Audi Q8 makeover: On a test drive with the new luxury SUV

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In the Audi Q8, renewed for the new 2024 model year, it is primarily the technology that creates the music: the new LED headlights screen oncoming traffic a little more precisely – and finally, if desired, laser light is also available for the vehicle in front. dark nights.

In the future, the Q8 will not only drive more stylishly on our roads, but will also be better equipped: not only new applications and a revised instrument display will leave the factory, but also standard 21-inch models, a reversing camera, parking assistant. and keyless entry.

Driving range remains the same

Surprisingly, the luxury SUV’s engine range remains unchanged despite the facelift: 45 TDI diesel variants with 232 HP (170 kW), 50 TDI with 286 HP (210 kW) and 55 TFSi petrol engine with 340 HP (250 kW) – all with a three-liter V6. The top model SQ8 with 507 horsepower and a four-liter V8 is also included in this series. Additionally, all but the SQ8 are mild hybrids with a small electric motor rated at 16 hp (12 kW) and a 48-volt mains. Plug-in hybrids will be facelifted next year with a slight delay.

Mild hybridization enables quiet and efficient operation of the internal combustion engine, while the electric motor provides additional thrust when necessary. This not only provides more energy at low speeds, but also reduces actual consumption by around half a liter to 8.2 liters per 100 kilometres. Efficient: The Q8 can “sail” for up to 40 seconds between 55 and 160 km/h with the engine off when you take your foot off the accelerator pedal.

Comfortable on any surface

The Audi Q8’s chassis package still comes with air suspension as standard and can be optionally extended to include rear axle steering. This is part of the top version of SQ8. Using air suspension, ground clearance can be changed from 22 centimeters to nine centimeters, depending on the driving program and wishes. The SQ8 sports version offers even more dynamics with an electronic limited-slip differential on the rear axle, active stabilizers and magnificent 22-inch wheels.

The variable chassis does an excellent job on any surface, as it impresses in fast driving across the country or on the highway, as well as on loose surfaces with gravel and rubble. Air suspension absorbs almost everything in the path of all four wheels.

But the Audi Q8 50 TDI we drove still faces a small problem, even after its facelift: The individual driving modes are barely noticeable from each other. However, the overall concept is satisfactory, with a variable four-wheel drive system, powerful brakes and a steering system that provides good feedback from the road. It just seems a little light in sport mode, especially when driving fast.

up to 1000 kilometers

What all versions have in common is generous interior space: the almost five-metre-long Q8 offers luggage volume between 605 and 1755 liters and provides excellent sound insulation thanks to its double glazing.

The 286-horsepower Audi Q8 50 TDI with a maximum torque of 600 Nm seems to us an excellent choice: the six-cylinder combines plenty of pulling power with good real fuel consumption – the 2.2-tonne all-wheel drive vehicle can reach a top speed of six to 100 km/h. Reaching in seconds, the vehicle continues towards the top of 241 km/h. Possibly even more important for frequent drivers: thanks to the large 85-litre tank, a range of up to 1000 kilometers to the next petrol station is available with a standard diesel consumption of 8.2 liters. The Audi Q8 50 TDI is offered for sale at prices starting from 99,500 francs, while the top model SQ8 TFSI starts at 136,200 francs. For comparison: The price of the all-electric Q8 E-Tron with a range of approximately 500 kilometers starts from 84,900 francs.

Source: Blick