electromechanical active roll stabilisation. Adaptive air suspension is standard on the plug-in hybrids.
Performance versions and pricing. The SQ8 and RS Q8 share the body but move to a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, at 500 hp for the SQ8 and 591 hp for the RS Q8, or 631 hp in RS Q8 performance form. German prices start at 86,700 euros for the 45 TDI, 89,700 for the 50 TDI, 89,900 for the 55 TFSI, 92,900 for the 55 TFSI e and 103,200 for the 60 TFSI e. In the United States the Q8 starts at $75,600 for the Premium trim, with Premium Plus at $80,800 and Prestige at $86,200.
