Avik Roy Chowdhury Audi Q8 Review: Is This the Most Stylish SUV on the Road?
If you are looking for an SUV that blends the rugged capability of a truck with the sexy lines of a sports coupe, the Audi Q8 is exactly what you need. It sits at the very top of Audi’s SUV lineup, acting as the flagship model for the brand. Unlike its boxier brother, the Q7, the Q8 trades a third row of seats for aggressive styling and a sloping roofline.
This car is designed for people who want to be seen. It offers a stunning road presence, cutting-edge technology, and a cabin that feels more like a private jet than a car. But does form win over function? In this detailed review, we will explore everything you need to know about the Audi Q8 to help you decide if it belongs in your garage.
What’s New in This
For the latest model year, Audi has refined the Q8 to keep it fresh against newer rivals. The most noticeable changes are usually found in the lighting technology. Audi is famous for its lights, and the new Q8 features updated Matrix LED headlights that can be customized with different signatures. The front grille has also received a facelift, featuring new textures that make it look even more aggressive. Inside the cabin, you will find updated software for the infotainment system, ensuring that apps like Spotify and Amazon Music run smoother than ever.
Competitors
The luxury SUV coupe segment is one of the most competitive spaces in the automotive world. The Audi Q8 is not alone, and it faces some very serious rivals. You should also consider these models before signing the papers:
- BMW X6: The car that started the coupe SUV trend and offers sporty handling.
- Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe: Known for its plush interior and smooth ride quality.
- Porsche Cayenne Coupe: The driver’s choice, offering sports car handling in a big body.
- Genesis GV80 Coupe: A new challenger offering incredible value and unique luxury.
Pros and Cons
To give you a balanced view, here is a quick look at the highs and lows of the Audi Q8.
Pros
- The exterior design is bold, muscular, and turns heads everywhere.
- The cabin is extremely quiet, blocking out almost all wind and road noise.
- Tech features are top tier, with high resolution screens and virtual cockpits.
- The ride quality is smooth thanks to the advanced suspension system.
- Towing capacity is surprisingly good for a sporty SUV.
Cons
- The sloping roofline cuts into the cargo space compared to the Q7.
- Fuel economy is not great, as it is a heavy vehicle with a powerful engine.
- The dual touchscreen system can be distracting to use while driving.
- Throttle response can sometimes feel a bit delayed from a stop.
Performance
When you put your foot down in the Audi Q8, you feel a surge of confident power. The standard engine is a turbocharged V6 that works with a 48 volt mild hybrid system. This setup provides plenty of passing power for highway driving. It is not a raw sports car, but it is definitely fast enough to make merging effortless.
The real magic lies in the handling. Despite its heavy weight, the Q8 feels composed in corners. The legendary Quattro all wheel drive system provides immense grip, giving you confidence in rain or snow. If you opt for the available air suspension and four wheel steering, the car shrinks around you, making parking in tight city spots much easier than you would expect.
Comfort
Audi knows how to do luxury, and the Q8 is a prime example. The suspension soaks up bumps and potholes as if they are not even there. It is one of the most comfortable cruisers you can buy today. Whether you are driving across the country or just commuting to work, you will arrive feeling fresh and relaxed.
The seats are another highlight. They are supportive, highly adjustable, and available with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Even the rear passengers get treated well. Despite the sloping roof, there is plenty of headroom and legroom for two adults to sit comfortably in the back.
Interior
Step inside the Audi Q8, and you are greeted by a futuristic command center. The design is dominated by piano black surfaces and brushed metal accents. It looks incredibly expensive and modern. At night, the customizable ambient lighting strips create a lounge like atmosphere that is hard to beat.
The dashboard features two large touchscreens in the center. The top screen handles navigation and media, while the bottom screen controls the climate and seats. While they look fantastic, they are magnets for fingerprints, so you might want to keep a cleaning cloth handy. The Virtual Cockpit, which is a digital screen behind the steering wheel, displays your maps and speed with crystal clear graphics.
Trim Levels
Audi offers the Q8 in a few simple trim levels to make buying easier. Here is what you get with each:
- Premium: The entry level trim that is already well equipped. It comes with leather seats, the dual screen system, and a panoramic sunroof.
- Premium Plus: This is the sweet spot for most buyers. It adds features like a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, a 360 degree camera system, and ventilated front seats.
- Prestige: The top of the line model. It includes everything Audi offers, such as the head up display, soft close doors, and the adaptive air suspension for the ultimate ride.
Conclusion
The Audi Q8 is more than just a mode of transport. It is a fashion statement. It successfully combines the practicality of a large SUV with the emotional appeal of a luxury coupe. While it may not have the massive cargo space of the Q7 or the raw speed of a Porsche, it strikes a perfect balance for the daily driver.
If you value style, comfort, and cutting edge technology, the Audi Q8 is one of the best choices on the market. It feels solid, drives beautifully, and makes you feel special every time you get behind the wheel. Go for a test drive, and you might just fall in love with the flagship life.
