2024 Audi Q8 First Look Review: Refining The Luxury SUV

We don't know what the price of the 2024 Audi Q8 will be in America just yet, but it does start at 89,900 euros (around $96,500 at current rates) overseas for the 55 TFSI quattro variant. However, a more likely starting price in the USA would be about $75,000 since the 2023 Q8 begins at $72,800. Audi may once again offer Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim levels here, with a fully loaded model with all the extras expected to exceed $90k.

Other coupe-style SUV rivals in this segment include the BMW X6 and Mercedes' GLE Coupe. The X6 starts at an MSRP of $73,900 and was also substantially upgraded for the 2024 model year. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe is more comparable to theAudi SQ8(reviewed separately) with its 429-horsepower output and cost of almost $90k.

While some Audis have a habit of flying under the radar due to their understated styling - think A6 sedan or Q5 SUV - the same can't be said of the Q8. From any angle, the exterior of this facelifted Audi Q8 grabs your attention.

It must be noted that some of the specifications mentioned here pertain to European models, and not everything may apply to US-spec versions when they arrive here. For instance, Audi states that HD Matrix LED headlights are equipped to the Q8 for the first time, but the US-spec 2023 Q8 already has HD Matrix-design LED headlights in Prestige guise.

That being said, the restyled headlights of the Q8 look great and now incorporate a new laser light. Digital OLED taillights are now available, with an LED light strip linking each cluster. High-intensity LED headlights are standard, but the HD Matrix ones have 24 LEDs and a laser diode to create a blue ambient glow. Daytime running lights are now situated higher up to enhance the perception of width, while thetaillights are linked to the driver-assistance systems. There is also a new rear diffuser, while the dual exhaust outlets have a new slimmer shape.

最新的奥迪Singleframe格栅有绿色ical inlays, while models with the S line exterior package have inlays in the shape of an L. New air intakes are fitted, but Audi has reduced the decorative elements for a purer overall look. Black and Black Plus optics packages are available to darken the exterior elements.

Notably, the latest Q8 displays the brand's new corporate identity with two-dimensional Audi rings that debuted on theQ8 e-tron. These rings are finished in contrasting white and black instead of the traditional chrome, while the model name is also displayed on the B-pillar.

五个新轮设计添加了with sizes between 21 and 23 inches. However, the largest wheel size will likely be reserved for the SQ8. As far as colors for the Audi Q8 are concerned, new ones are Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red metallics. We'll have to wait and see if all of these are available in America.

Overall, the changes work well, and Q8 cues like the sloping roofline, short overhangs, and long wheelbase remain to create one of the brand's most striking vehicles.

According to the manufacturer's German website, there are only minor changes to the dimensions of the 2024 Audi Q8. It has a length of 196.5 inches, while the height of 66.8 inches is a little lower than the 2023 model sold here. From mirror to mirror, the width of 86.2 inches is unchanged, and the 117.9-inch wheelbase is expected to stay the same, too.

We don't expect the curb weight to differ much from the 5,000 or so pounds of the 2023 model.

Although there are multiple powertrains for the Q8 in Europe, including diesels, the engine in the US-bound Audi Q8 will likely remain unchanged, as will its rather unremarkable specs. The sole 55 TFSI quattro powertrain should still have a 3.0-liter six-cylinder mill with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system making 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The brand's famous quattro all-wheel-drive system and eight-speed automatic transmission smoothly put that power down.

The 2023 model has a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds and a limited top speed of 130 mph. That makes it slower than the X6 xDrive40i (now with 375 hp) that does the same sprint in 5.2 seconds. However, many customers won't be able to discern this performance difference, and it shouldn't put you off considering the Q8.

The towing capacity of 7,700 lbs adds another layer of capability to the Q8 package, and this is one of the reasons to still go for the gas Q8 over the electric Q8 e-tron.

An adaptive damping suspension was already standard for the 2023 Q8 and rear-wheel steering was optional, so these should carry over to the new model. The advanced suspension package with the sport differential that Audi mentioned for the 2024 model is likely restricted to the SQ8. The steering system has been improved for greater ease of use in environments like garages or parking lots.

EPA estimates for the 2024 Q8 aren't out yet, but it should match the gas mileage of the 2023 model. That means 18/23/20 mpg city/highway/combined for the six-cylinder engine. The range works out to a decent 450 miles thanks to the fairly large 22.5-gallon gas tank.

The general design and layout of the new Audi Q8 SUV's interior is similar to that of the pre-facelift model, which already had a thoroughly modern and upscale cabin. Once again, some of the specifications detailed here may only apply to European models.

Audi says the seats in the base Q8 now come in a contrasting gray color, while there are nine available decorative inlays. Some of the options include a Fine Grain Ash Natural Silver, carbon twill matte, or Aluminum linear silver grey. Certain trim options are limited to models with the S line sport package.

Park and high beam assist and a convenience key are now standard, while Audi says the surround-view system has been upgraded. Drivers still face the Audi virtual cockpit which includes information like lane change warnings and a distance warning from other vehicles. An expanded range of apps is available, with passengers now able to access apps from third-party providers like Amazon Music and Spotify for the first time. Thanks to regular software updates, theavailability of apps will continue to improve.

As before, the center console features dual screens, the top one being reserved for infotainment duties and the bottom for climate settings. Being a facelifted model, we expect the cargo space in the latest Audi Q8 to still offer over 30 cubic feet of volume behind the second row. Together with excellent second-row space, the Q8's focus on style has not come at the expense of practicality. Upper Q8 trims should offer features like a head-up display, ventilated front seats, and four-zone climate control.