Audi India is on a roll, recently celebrating the milestone of 1,00,000 units on Indian roads—an achievement that underscores the enduring appeal of the Four Rings. Continuing this momentum, Audi is introducing the updated version of its flagship SUV, the Q8. It's not often that you see a brand take bold risks with a flagship, let alone in the form of a coupe SUV, but Audi took the gamble and nailed it.
Conclusion: A Compelling Yet Conservative Flagship
The facelifted Audi Q8 occupies a unique space in the lineup—above the Q7 yet standing apart from full-fledged seven-seaters like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7. With its striking coupe-SUV design, the Q8 is more about visual drama and road presence than outright practicality, appealing to buyers who value style and driving dynamics over an extra row of seats.
At Rs 1.17 crore, Audi has strategically positioned the Q8 to compete with more traditional luxury SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5 rather than the pricier Porsche Cayenne Coupe. The competitive pricing works in its favour, but the absence of some expected premium features like air suspension, ventilated or massage seats, and a broader customisation list may leave some buyers wanting more in a segment where such luxuries are becoming the norm. That said, the Q8 still has plenty to offer: bold design, solid performance, and a balance of understated luxury making it a compelling choice for those in the market for a big luxury SUV. It may not push boundaries, but it certainly holds its ground.
Performance: Subtle Refinement
The Q8's performance remains a strong point, driven by the same turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine that delivers 335 bhp and 500 Nm of torque. There's been no major updates here, but that's because the powertrain didn't need one. Acceleration is smooth and linear, propelling this hefty SUV from 0-100 kmph in just 5.6 seconds. While the mid-range punch may not match some rivals, the eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox compensates with quick, seamless shifts, ensuring the engine stays in its sweet spot.
Where the Q8 shines is in its balance between performance and comfort. Sharing its platform with the Lamborghini Urus and Porsche Cayenne, the Q8 handles directional changes with a surprising athleticism for its size. The Quattro all-wheel-drive system and wide track keep the SUV grounded, while the body roll is well-controlled, especially in Dynamic mode. Steering is precise and well-weighted, making the Q8 surprisingly nimble on winding roads, shrinking around the driver in an unexpected way for a vehicle of its stature.
Ride Quality: Mixed Bag
The ride quality, however, may divide opinions. The facelifted Q8 now rides on steel springs with adaptive dampers, ditching the air suspension of earlier models. This setup gives the Q8 a more connected, engaging feel on the road but also introduces a firmer edge to the ride, particularly over rougher surfaces. The Q8 transforms into a composed cruiser on smooth highways, but the firmness is noticeable on less-than-perfect roads, especially at lower speeds.
That said, higher-profile tyres and electronically controlled dampers do a commendable job of soaking up most imperfections, and in Comfort mode, the ride becomes plusher, albeit with a slight floatiness. For those who prioritise driving dynamics, the suspension in Dynamic mode strikes the perfect balance, tightening body control without sacrificing too much comfort.
Familiar Yet Premium Cabin
Step inside, and the Q8's cabin feels familiar—perhaps a bit too familiar. While the interior remains as premium as ever, Audi hasn't overhauled the layout. The Virtual Cockpit, still one of the best in the business, takes centre stage, flanked by the now-classic twin-stacked touchscreen setup on the centre console. The top screen is intuitive and easy to navigate, but the lower screen for climate controls remains slightly awkward, forcing you to take your eyes off the road more than you'd like. It's no surprise that future Audis, like the upcoming Q6 e-tron, are moving away from this setup—something I personally find more practical. That said, Audi has made some intelligent updates. The four-zone climate control is now more advanced, and the 7-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system delivers a deeply immersive experience. Audi has also added a 360-degree camera and enhanced park assist, complemented by soft-close doors, all of which elevate the premium feel.
However, for a flagship, some omissions are hard to overlook. Features like ventilated seats, massage options, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and advanced driver assistance systems are notably absent—particularly when rivals offer them as standard. While loyalists may not mind, buyers expecting a fully loaded luxury experience might find these gaps hard to ignore.
The Q8 immediately strikes you as one of the most eye-catching SUV coupes on the market, with proportions and road presence that defy the camera. At nearly 5 meters in length and with a 3-meter wheelbase, it commands attention like few others on the road. Positioned above the Q7, it's clear that the Q8 is the crown jewel of Audi's Q range. Where the Q7 may cater to those who prefer to be driven, the Q8 is for those who love to drive—clearly marketed as the sportier, more dynamic sibling.
Much like its counterpart, the Q8 exudes elite sophistication, with clean lines and a muscular stance. Audi has smartly refined the design without overdoing it, keeping it familiar yet fresh. The grille, now with chrome inserts, and reworked bumpers with larger air dams, sharpen the front-end look, while Audi's new 2D logo and model name on the B-pillar hint at the brand's evolving design language. And as always, Audi's lighting game is top-notch—the Matrix LED headlamps now come with laser lights, and the DRLs offer four unique presets, adding a touch of personalisation that gives you additional bragging rights amongst peers.
Gone are the standard 19-inch wheels; in their place, you now get striking 21-inch alloys with red brake callipers that add the right amount of aggression. Around the back, Audi has ensured the twin exhaust pipes aren't just for show—they're functional. The new digital tail lamps and the fresh Sakhir Gold paint option, exuding serious "Sheikh's Spec" vibes, make it clear this SUV is engineered to stand out.
Specs:
Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6
Power: 335bhp @5200 - 6400 rpm
Torque: 500Nm @1370 - 4500 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic
0-100kmph: 5.6 seconds (claimed)
Top speed: 250 kmph (claimed)
Price: Rs 1.17 crore onwards
