Audi Q8 (2018–2023): Redefining Luxury and Performance
I remember the first time I slid behind the wheel of the Audi Q8 back in 2018. Snow on the shoulders, an airport dash to make, and a queue of SUVs that all looked like they’d been designed by the same committee. The Audi Q8 didn’t. Lower, wider, and with that single-frame grille like an ironed shirt, it felt different right away. Over the years, every time I’ve returned to the Audi Q8 (2018–2023), the impression sticks: it’s a luxury SUV that prefers understatement to swagger—until you bury the throttle. Then it’s all business.
How the Audi Q8 Evolved (2018–2023)
Launched in 2018, the Audi Q8 arrived as the brand’s flagship two-row luxury SUV, sharing its MLB Evo bones with the Q7, Porsche Cayenne, and yes, the Lamborghini Urus. Through 2023, the changes were evolutionary rather than dramatic—tighter driver-assistance tuning, crisper infotainment responses, and additional standard kit in later years. The core recipe remained: bold stance, standard Quattro all-wheel drive, and an interior that could pass for a minimalist design studio.
Powertrains and Performance: The Audi Q8 Way
The heart of most Audi Q8 models is the 55 TFSI, a 3.0-liter turbo V6 with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It’s rated at roughly 335 hp and 369 lb-ft, hooked to a clean-shifting 8-speed automatic. On my favorite back road, the V6 doesn’t shout; it simply digs in and goes, 0–60 mph in the mid-5s. The mild-hybrid smooths stop-start and helps with coasting—small touches you notice after a week of commuting.
- Q8 55 TFSI: ~335 hp, 0–60 mph around 5.6 seconds
- SQ8: 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, ~500 hp, ~4.3 seconds to 60
- RS Q8: 591 hp, ~3.7 seconds—hypercar-adjacent in an Audi SUV suit
Quattro Confidence: Audi Q8 Traction That Just Works
Quattro is standard across the Audi Q8 range, and it’s the quiet hero. When I tried it on rough roads and a slushy parking lot (ski trip chaos, kids, poles, the works), the system shuffled torque without drama. Add optional adaptive air suspension and rear-wheel steering, and you’ve got an SUV that can shrink in corners and float over cracked city pavement. On 21-inch wheels, it’s serene; on 22s, still composed but a shade firmer. Choose your style—and your chiropractor—accordingly.
Real-World Numbers
- EPA economy: typically around 18–21 mpg combined (V6)
- Towing: up to 7,700 lbs with the proper package
- Braking and grip: strong, secure, and confidence-inspiring in poor weather
Inside the Audi Q8: Tech-heavy Luxury You Can Live With
Open the door and you’re greeted by Audi’s best trick: an interior that’s elegant without being loud. The minimalist dash houses dual touchscreens (10.1-inch upper, 8.6-inch lower), and the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit in front of you does its usual party trick of turning maps into a high-res widescreen. Materials feel dense and expensive—soft leather, precise metal switches, and a satisfying hush that makes it quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back. Comfort? Spot on, even after hours behind the wheel.
- Cabin space: generous for four adults; five fit, but the middle rear seat is best for shorter trips
- Cargo: about 30.5 cu ft behind the second row; over 60 cu ft with seats folded
- Infotainment: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless on later models), Bang & Olufsen audio available
Critiques? The haptic climate screen is a fingerprint magnet and asks for your eyes more than physical knobs would. After a week, muscle memory develops—but I still miss a dedicated temp dial. Small price for that clean aesthetic, I suppose.
Everyday Life with the Audi Q8 (2018–2023)
On a long weekend run—kids, luggage, and an optimistic amount of snacks—the Audi Q8 felt like a tailored travel suit: easy to wear, nothing pinches. The ride stays calm, the steering remains light but accurate, and the driver-assist systems (adaptive cruise, lane-keep) take the sting out of traffic. It’s not the most athletic SUV in the class unless you go SQ8/RS Q8, but the standard Q8’s balance is its appeal: smooth, quiet, and stress-free.
Audi Q8 vs The Usual Suspects
| Model | Base Engine / HP | 0–60 mph (approx.) | Towing (lbs) | Cargo (cu ft, behind 2nd row) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi Q8 55 TFSI | 3.0L turbo V6 / ~335 | ~5.6 s | Up to 7,700 | ~30.5 |
| BMW X6 xDrive40i | 3.0L turbo I6 / ~335 | ~5.3 s | Up to ~7,200 | ~27.4 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 Coupe | 3.0L turbo I6 / ~362 | ~5.5 s | Up to ~7,700 | ~27.5 |
| Porsche Cayenne (base) | 3.0L turbo V6 / ~335 | ~5.9 s | Up to ~7,700 | ~27.2 |
The Audi Q8 trades a bit of edge for calm and space. If you want max drama, the RS Q8 exists. For daily use, the 55 TFSI nails the brief.
Audi Q8 Accessories That Actually Help: Floor Mats You’ll Thank Yourself For
I learned the hard way—post-hike, muddy boots, brand-new carpets—so now I always fit proper mats on day one. If you’re protecting an Audi Q8, the tailored sets from AutoWin are a smart pick. They’re cut to the Q8’s floorpan, look premium, and save you from spring-cleaning purgatory.
Highlights I noticed:
- Coverage that runs up the transmission tunnel—great for families and ski weekends
- Edges that don’t curl after a season of wet boots (pet peeve of mine)
- Finishes that match the Q8’s cabin vibe rather than fighting it
Explore the full Audi range and the Q8-specific sets at the AutoWin Eshop if you want a simple, immediate upgrade:
Which Audi Q8 (2018–2023) Should You Buy?
- Premium (55 TFSI): The sweet spot for most. Add the Convenience or Driver Assistance packs and you’re set.
- Premium Plus/Prestige: Heavier on tech and audio—worth it if you love gadgets and long drives.
- SQ8: The enthusiast’s daily—big V8 shove, still civilized.
- RS Q8: Autobahn weapon disguised as a family hauler. Magnificent, a touch mad, and addictive.
FAQs: Audi Q8 (2018–2023)
Is the Audi Q8 reliable?
Generally solid, especially with regular maintenance. Like most premium SUVs, upkeep isn’t cheap—stay on top of services and software updates, and inspect big wheels/tires for curb rash and wear.
What kind of fuel economy can I expect?
From the V6 55 TFSI, around 18–21 mpg combined in everyday use. On long highway stretches, I’ve seen low-to-mid 20s with a light foot.
How much can the Audi Q8 tow?
Up to 7,700 lbs when properly equipped. That’s enough for a decent boat or a pair of jet skis plus gear.
How is the Audi Q8 different from the Q7?
The Q7 has three rows; the Audi Q8 is strictly two. The Q8 trades max seating for style, a wider stance, and a slightly sportier feel.
What options are worth it?
Air suspension for ride comfort, rear-wheel steering for agility, and the Bang & Olufsen audio if you care about sound. And yes—durable, fitted floor mats from AutoWin to keep things tidy.
Final Word: The Audi Q8 (2018–2023) Nails the Premium SUV Brief
After living with the Audi Q8 on highways, in cities, and on messy winter roads, it still feels like the grown-up choice. Confident performance, a calming cabin, and tech that enhances rather than overwhelms. If you’re shopping in this space, the Audi Q8 deserves a long test drive. And if you want to keep that designer interior looking fresh, consider a set of Q8-specific floor mats from AutoWin. Small upgrade, big payoff.
