Glance at the 2024 Audi Q8 and you might miss the restyled bodywork or new lights front and back that set it apart.
Far from an insult, it’s an example of Audi being, well, Audi. Revolutionary change is rarely in the offing for this brand, which is probably what’s gotten it to this point in the first place. So with the Q8 on the receiving end of a refresh after a handful of years on the market, it’s no surprise that a smattering of tiny tweaks is all that was required to further refine this flagship SUV.
A Commanding Presence
To the casual observer, the 2024 version of the Q8 probably won’t look much different from any of the others on the road, and that’s because it isn’t. Highlights include a revised fascia – Audi refers to this as a “singleframe,” with the grille surround dominating almost the entire front end – plus five new wheel designs to pick from and a trio of new paint choices, including gold, blue, and red. The Q8 also features the brand’s updated four-ring badge front and back. (The new look debuted on the all-electric 2024 Q8 E-Tron that launched before this gas version, with a standard white finish that can be swapped out for a gunmetal-like grey.)
Light Me Up
Of the changes to the Q8, the most significant as far as both form and function are concerned is the new front and rear lighting. The optional digital laser headlights in particular are impressive pieces of technology, with the ability to light up more of the night while looking as stylish as ever. The laser diodes kick in at speeds above 70 km/h, according to Audi, with a longer high-beam range than the standard LED units.
Around back, OLED lights span the Q8’s hindquarters, and, just like the ones up front, feature four selectable profiles that change the way they look when illuminated. More than just a slick party trick, the taillights utilize sensors that can react to the presence of an approaching vehicle when stopped by illuminating even more diodes for the sake of safety. (The same feature is offered on the smaller Q5, as well as the A8 sedan.)
Posh and Powerful
As the range-topping SUV in Audi’s lineup, there’s a specialness to the Q8 that’s befitting of its flagship status. Beyond its on-road presence (we’ll get to that shortly), the cabin is incredibly quiet, providing a vault-like atmosphere whether in the city or on the highway. While the extensive use of gloss-black plastic trim on the dashboard and centre console looks less than luxurious when coated in a layer of dust and smudges that doesn’t take long to show up, the rest of the materials inside are stylish and sophisticated.
In keeping with the expectations established by the interior, the Q8’s available air suspension adds an incredible creaminess to the ride quality. Not even the massive wheels – sizes range from 21 to 23 inches – diminish or disrupt the suppleness, with the Q8 cruising around largely undisturbed by the world around it.
Under the hood is a 3.0L six-cylinder that’s turbocharged and comes fitted with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Performance exceeds what the engine’s numbers might suggest, with the 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque it generates feeling more than adequate as this SUV cruises along in a state of serenity. The revs never rise in anger but they do so with authority, adding to the Q8’s sense of sophistication as it reaches highway speeds.
Upping the Ante
Should that V6’s numbers not quite cut it, the 2024 Audi SQ8 comes equipped with a pair of extra cylinders and plenty more output. Officially, the 4.0L V8 spins up 500 hp and 569 lb-ft of torque – plenty for this or any other application. It’s enough to provide catapulting power when it’s needed, with a flood of turbocharged torque heading towards the road almost as soon as it’s called for.
That caveat exists for the slight delay in torque delivery that’s noticeable at cruising speed with all but the heaviest of pressure applied to the throttle pedal. Whether a result of turbo lag or the eight-speed automatic transmission, there’s just a slight hesitation before this hulking family hauler adds more momentum on the highway.
The standard rear-axle steering works noticeably yet smoothly on tightly winding roads, with the back end gently tucking in behind the rest of this sport utility to make quick work of the kind of corners that are typically better suited to smaller vehicles. No, it won’t be confused for the tiny S3 sedan any time soon, but the SQ8 is surprisingly nimble for something that’s rated to tow 3,493 kg (7,700 lb).
Like its luxury-first lineup mate, there’s something about a vehicle this big and heavy riding on air suspension that’s positively buttery. (It’s standard here but optional on the Q8.) Even when riding on optional 23-inch wheels, the SQ8 is as prim and proper as its price tag would suggest.
Not Exactly Inexpensive
With a starting price of $121,250 before freight, tax, and extras, the 2024 Audi SQ8 certainly isn’t cheap. But then you know what you’re getting the moment you climb inside, while its performance extras alone help to justify its price premium over the cheapest Q8 that starts at $92,000.
Likewise, one of its main rivals, the 2024 BMW X6, starts at an identical $92,000 in its cheapest trim. But then the M60i version that’s executed in a similar fashion to the SQ8 is priced at just $108,000, although it’s missing many of the same features that are standard here, including a full advanced safety suite. Meanwhile, the similarly sportback-shaped Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe comes only in a pair of performance trims, with the one that’s comparable to the SQ8 ringing in at $119,500 to start. More than that, though, neither of those fellow German rivals feel quite as special as this flagship SUV from Audi.
Final Thoughts
A proper range-topper needs to feel like it, from the cabin and materials to the ride and handling, the powertrain, and more. Taking it further, the overall execution has to be elevated in every way that matters in order to justify its positioning, and its price tag.
While it’s up to you to decide whether the price is right, Audi has done its part with this revised SUV. The tweaks are subtle, sure; but then an abundance of change for the sake of it wasn’t required – nor would it be typical for this brand in the first place. Instead, the 2024 Audi Q8 remains a commanding presence in the luxury space – a strong and silent entry that just got a little bit stronger.
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