History/Overview
The Q8 is Audi’s flagship SUV model. It’s a five-seater that breaks the company’s convention by being smaller than the lesser-numbered, three-row Q7, but it is more expensive and caters more to lifestyle buyers than the family-oriented Q7.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2021, the Q8’s updates are minor. Entry-level models add S line cosmetic exterior tweaks and gain standard lane departure warning. Adaptive sport air suspension is now standard in the uplevel trim; last year it was an option bundled with four-wheel steering. Finally, a contour seating option adds an air quality package and Valcona/Cricket leather upholstery.
Available Trims
Audi offers the Q8 in Progressiv and Technik trim levels. The Q8 features Audi’s 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain technology, which works with a turbocharged 3.0L V6, an eight-speed transmission and Quattro AWD.
Standard Features
In Progressiv trim, the Q8 comes dressed with 20-inch wheels with all-season tires, aluminum-look trim, heated/auto-dimming/power-folding side mirrors, a stainless steel trunk sill protector, lighted door sills, all-LED lighting with dynamic turn signals, and self-levelling headlights.
The cabin’s tech outfit comprises navigation in a 10.1-inch infotainment display, front and rear music interfaces, a digital gauge cluster and passive keyless entry.
Among the Q8’s convenience items are a garage door remote, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof with blackout shade, power steering column adjustments, four-zone climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Valetta leather upholstery, heated rear seats and ash wood trim.
Standard safety/driver assist features include automatic high beams, 360-degree exterior camera views, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, exit assist, forward collision warning and avoidance assist, lane departure warning, rear-end collision mitigation, active cruise control, and tire pressure monitoring.
Technik trim adds 21-inch wheels and tires, power door closers, adaptive front wet wipers, a head-up driver display, upgraded ambient lighting, loose wheel bolt detection, sport air suspension, rear-door sun shades, leather upper dash trim, LED matrix headlights, dual-pane glass, exterior light animations, a Bang & Olufsen stereo, and wireless smartphone charging.
Key Options
You can option both Q8 trims with a driver assistance pack of an intersection assistant, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, active cruise and turn assists, active lane departure warning, and predictive efficiency and emergency assists.
A black exterior trim package is also offered on both versions.
Progressiv extras include 21-inch wheels, and a dynamic package of all-wheel steering and sport air suspension. All-wheel steering is also a stand-alone extra in Technik trim.
Finally, Technik offers an individual contour seat package with its namesake feature, plus front-seat massage, passenger seat memory, Valcona/Cricket leather upholstery, and a premium air quality package.
Fuel Economy
As of this writing, Audi had not published fuel consumption ratings for the 2021 Q8, but its ratings should be similar – if not identical – to those for the 2020 model, at 13.8/11.4 L/100 km (city/highway).
Competition
With the Q8, Audi runs in an elite class of luxury crossover models that also includes the Porsche Cayenne Coupe, Mercedes-Benz’s GLE Coupe, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and BMW’s X6.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
