2019 Audi Q8 Review

The Audi Q7 is an incredibly functional three-row SUV, but it may seem dated in comparison to sharper rivals such as the Land Rover Range Rover or the Porsche Cayenne. If this is the case, Audi provides a solution: the new 2019 Audi Q8.

The Audi Ku 8 offers a strong design as well as various new technological improvements to secure its position as the brand's first-class SUV. The Q8's base powertrain consists of a turbocharged V6 engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. This engine generates 335 horsepower and 500 Newton-meters of torque, and the mild hybrid system provides fast and smooth engine starts as well as additional power while accelerating from a stop.

All-wheel drive is standard on all Q8 models, as one would expect from Audi. An adjustable suspension system is also integrated as standard, which should provide an exceptionally smooth ride across a range of road conditions. The Audi Q8 may be equipped with air suspension as an option, which improves comfort and handling.

Inside, there's a luxurious interior with the newest Audi MMI infotainment system. It, like the A8, has two touchscreens that are tilted towards the driver and use multi-touch gestures and handwriting recognition for input and control. However, as compared to the similar Q7, the Q8 is less practical. It features less interior space and no possibility for a third row of seats.

Is the Audi Q8 appropriate for big families? Most likely, no. The 2019 Audi Q8 is a terrific option if you want a sleek and opulent SUV that is loaded with technology.

2019 Audi Q8 Models

The 2019 Audi Q8 is a premium five-seat two-row SUV with all-wheel drive, adaptive suspension, and a slew of safety and entertainment amenities standard. It comes in three trim levels, with even the basic Premium model being well-equipped. Premium Plus contains more active safety devices, while Prestige includes more technological features.

The Q8 presently has just one engine option: a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 335 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque and an eight-speed automated gearbox. The 48-volt mild-hybrid system enhances stop-and-go capability, providing the Q8 a little more off-road traction. All-wheel drive is standard, with a torque distribution altered rearward for a sportier sensation while accelerating out of bends.

20-inch wheels, LED headlights, adaptive suspension, keyless ignition and entry, hands-free tailgate, panoramic sunroof, automatic wipers, and forward collision warning with low-speed automatic braking are all standard equipment on the Premium model.

Inside, you'll discover a Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display, three-zone automatic temperature control, leather seats, a sliding and reclining 40/20/40-split rear seat, heated front seats, and driver's seat memory settings.

The new Audi MMI system with two touch displays handles infotainment tasks. The larger 10.1-inch display is for navigation and entertainment, while the smaller 8.6-inch display is for temperature control, driving operations, and handwriting. A GPS system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10-speaker audio system are also included.

Premium Plus versions have ventilated front seats, four-zone temperature control, a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, optional LED ambient lighting, illuminated door sills, and a cordless phone. Charger. Blind-spot monitoring and Audi's Pre Sense rear system, which helps lessen the impact of a rear-end accident, are all standard safety features.

A head-up display, Matrix-style LED lighting, expanded leather upholstery, touch controls, and Driver Assistance package content are all standard on Prestige versions (Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Cross Crossing Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition).

A cold weather kit (heated rear seats and steering wheel), an adaptive chassis package (air suspension and rear wheel steering), and a towing package are also available for the Q8. Audi is only selling a Luxury option for the Prestige, which features improved leather interior and multi-contour massage front seats.

Other stand-alone options include 22-inch alloys, night vision, a Bang & Olufsen audio system with 19 speakers, and rear side airbags.

