Used 2021 Audi Q8

The 2021 Audi Q8 is the flagship SUV from the German luxury brand. Whereas its sibling, the Q7, is a 3-row luxury crossover more geared toward families, the Q8 is nearly the same size but strictly a 2-row/5-passenger affair.

Like the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, the Q8 prioritizes design and lifestyle over pure functionality. Still, the Q8 features plenty of SUV practicality and capability. It has a roomy cabin, standard all-wheel drive, and is rich with Audi’s roster of innovative technology and exceptional interior design.

While the Q7 starts with a 4-cylinder engine, the pricier Q8 has a standard V6 that’s emboldened by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The Q8 is highly competent on just about any road. Those seeking more performance can get it in the 500-horsepower, V8-packing SQ8. (The forthcoming and even mightier RS Q8 is reviewed separately.)

Like its large and well-equipped coupe-inspired SUV rivals, the Q8 isn’t cheap. But in this niche segment, it’s a well-rounded player with enviable design, capability, and technology.

The Audi Q8 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. Another helpful function is the ability to lower the rear of the Q8 by 2.5 inches (using a button in the cargo area) to make loading/unloading easier.

With a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds, the Audi Q8 is quick. But substantially more power and faster acceleration can be had in the Audi SQ8. That performance model swaps the Q8’s standard 335-horsepower turbocharged V6 for a twin-turbo V8 that makes 500 horsepower. The SQ8 can rip from 0-60 mph in a sports car-like 4.3 seconds. This higher-performance model also has standard S-tuned air suspension, all-wheel steering, and larger front brakes.

From the moment you climb into the Audi Q8, it’s clear 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. A 10.1-inch upper screen relays navigation, phone, audio, and other major infotainment functions. The lower 8.6-inch screen handles climate functions and acts as the input for handwritten commands.

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. Available on Premium Plus and Prestige models is the 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.

The 2021 Audi SQ8 stands out with S-model specific front and rear fascias, plus quad exhaust outlets.

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.

The Q8 is available in three trims: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. As Audi’s flagship SUV, even the base model comes well equipped. The 2021 Audi Q8 Premium includes leather seating surfaces, tri-zone automatic climate control, navigation, panoramic sunroof, 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive suspension, smartphone integration, heated front seats, front/rear parking sensors, keyless entry/ignition, hands-free tailgate operation, the latest generation of Audi’s Virtual Cockpit and LED headlights with automatic high beams. Standard safety features include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and now standard for 2021, blind-spot monitoring.

The Q8 Premium Plus has a Bang & Olufsen audio system, multi-color ambient cabin lighting, 21-inch alloy wheels, auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors, and new for 2021, a heated steering wheel. The Q8 Prestige adds HD Matrix-design LED headlights, driver-assistance features, a leather-covered dashboard, and a head-up display.

The performance-oriented SQ8 is available in two trims: Premium Plus and Prestige. In addition to the features of the standard model, the SQ8 comes with the more powerful engine, standard air suspension, upgraded brakes, and all-wheel steering.

The Q8 Premium trim may be ordered with a Convenience package that includes wireless phone charging, heated steering wheel, and top-view camera. 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. The new Executive Package bundles adaptive cruise control, the HD Matrix headlights, heated rear seats, and leather-covered armrests.

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, night-vision system, 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.

Upgrades to Audi’s SQ8 include carbon vector inlays, summer performance tires, and optional features of the standard Q8. The SQ8 Prestige can be further improved with a sport differential.

Available for both models is a Black optic package that adds darker, more aggressive aesthetics.

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 that 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.

The SQ8 swaps the V6 for a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that makes 500 horsepower.

Both models are rated to tow up to 7,700 pounds, an impressive number for such a stylish luxury SUV.

3.0-liter turbocharged V6 (Q8)
335 horsepower @ 5,000-6,400 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,370-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/23 mpg

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (SQ8)
500 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
568 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/21 mpg