Audi took the wraps off the facelifted Q8 and SQ8 at the IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich. The coupe SUV flagship gains mild visual updates focused on the lighting units, and new options for the colors and wheels alongside a technology boost in order to stay relevant and desirable at the top of the automaker’s food chain.
The facelifted Q8 remains instantly recognizable with designers taking an evolutionary approach in line with Audi’s strategy. The highlight is the new optional HD Matrix LED headlights with a laser increasing the high beam range above 70 km/h (43.5 mph), and digital DRLs creating all different kinds of light signatures. The taillights with the full-width LED bar have also received updated graphics with the optional OLED technology allowing more gimmicks.
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The octagon Singleframe grille has also been redesigned with a new pattern featuring vertical slits on the standard Q8, or L-shaped accents on the S line package and the SQ8. The grille is flanked by the revised bumper intakes, highlighted by generously sized aluminum-style (or optionally black) trim pieces. On the other hand, the standard Q8 gets rugged-looking side skirts and rear diffuser, alongside a new exhaust system with redesigned tailpipes. A fresh color palette with the addition of the Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red shades, and 5 new alloy wheel designs between 21 to 23 inches round up the visual enhancements.
Inside, the hardware remains unchanged but the infotainment is now compatible with more third-party applications (Spotify, Amazon Music, etc) and the updated Audi Virtual Cockpit displays more ADAS-related graphics. The available options for the interior trim have also been expanded, with 9 decorative inlays including fine gran ash, carbon twill matt, and aluminum linear silver grey.
Mild-Hybrid Powertrains
At launch, the EU-spec Audi Q8 will be available with a choice of petrol and diesel powertrains producing between 228-500 hp (170-373 kW / 231-507 PS). The V6 powertrains are mated to the 8-speed Tiptronic and feature a 48V mild-hybrid system. We expect more options to become available in the future, including the Q8 TFSIe PHEV and the even more powerful RSQ8 which is known as a budget version of the mechanically related Lamborghini Urus.
In terms of the chassis, the standard steel spring suspension can be optionally replaced by electronically-controlled adaptive air suspension or its sportier variant. The latter comes standard in the SQ8 alongside all-wheel-steering, while the sport differential offering torque vectoring, and the electromechanical active roll stabilization system are available as options. Finally, Audi engineers optimized the steering system in all Q8 variants for ease of use during daily driving.
The 2024 Audi Q8 is already available to order in Europe. Prices in Germany start from €86,700 ($93,145), for the Q8 45 TDI quattro, climbing to €119,500 ($128,254) for the SQ8 TFSI.