The mid-size luxury SUV segment is an uncomplicated dynamic group, and the Audi Q8 is a classic illustration of how a vehicle should appear and perform. Its turbocharged V6 engine performs an excellent job of getting the Ku 8 on the road when needed. However, its poor reaction in ordinary driving circumstances is a setback

Acceleration 7.0

With enough persistence, the Audi Q8 demonstrates that it has the traction to drive quickly. It should be, considering that it's powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h took 5.6 seconds in testing. It's quick, although other comparably powered SUVs in its class are either as quick or quicker

Braking 8.5

In regular usage, the brakes are smooth and simple to operate. Moreover, despite the Q8's weight, the brakes inspire confidence in their ability to stop at full force. In our testing, the best stop from 100 km/h was 36 meters on all-season tires. This is a fantastic indication for the sector

Steering 8.5

A huge heavy SUV with massive heavy wheels typically doesn't give excellent steering wheel input. Q8, on the other hand, is an exception. The steering is crisp and effort is nicely balanced. There's even a strong feeling of center, which makes driving on the highway simpler.

Handling skills 8.0

In both tight and tight turns, the handling is outstanding. The suspension performs effectively in sport mode, and body roll is nicely controlled. The weight of the Audi Ku 8 becomes a limiting issue only in high-speed turns. The Q8 is, nonetheless, surprisingly agile for its size

Handling 6.0

Throttle response in the default driving mode is rather feeble, particularly considering the available power. Sport mode enhances responsiveness to an acceptable degree, but you should always ride in either Sport mode or the personalized individual mode. We're not sure whether some of the issue is caused by the transmission frequently upshifting prematurely. Otherwise, gear transitions are smooth and positive.

Off-road 7.5

Although the Q8 was not designed for off-road activity, our test vehicle did come with an optional air suspension. Up to 10 inches of ground clearance is provided via air suspension. When you choose Off-Road mode, the computer adjusts stability and traction control for loose, slippery conditions. It also engages the hill descent control system automatically, taking the uncertainty out of driving up steep slopes.

If you can get beyond the sedan feel in the front, the Q8 is the utmost in comfort. Great seats, well-balanced suspension, ultra-efficient temperature control, and minimal interior noise all contribute to the comfort consumers seek in a vehicle of this caliber

Seat comfort 8.5

The cushioned armrests and adjustable front chairs are quite comfortable. The seat material is strong yet supportive, and the heated and cooled seats function well. The front seat massage feature is functional, although it's a little too gentle for our liking. For ultimate comfort, the rear bench moves forward and backward.

Ride comfort 8.0

The suspension of the Q8 is excellent at both compliance and body control. While this Audi isn't the smoothest ride, it does cushion all kinds of bumps. Choosing Dynamic mode provides the Q8 a stiffer ride and more body control, but the Q8 would be good with only Comfort mode.

Noise and vibration 8.0

On the highway, there is some modest road noise and a bit more wind noise around the windshield, but all other ambient noise is effectively separated. This compartment is appropriately silent for this trip, providing an almost vaulted feeling with no vibration

Climate control 8.0

The optional four-zone climate control is superb and adapts to keep the temperature specified. Switching between indirect and direct airflow either gradually or abruptly cools you. Although not everyone found the touchscreen to be user-friendly, several editors liked it. Voice commands may also be used to manage the temperature and fan speed. Seat heating, ventilation, and steering wheel heating may seem minor at first, but they grow effective with time.

Audi's audacious choice to adopt an all-touch screen in its interface did not sit well with our testers. Some people thought it was too easy to smear fingerprints and distract, while others liked the fresh, clean appearance and feel. The Q8's elegant design doesn't limit inside room or ease of entrance as much as we expected

Ease of use 7.0

Audi has replaced its previous MMI controller with a new touchscreen-only interface. It's certainly the greatest execution of an augmented touch screen to date, but several of our testers found it distracting while working on the move and didn't enjoy how smudge-prone it is. To say the least, the menu flow and structure are easy and logical, and the instrument panel is readily modifiable through steering wheel controls

Getting in/getting out 8.0

Because of the design of the Q8 SUV, the step height is a little higher, but the sill is small enough to comfortably put your foot in. The Q8's sharper roofline and strongly sloped A-pillars and C-pillars make the door apertures seem shorter, but the regions where your head passes through provide enough space to avoid having to stoop. The rear door apertures are square in form, allowing for plenty of space in front of the wheel arch

Driving position 7.5

It might be just us, but the Q8's smooth canopy makes us feel as if we can't lower the seat low enough. It may be simply perspective, but it's one of the things that jumps out when you sit down. Aside from that, the seat has outstanding adjustability and a reasonable reach and tilt range

Roominess 8.0

Even though the lower roofline provides the appearance of less headroom than there is, there is plenty of space up front. The back seats are unexpectedly luxurious, with lots of legroom, toe clearance, and headroom. The broad rear couch allows three persons to sit comfortably in the back.

