By Otsile Kadiege

Back in September 2023, Audi took the veils off their updated Q8 range which received subtle yet noticeable design tweaks, new exterior colours, new wheel designs, new decorative inlays, upgraded technology, and bespoke Platinum and Black Edition trim lines. The Q8 range will once again include an S model in the form of the SQ8 TFSI sports SUV with a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine.

Exterior updates

The Q8 was starting to look dated. Thankfully, the recent nip & tuck gives the flagship model a fresh, modern look. Up front, the unmistakably powerful and upright Audi Singleframe with an octagon design now features vertical inlays. They are arranged in teardrop shape in the base exterior and designed in the shape of an L in the S line exterior package and the SQ8 TFSI. This is underscored by the new prominent air intakes, which are clearly integrated into the car’s basic architecture. The optionally available Black and Black Plus optics packages set striking accents in the exterior around the Audi Singleframe, the trim on the side windows, and the front and rear bumpers. What’s more, the Singleframe mask comes finished in high-gloss black.

The updated Q8 is now available with three new exterior paint finishes, namely Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red, all as metallic finishes. The updated model is also available with a choice of five new wheel designs, with sizes ranging from 22- to 23-inches.

New lighting technology

As standard, the updated Q8 is fitted with high-intensity LED headlights. Customers can opt for HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light technology. The optional headlights work with 24 LEDs and a high-power laser diode each and are immediately recognizable via a blue ambient light incorporated into the headlights. The laser light becomes active starting at 70 km/h and significantly increases the high beam range. New for the top-of-the-range headlights are digital daytime running light signatures. They give the Q8 its characteristic and unmistakable appearance by allowing the user to select one of four individual light signatures via the MMI.

For the first time, the Q8 also features large digitized OLED rear lights (OLED = organic light emitting diode) as an optional extra, which also feature four digital light signatures in conjunction with the headlights. Similar to the Audi A8 and Q5, the digital OLED rear lights in the Q8 incorporate a proximity indication feature that works in tandem with the assistance systems. When vehicles from behind come within two meters of the stationary Q8, the control units trigger the activation of all the digital OLED segments. Additional functions include dynamic turn signals as well as various coming home and leaving home sequences.

Interior updates

Inside, the seams on the seat trim in the base model now come as standard in a contrasting grey colour. There are also nine decorative inlays available to choose from. Adding to the available options in the equipment lineup are wood fine-grain ash natural silver for the standard model; carbon twill matt, and aluminium linear silver grey for the Q8 featuring the S line sport package; as well as for the SQ8 TFSI. To further underscore the character of the Q8, three new finishes are available. Audi Sport GmbH offers Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red, all as metallic finishes. Other noteworthy standard features include a 360-degree camera, a Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium audio system, and the convenience key, among other features.

Driver assistance systems upgrade

In terms of driver assistance systems, the surroundings display has received a significant upgrade. The Audi virtual cockpit displays a lane change warning, other road users (trucks, cars, and motorcycles) distance warning, intersection assist, and traffic light information online in stunning full HD quality. 

Performance

The range opens with the 45 TDI quattro, a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine that delivers 183kW and 600Nm. From a standing start, Audi claims it accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 7.0 seconds before topping out at 220km/h.

This engine is followed by the Q8 55 TFSI, which features a six-cylinder engine with 3.0 litres of displacement and direct fuel injection that delivers 250 kW and 500 Nm. With its turbocharged petrol engine, the Q8 55 TFSI accelerates from zero to 100km/h in a claimed 5.6 seconds. It reaches its electronically governed top speed at 250km/h.

All V6-engines in the Audi Q8 work together with an eight-speed tiptronic, quattro permanent four-wheel drive, and the mild hybrid system, which can achieve a fuel-consumption advantage of up to 0.5L/100km in customer operation. 

As part of the product upgrade, the SQ8 TFSI now runs on the 4.0 TFSI with 373 kW and 770 Nm of torque with fast-shifting eight-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. With this engine, the SQ8 TFSI accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds, with an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h. With its firing order of 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8, the 4.0 TFSI is said to have a distinctive sporty and sonorous sound.

Pricing and warranty

Prices for the 45 TDI quattro start at R1,968,700 for the Platinum Edition and R2,011,700 for the Black Edition. The Q8 55 TFSI Platinum Edition, meanwhile, costs R2,015,400 for the Platinum Edition and R2,058,400 for the Black Edition. The SQ8’s pricing will be revealed closer to its launch date. Like all Audi models, the Q8 boasts a 5-year/100,000km Audi Freeway Plan comprehensive service and maintenance plan.