The Audi Q8 has received a minor update and the vehicle is now priced at Rs.1.17 Crore (ex-showroom). The German automaker has made some minor changes to the cosmetics while mechanically the vehicle remains similar to the outgoing model. The Q8 is currently available in a single 55 TFSI variant but the updated RSQ8 which will be a more performance-oriented version is likely to be launched in the near future too.
The biggest update in the facelifted Q8 is the addition of HD Matrix LED headlights, now featuring laser technology for the high beam and customizable light patterns. The SUV also gets a slightly refreshed grille with new octagonal openings and ‘L’-shaped inserts, along with redesigned air intakes on the bumper. At the rear, while mostly unchanged from the previous model, there are new digital OLED taillights with four different light designs that match the updated headlights.
The Q8 facelift comes in eight color options: Sakhir Gold, Waitomo Blue (test car), Mythos Black, Samurai Grey, Glacier White, Satellite Silver, Tamarind Brown, and Vicuna Beige. The Q8 is quite a looker. The body is really wide and the design has that sexy appeal to it. Also, it feels a little more exclusive than its rivals like the Mercedes GLE and BMW X5. I like how all the badging on the tail gate has been done up in black instead of chrome. The wheels look really nice too.
Inside, the facelifted Q8 keeps the familiar layout, with updates focused on design details like new stitching patterns on the seats and refreshed colour schemes. The interior is available in four colour options: Okapi Brown, Saiga Beige, Black, and Pando Grey (test car).
The SUV still offers premium features such as Audi’s dual MMI touchscreens, four-zone climate control, a head-up display, and seats that are heated, ventilated, and equipped with massage functions. Audi has also expanded its app store, now offering popular third-party music apps like Spotify and Amazon Music. The Bang & Olufsen audio system is superb too.
Additionally, the driver assistance systems have been improved for better safety and convenience. I felt this first hand when I received the car from Audi and was turning it in my tight parking space when the car applied brakes on its own, twice!
You don’t really sit high up in the Q8 but the driving position is very comfortable. The vehicle has rich quality materials on the inside and feels like a nice place to be in. The ergonomics are spot on too and there’s good comfort all around. I also sat at the rear briefly and enjoyed my experience there, but if someone is looking for a chauffeur-driven Audi, they’d be better off with the Q7 or the slightly more expensive A8L.
The facelifted Q8 in India is still powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-petrol engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system. This combination produces 340 HP and 500 Nm of torque. The engine is connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to all four wheels through Audi’s quattro system.
Performance is quite exciting and the V6 engine has creamy performance. It is generally a very relaxed powertrain and when you go a little hard on the throttle, the 6-cylinders pull the car really well and the Q8 accelerates with a great sense of urgency. The torque rush is incredible and the vehicle doesn’t run out of steam.
The Q8 also feels very sure-footed all the time. The suspension has a very mature setup and the car rides well over bad roads. The ride is a little on the firm side and the steering also has some heft to it even at low speeds. The pre-facelift Q8 used to come with an air suspension which isn’t offered on the updated model though. The vehicle does get the usual driving modes like Comfort, Eco, Off-Road and Dynamic.
Overall, the Audi Q8 is a desirable SUV for sure. It looks the part, has a nice cabin and drives quite well too. It doesn’t have any direct competition as such but at Rs. 1.34 Crore (On-Road, Mumbai) there are a lot of other offerings available too. The updates on the vehicle are very minor, but then there’s nothing wrong with the Q8 too, so if you like it just go out there and buy yourself one!