Visibility 7.0

Visibility is not as good as it is in a conventional SUV. The rakes on the front windshield and rear window hinder vision, and the front and back roof pillars are a touch thick. However, the mirrors are of adequate size, and the blind-spot monitoring system is useful.

Quality 9.0

The Q8 maintains Audi's normal high quality standards. This SUV is distinguished by its high-quality materials and attention to detail. The Q8 has frameless windows, which are uncommon, if not non-existent, in today's SUV range, but the doors are just as sturdy and airtight as any other. You will undoubtedly receive what you pay for, but you will pay a high price.

The Q8 bridges the gap between a conventional SUV and a smart and attractive coupe SUV. It's a good compromise that keeps most of the Q8's luggage room while also offering something appealing and cool to passengers. Although most consumers would not notice, the service area is just slightly less than that of a typical Porsche Cayenne or Mercedes-Benz GLE

Storage of small items 7.0

Any than the unusually spacious door pockets that can carry a huge 40-ounce water bottle, there isn't enough storage for other little things. The basket under the middle armrest is intended just for phones and maybe a wallet. Even the glove compartment is compact. Minimalism should be seen as a virtue by Audi

Cargo space 7.5

The optional air suspension lowers the Q8's rear height for easier loading. The baggage compartment is spacious, and the 40/20/40 split seats feature door locks and fold flat to give enough cargo room. It would be wonderful if there were problems while opening the hatch. The space behind the second row is somewhat smaller than the Cayenne or GLE, but only by a few cubic feet.

Child safety seat placement 8.0

The car seat mounts are readily accessible, hidden under little plastic covers on the rear outboard seats. However, the lids spring out rather than fold down and may go misplaced. The spacious rear seat legroom guarantees that any size car seat can fit comfortably

Towing 8.5

The Audi Q8, like the three-row Q7, can tow up to 3.5 tons, which is enough for its class. While the driver swipes to control it on the lower MMI display, the trailer maneuvering aid function automatically directs the trailer when reversing.

It is difficult to discuss automobile technology without mentioning Audi. While Mercedes has advanced with its new MBUX system, Audi's MMI interface remains a formidable competitor. Among the features are wireless Apple CarPlay, Google Earth mapping, and superb surround vision cameras

Audio and navigation 8.5

Our tester was equipped with a Bang & Olufsen audio system. Typically, Bang & Olufsen systems wow us, but the sound quality of the Q8 system is acceptable. Audi's navigation system, which is based on Google Maps, remains one of the most entertaining and user-friendly, particularly with the virtual instrument cluster in the cockpit.

Smartphone integration 8.0

Now Audi is one of the few automakers that provide Apple CarPlay without a subscription (unlike BMW), and it works quite well. It is simple to connect and use. Android Auto is also available, although without wifi connectivity. Under the front armrest, there are two USB ports, a wireless charger, and an SD card slot, as well as two USB ports and a 12V outlet in the rear. There are also audio controls on the back seats

Driver assistance 8.0

The Q8 comes standard with a variety of driver assistance features, with more available as options. Although some of the collision and lane departure alerts may be overly invasive for drivers who are still paying attention to the road, they all function very effectively. The Audi surround vision camera system remains one of the finest in the business

Voice control 7.5

The voice controls are enhanced in that they can now handle the temperature control. However, the seat warmers and ventilation are not command-controlled. The system has a decent understanding of natural language, and you also have access to Siri and Google Assistant.