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The Audi Q8 50 TDI Quattro – Audi’s confusing top of the range SUV.
And while this is the top of the range, it is actually a bit smaller than the next lower model, the Q7.
So, how is it, that the Q8 is the higher model?
Well, it’s one of those 4- or 5-door coupés. In this case the roof line is lower and the tailgate is less steep. Also, the car has no door frames around the windows.
The idea is to basically trade practicality for design.
In my opinion this has not worked so well. Sure, the Q8 is not a bad looking car, but looking at it “Coupé” is not the first thing that comes to mind. Personally, I think it looks a lot like a larger Q3. And that model is not being marketed as a coupé.
Beside the looks, what else do you get from the Q8?
Being a 5-Seater while keeping the same 3m wheelbase of the Q7 means a lot of space in the interior. Even with the front seats as far back as possible, there is still sufficient legroom for the rear passengers.
Also, the lowered roofline and the wider body mean a lower center of gravity and therefore better handling.
And yes, the Q8 handles admirably well. However, it weighs over 2.5t meaning that this is not a car that will inspire you to go drive a mountain pass or onto a racetrack anyway.
This car has the optional 4-wheel-steering, which certainly helps making the car handle well. The steering is also very direct - something you would not expect in such a luxury SUV.
However, it is very light and gives very little feedback. Therefore it’s a weird mix, direct and dull at the same time.
But again, this is not a car for driving enthusiasts, especially being a Diesel.
The engine is a 3l twin turbo V6 developing 286hp and about 600nm of torque. And it’s perfectly adequate for the car. It performs just the way you would expect for such a car. But it also does not excite. Given the type of car and the way it feels, it is the right engine for the car. You would not want a smaller engine, but there is also no need for a larger one.
This car is a bit of a cheater. It actually is much larger and heavier than it looks. This is all due to the massive 21” rims with tires that still have quite a large sidewall. The wheels are an enormous 77cm. Therefore, in relation the wheels, the car looks quite compact. If this car had normally sized wheels, it would look massive.
The car’s floor is very high off the ground, which makes it hard to get in and out of. There should be a handle to help getting in and out of the car.
However, the Q8 has adaptive air suspension, which can lower the car, even from within the trunk, in order to lower that loading sill.
The Audi Q8 is not uncomfortable, but it definitely feels a bit harsher than you would expect from such a Luxury SUV. Audi clearly went the route of sporty feeling vs. comfort. And the different driving modes do very little to change that.
At the same time, this SUV does not and will never feel like a proper sports car, so what’s the point in not just making it a bit softer?
Audi’s core competency has always been making nice interiors and they did it again with the Q8. The dashboard looks really good with the metal, piano wood and the 2 touch screens. These surfaces are however magnets for fingerprints.
Also, controlling everything by touchscreen might not be ideal ergonomically speaking. And it’s true. Audi did make the screens clickable, so that you get a feedback after you pushed a button, but you still have to look at it and cannot find the button blind by feel.
At least the kept a knob for volume and track selections, which is nice. You can also do both of that from the dedicated buttons on the steering wheel.
I must say, that while the interior is nice, it does not feel that special. There is still a lot of plastic everywhere, which I am sure, could be optioned out to be covered with hand stitched leather from virgin Kobe cows raised on a low carb diet or something like this, but this car does not have it.
This Q8 has CHF 40k in optional extras, but does not have a leather covered dashboard. Of course, it’s an Audi, so with just 44% on top of the base price you cannot expect to have a fully equipped car. Yes, you heard right, the Q8 50 TDI starts at CHF 90'000 and with the options this particular car ends up costing CHF 131'000.
And at CHF 131'000 it still has a blank button in the middle of the dash. A blank button! Always there to remind you that you did not get all the options. That you could not afford it. Damn you Audi, putting blank buttons in the very center of a car this expensive!

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