The Audi Q8, a luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) from the German brand, has been in the market for approximately five years. It’s only natural for Audi, based in Ingolstadt, to bring updates to its flagship SUV at this point. The updates are being introduced for the standard Q8 model and the SQ8 variant, while the revised RS Q8 will make its appearance later. Despite being around since 2018, the sleek and stylish SUV still maintains a fresh look both inside and out in the year 2023. However, Audi, known by its iconic Four Rings logo, felt the urge to give the Q8 a bit of a makeover to compete with the 2024 BMW X6.
The modifications commence at the front of the vehicle. The grille, known as the Singleframe grille, now features octagonal elements for both the Q8 and SQ8 versions. Interestingly, Audi states that they have altered the large corporate grille of the coupe-SUV. This change serves a dual purpose – to distinguish it from the A-badged cars and to signify its position at the top of the hierarchy within the brand’s lineup. The mid-cycle revision also includes two sizeable air intakes, even for the regular Q8 model.
However, it’s the headlights that receive a more substantial upgrade compared to the previous version. The 2024 Audi Q8 introduces high-intensity LED headlights, which can be optionally swapped for a matrix LED setup. Moreover, there’s an additional feature called HD Matrix LED headlights, which incorporate a laser light for the high beam. The laser light is automatically activated at speeds of 43.5 mph. Additionally, these advanced headlights offer customization options, allowing drivers to choose from four different light signatures via the infotainment system.
Moving to the rear of the vehicle, Audi is incorporating OLED (organic light-emitting diode) technology into the taillights. This technology is similar to what’s used in the A8 sedan and the Q5 crossover. These taillights not only showcase typical sequences like coming home and leaving home lighting effects, along with dynamic turn signals, but they also have a safety feature. When a car behind gets within approximately 6.6 feet (2 meters) of a stationary Q8, all the OLED elements activate automatically. This enhances the visibility of the luxury SUV.
The facelift also brings forth three new metallic paint options: Chili Red, Ascari Blue, and Sakhir Gold. Alongside the paint choices, there are five different alloy wheel designs ranging in size from 21 to 23 inches. Stepping inside the cabin, there’s a range of nine decorative inlays to choose from, along with some new upholstery options. Variants of the Q8 offer finishes like fine grain ash, carbon twill, and aluminum linear silver grey, depending on the chosen configuration.
In the European market, Audi will offer the 2024 Q8 with the 55 TFSI model. This variant features a 3.0-liter gasoline engine that operates on the Otto cycle. The six-cylinder engine produces a power output of 335 horsepower and a torque of 369 pound-feet (500 Newton-meters). These figures enable the luxury SUV to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.6 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.
For those who prefer diesel engines, there’s the 45 TDI model with a six-cylinder, 3.0-liter diesel engine. This engine generates 228 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It takes 7.1 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph and can reach a top speed of 140 mph. Stepping up to the 50 TDI model increases the power output to 282 hp and torque to 441 lb-ft. This version achieves a 0 to 62 mph sprint in 6.1 seconds and has a maximum speed of 150 mph.
Turning attention to the SQ8, this performance-oriented variant is equipped with a larger 4.0-liter V8 gasoline engine. This mighty powerplant produces a substantial 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. It’s capable of accelerating from a standstill to 62 mph in just 4.1 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
The SQ8 comes with 21-inch wheels fitted with 285/45 tires. Additionally, there are options for 22- and 23-inch wheels, including a new dedicated set of 23-inch wheels with 285/35 tires. Braking power is supplied by 400-mm front and 350-mm rear discs, featuring S-badged front brake calipers that come in either black or red. Similar to the standard Q8, the SQ8 is equipped with Quattro permanent all-wheel drive and an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. In the case of the SQ8, the gearbox shifts gears more swiftly to match the sportier performance.
For those interested in the 2024 Audi Q8 and SQ8, these models will be available for order in Europe later this month. In terms of pricing for the German market, it starts at €86,700 for the 45 TDI variant, followed by the 50 TDI at €89,700, the 55 TFSI at €89,900, and the performance-focused SQ8 at €119,500.
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