Used 2020 Audi Q8

Now in the second year of its existence, the 2020 Audi Q8 represents the state of Audi’s SUV art. It has many mechanical things in common with the Q7 midsize 3-row premium-crossover SUV, but lets its occupants stretch out over two rows instead of three. An especially roomy back seat slides forward or back by 5.1 inches to accommodate taller passengers or more cargo.

Students of luxury vehicles will hear more and more about 48-volt mild-hybrid systems that smooth out the engine restart action. The Q8 has just such a system. Other tech toys on offer include an adaptive air suspension, dual touch screens and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit that replaces the usual gauges with a configurable LCD display.

As well as an overall design that brings more attitude to the usual Audi polish, the Q8 also introduces an element of sleekness to the exterior design, without going too far down the “4-door SUV coupe” trail blazed by the BMW X6. The new-for-2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe, Land Rover Range Rover Sport and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe are other players in this elite game.

A 500-horsepower 2020 Audi SQ8 is due later this year and we will update this review when more information becomes available.

This luxury SUV is a perfect choice for long trips, and the quiet cabin means it can be deceptive while gathering speed. The turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 feels sufficiently muscular, even when driving in areas of high altitude. It’s a smooth engine, but isn’t free of turbo lag.

The steering is light yet accurate, while the 8-speed automatic transmission works well enough to make the driver forget about the shift paddles under the thick-rimmed steering wheel.

Under normal conditions, the all-wheel-drive system (Audi calls it Quattro) sends 60 percent of power to the rear wheels. This prevents the Q8 from feeling too unwieldy and nose-heavy.

Even so, the Q8 weighs a hefty 5,004 pounds and this is perceptible while driving hard through tight corners. But the Q8 is always composed, aided by selectable driving modes (Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual).

The optional adaptive air suspension also brings rear-wheel steering for optimum agility. Its additional modes (Allroad and Offroad) provide the clearance, damping and stability-control calibrations for extra confidence in snow and mud.

When parked in Offroad mode, the rear of the Q8 can be lowered by 2.5 inches (using a button in the cargo area) to make loading/unloading easier.

From the first moment of climbing into any of the Audi Q8’s seats, it’s clear that this is a refined and high-quality vehicle. But it’s more than that. It’s a mission statement, an evolution of Audi interior design.

An air vent (illuminated by an optional LED feature) spans the width of the dashboard. The dash itself is angled toward the driver, and although the whole thing is unfussy, it still looks classy thanks to quality materials like fine leather and smooth wood.

The infotainment system consists of two high-resolution displays with tactile and audible feedback. The lower screen replaces Audi’s traditional rotary controller and recognizes handwritten inputs.

Freed from the constraints of supplying three seating rows, the Audi Q8 offers plenty of space. Front-seat travel is generous, as is headroom, even with the standard panoramic sunroof. The view out is great, but the rearview mirror’s aspect is hindered somewhat by the sloping roof.

The reclining rear seats split and fold in 40/20/40 fashion. Behind them is 30.5 cubic feet of luggage area, expanding to 60.7 cubic feet when they’re folded down.

Just as the cabin illustrates a fresh design philosophy, so does the outside. The Q8 sports the look of Audi’s latest crossover SUVs. The small Q3 follows the same cues and the revamped Q7 does as well.

Such as the hexagonal grille flanked by aluminum-look pieces that connect to the LED headlights. Frameless windows also trick the eye into making the Q8 seem sleeker and sportier. It all adds up to a welcome injection of attitude that’s been missing from what we’ve come to consider as typical Audi.

Premium trim can be enhanced by a Black Optic package. Premium Plus and Prestige can now be ordered with an S Line package bringing 2-tone 21-inch alloy wheels, illuminated doorsills and a few other touches, plus the option of Black Optic additions, including black roof rails and 22-inch alloy wheels.

TOP-VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM
This optional feature is far from new, but the overhead view provided by four wide-angle cameras makes easy work of slotting the Q8 into tight spaces. The driver can even zoom in and out.

AUDI VIRTUAL COCKPIT
Now in its second generation, the Virtual Cockpit provides the Q8 with a high-resolution color instrument panel featuring large Google imagery and data such as height above sea level.

This is a flagship SUV, so even the entry-level version comes well equipped. The 2020 Audi Q8 has LED headlights with automatic high beams, leather seating surfaces, tri-zone automatic climate control, panoramic sunroof, 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive suspension, smartphone integration, heated front seats, front/rear parking sensors, keyless entry/ignition, hands-free tailgate operation, and the latest generation of Audi’s Virtual Cockpit.

Premium Plus has a Bang & Olufsen audio system, multi-color ambient cabin lighting and 21-inch alloy wheels. Prestige adds HD Matrix-design LED headlights, driver-assistance features, leather-covered dashboard, and a head-up display.

Premium trim may be ordered with a Convenience package that includes wireless charging, phone-signal booster and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Also available are 21-inch alloy wheels and rear side airbags.

Premium Plus is eligible for the adaptive air suspension with rear-wheel steering, 22-inch alloy wheels and a bundle of driver-assistance features.

Prestige versions of the 2020 Q8 can be further enhanced by a Luxury package bringing finer leather, heated/ventilated/massaging/multi-contour 18-way power-adjustable front seats with memory settings, dual-pane acoustic glass, and a cabin air-ionizer/fragrance feature. There’s also the option of a thundering 23-speaker/1,920-watt Bang & Olufsen system.

A turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 propels the Audi Q8 with 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque; maximum thrust comes in at a low 1,370 rpm.

There’s also a belt-driven starter generator which is part of the 48-volt mild-hybrid setup taking energy from a 10Ah lithium-ion battery. This is the aspect that makes the fuel-saving engine stop/start action almost imperceptible.

All-wheel drive is standard and the transmission is an 8-speed automatic with shift paddles mounted beneath the steering wheel.

3.0-liter turbocharged V6
335 horsepower @ 5,000-6,400 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,370-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/21 mpg