The Q8, Audi’s alternative offering to the BMW X6 has been given a slight refresh, along with some technological advances in terms of infotainment. The SQ8 has also been given a minor tweak, although it has retained the same 500bhp twin turbocharged V8 engine that is used in the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and Lamborghini Urus.

At first glance, the overall look of the car hasn’t changed that much as it is still, in the main, a standard Q8 shape. The standout change, however, is the grille which has newly shaped wider slats. There are standard fit LED headlights that come with a new light signature, although Audi’s Matrix LEDs are an optional extra. Wheel sizes from 21-inch up to 23-inch are available and the rear light design has been altered, with the option of OLED lights that can be customised in the same manner as the headlights. Similar to the Audi A8 and Q5, the digital OLED rear lights in the Q8 have a feature that activates when another car comes within two metres of the car when stationary. Also at the back, the bumper and tailpipe have been given small tweaks, difficult to recognise at first glance.

Whilst the sportier Audi SQ8 performance model has a similar look, it receives a reshaped lip spoiler and a redesigned rear diffuser. The front grille also gets a new silver trim look and the front air intakes now have honeycomb inserts. 

Inside, the range of apps on Audi’s MMI infotainment system has grown and is now able to run third party apps for the first time, such as Spotify and Amazon Music. Driver assistance systems like lane change warning, traffic light information and crossroad assist are all available on the sharper looking virtual cockpit display and a rearview camera, park assist and keyless entry all come as standard.

The UK range consists of two diesel 3.0-litre V6s, a petrol 3.0-litre V6 and a petrol V8. All V6 engines come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, permanent four-wheel drive and a 48v mild-hybrid system with a belt-driven starter motor.

The first offering in the Q8 lineup is the 45 TDI with 228bhp and 500Nm of torque. It can do 0-61mph in 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 140mph. The other diesel offered is the 50 TDI, which has 282bhp and 600Nm of torque, powering a 0-62mph time of 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 150mph.

The V6 petrol-powered 55 TFSI produces 335bhp and 500Nm of torque, with a 0-62mph time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. As previously mentioned, the sporty SQ8 has a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 for 500bhp and 770Nm of torque to give a 0-62mph time of 4.1 seconds. Cylinder deactivation also comes on the V8 model, resulting in a claimed fuel economy figure of 22.7mpg. 

The new Q8 line-up comprises three core specifications in the UK: S line, Black Edition and Vorsprung. To coincide with the market introduction, an exclusive Launch Edition specification will be available in limited numbers sitting between Black Edition and Vorsprung on Q8 and SQ8 editions.

An even sportier, top of the range, RS Q8 is expected to be coming in the future, but for now, sales of the enhanced Q8 and SQ8 model line-ups will begin on October 10 with first customer deliveries due in the first quarter of next year. Prices are expected to begin at £80,000 for the entry-level Q8, with the SQ8 likely to cost around £100,000.

Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: Audi