Getting The Job Done

Audi is taking the rise of the SUV seriously. Forget the A8 large sedan, the Q8 is now its range-topping model. But is it worthy of this crown on all fronts?

The Q8 combines the elegance of a four-door luxury coupé along with the practical talents of a large SUV. A generous interior with variable luggage compartment, state of the art operating and suspension technologies as well as intelligent driver assistance systems make the Audi Q8 a composed companion for business or leisure.

Compared to the Q7, Audi’s stalwart big SUV, the Q8, is wider, shorter and lower. Following the design language first seen on the A8, it paves the way for what future Audi models will look like and the brand is on the cusp of a big wave of new products.

Alongside the imposing single frame in octagonal design, the brawny radiator grille stands upright and, together with the spoiler which has been drawn towards the front, the large, highly contoured air inlets emphasise the self-confident look. The elegantly sloping roofline terminates in gently inclined D-pillars and rests against the Quattro blisters above the wheel arches, which house the 22-inch wheels. Subtle touches hark back to the original Quattro, including pillarless doors and the integrated light strip between the rear lights that creates an independent light signature day or night. Illuminating these lights by way of unlocking this car in a dark alley immediately brought a smile to our dial.

The Q8 certainly looks the part. But is it all it’s cracked up to be? It initially felt fairly... underwhelming. The seamless gearbox changes, smooth suspension and the fact that it is nearly impossible to hear the engine mess with your mind.