Used Audi Q8 2018-present review

Isn’t it amazing that when someone comes up with a popular idea, everyone copies it immediately afterwards. You see it in fashion, cooking, music and cars.

The Audi Q8 is a prime example of the latter, having been created to take on the BMW X6 and Mercedes GLE Coupé in the market for luxury SUVs with coupé-inspired styling.

Engines: Engines choices were initally a little limited, with only a 282bhp 3.0-litre diesel (badged 50 TDI) or a 335bhp 3.0-litre turbo petrol (55 TFSI), plus the bonkers 427bhp 4.0-litre diesel in the sporting Audi SQ8. Then came the Audi RS Q8 – it has a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V8 that develops 592bhp under its bonnet.

The standard 50 TDI diesel is discerning enough, with smooth running at idle and under full acceleration, plus plenty of performance. The 55 TFSI petrol offers punchy acceleration, but you'll pay for that at the pumps.

There are also two plug-in hybrid variants that were introduced in 2021. Named the 55 TFSI e and 60 TFSI e, they combine 3.0-litre petrols with electric power for a combined output of 376bhp in the former and 456bhp in the latter.

Trims & equipment: Entry-level S line Q8s have near enough everything you could ever wish for, including 21in alloy wheels, LED headlights, Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital display, heated front sports seats and adaptive air suspension. Pushing the boat out a little further are Black Edition cars, which have slightly larger 22in alloys, a black exterior styling package, a panoramic glass roof, four-zone climate control and Virtual Cockpit Plus (the same as the normal system but with a couple of extra views). Finally, the top-of-the-range Vorsprung has cooled front seats, plusher leather, a Bang & Olufsen stereo and all-wheel steering.

Ride & handling: The Q8 has a sportier edge than the Audi Q7, and this is reflected in its ride. It’s never uncomfortable, but you feel lumps more, even when the adaptive suspension is set in its most compliant Comfort mode.

Handling is really rather good for such a hefty vehicle, with minimal body roll through the corners. Mind you, the Q8 is a not-too-distant relation of the Lamborghini Urus, which perhaps explains why it's able to carve through turns with little fuss. SQ8 models are even better, because it has active anti-roll technology that helps keep the car flat through bends. Vorsprung models go one stage further by introducing all-wheel steering, which noticeably tightens the Q8's turning circle.

Interior & practicality: The Q8 has a beautifully finished interior featuring all the finest soft-touch plastics, leathers and metal finishes in the Audi parts catalogue. The only difference with the Q8 is the introduction of Audi’s new dual-touchscreen layout. This replaces all the physical buttons and dials with touchscreens that give haptic feedback. It isn’t as easy to use as the old rotary dial setup, however, and shows up fingerprint marks really badly in direct sunlight.

Space isn’t an issue for passengers in the rear seats, unlike similarly styled rivals. The lower roofline of an SUV-coupé can eat into the head room, but the Q8 is good for even tall adults, plus it has a massive amount of leg room. The boot betters the X6's for overall capacity but trails that of the GLE Coupé. There shouldn't be any complaints from anyone in the front, though.

If you're interested in finding a used Audi Q8, or any of the other models mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at great prices.

Prices for an Audi Q8 start at around £30,000 for a 2018 50 TDI S Line. If you're interested only in a petrol Q8, you will need to spend at least £35,000 to get into one because most buyers have opted for the more economical diesel. Want a 2022 example? Have at least £40,000 to spend. A 2023 or 2024 car? Figure on over £50,000.

The SQ8 goes for upwards of £45,000, while the RS Q8 rises to around £61,000.

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MPG

Heavy fuel bills are par for the course; the Q8 has similar fuel economy figures to its rivals, with the 50 TDI officially getting 33.2mpg and the 55 TFSI getting 26.4mpg.

Road tax (VED)

You’ll need to be well-heeled to run a Q8, and not just because every version attracts the top rate of road tax that applies between years two and six. This luxury tax will add on £390 to your regular £180 (for petrol and diesel cars) or £170 (for hybrid cars) per year.

Servicing

Audi servicing costs should be pretty reasonable, especially when compared to those of a Mercedes. At the time of writing, a fixed price plan for two services of a Q8 costs £629, while the equivalent for the latest GLE is £888.

Engine

At the moment, the engine range is limited to one petrol and one diesel. Of these, the 50 TDI diesel is the best option, because of its blend of refinement, performance and economy.

Specification

We’d recommend sticking with the cheapest trim, S line, because it feels just as luxurious as the Black Edition and Vorsprung specs, but is considerably cheaper to buy.

Our favourite Audi Q8: 50 TDI S line

The Mercedes GLE Coupé may be the best in terms of boot space, but it's based on the old GLE, which in turn was a facelifted M-Class. This means it doesn’t benefit from all the latest technology that allows the Q8 to handle so well.

The BMW X6, on the other hand, handles incredibly well and offers some stonking diesel engines. Its interior isn't as accommodating, but it does feature BMW's iDrive infotainment system, which is one of the best in the industry.

If you're interested in finding a used Audi Q8, or any of the other models mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

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