2021 Audi Q8
2021 Audi Q8 Review
- Comes well equipped with many standard features
- Comfortable ride
- High-quality cabin materials
- Front and rear seats offer all-day comfort
- Less practical than the related Q7
- Infotainment system can be distracting to use
- Throttle response is slow in the default driving mode
- Limited interior storage
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is now standard
- Several previously optional features are now standard or included in option packages
- Part of the first Q8 generation introduced for the 2019 model year
The 2021 Audi Q8 is Audi's range-topping SUV. It's mechanically related to Audi's Q7 three-row SUV. But for the Q8, Audi ditches the third-row seat and adds sportier styling. The result is an impressive midsize SUV with more headroom than similar coupe-style SUV competitors.
For 2021, all Audi Q8s come with blind-spot monitoring, and the base Premium trim's Convenience package includes a heated steering wheel and a 360-degree parking camera. Midlevel trims get some extra upgrades as well, but for the most part, this year's Q8 carries over without big changes. As a result, the Q8 remains stylish, practical and sophisticated. Want to know more? Check out our Expert Rating for our in-depth evaluation on the 2021 Q8.
Our verdict | |
The Audi Q8 backs its coupe-like styling with pleasing performance and plenty of luxury and technology features. A high price tag and a few compromises, however, prevent it from being the overall favorite in the class. | |
How does the Q8 drive? | |
With enough prodding, the Audi Q8 proves that it has the thrust to move at a good clip. In Edmunds testing, 0-60 mph came in 5.6 seconds. That's quick, though other SUVs in the class with similar engines are either as quick or quicker. But throttle response in the default drive mode feels strangely weak, especially considering how much power is available. Response improves to acceptable levels in Sport mode. The Q8 handles admirably through tight and sweeping corners alike. The suspension is properly buttoned-down in Sport mode, and body roll is nicely controlled. Only in higher-speed corners does the Q8's weight become a limiting factor. The steering is accurate and well tuned in terms of effort. | |
How comfortable is the Q8? | |
Like any good luxury SUV, the Q8 provides comfort in spades. We love the front seats' wide range of adjustment and cushy armrests. The seat padding is firm yet comfortable. Heating and ventilation functions seem subtle but are effective over time. The Q8's suspension manages both compliance and body control very well. While this Audi isn't the cushiest of rides, it provides a sufficiently comfortable ride quality. At highway speeds, there's a marginal amount of road noise and slightly more wind noise around the windshield. Otherwise, all other ambient noise is nicely isolated. | |
How’s the interior? | |
Audi's bold decision to go full touchscreen on its latest infotainment interface is controversial. Some of our experts found the interface distracting and easy to smudge, while others liked the clean look and operation. We were more united in our dislike of the Q8's limited visibility. The rake of the front windshield and rear glass does shrink your view out, and the front and rear roof pillars are on the thick side. The Q8 offers plenty of room, though. The space up front is generous, even if the lower roofline gives the impression of less headroom than there is. The rear seating is surprisingly opulent, with excellent legroom, lots of toe clearance and ample headroom. The wide rear bench can hold three adults in agreeable comfort. | |
How’s the tech? | |
The MMI interface isn't for everybody, but you can't deny that the Q8's cabin tech looks fully modern and comes with plenty of features. We like that it supports wireless Apple CarPlay, and the Digital Cockpit instrument panel is both useful and crisp-looking. We're less impressed by the voice control system, which isn't as full-featured as what Mercedes' MBUX system offers. It needs to be able to handle more functions, especially since Audi buried nearly all controls in the distracting infotainment system. The Q8's driver aids work well, but Audi's decision to make adaptive cruise control part of an optional midtrim package is irksome. | |
How’s the storage? | |
The Q8's design preserves most of the cargo space and offers people something attractive and cool to look at. The optional air suspension allows you to lower the rear for easier access to a wide cargo area. Split seats fold flat and provide a decent 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Storage is scarce for small items aside from the sizable door pockets. Car seat anchors hide behind removable covers, and the generous legroom ensures car seats of any size will fit. The optional towing package gives the Q8 a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which is generous for the class. A trailer maneuver assist feature automatically guides the trailer while reversing — the driver swipes to control it on the lower MMI infotainment display. | |
How economical is the Q8? | |
Despite mild hybridization, the Q8 is less efficient than much of its competition with comparable engines. Its rating of 20 mpg combined (18 city/23 highway) is about 2 mpg lower than most. We measured 19.5 mpg on our highway-heavy test loop, which is slightly lower than we anticipated. This may be due to the use of Sport mode to offset its sluggishness in Normal mode. | |
Is the Q8 a good value? | |
The Q8 exudes quality from the inside out. It's not just nice materials — the execution of the design and attention to detail also make the Q8 feel special. One interesting design detail is the use of frameless windows in the mold of a sports car. This is a rare feature for a SUV, yet the doors are solid and airtight. That impressive build quality comes at a fairly steep price. Our fully loaded test vehicle came within a whisper of $100,000, which is quite a lot for a V6-powered midsize SUV. Audi's warranties are average for a luxury automaker. | |
Wildcard | |
The Q8 scores big points with its sporty styling, and thankfully it has the performance chops to back it up. Still, you're not going to be outrunning sport sedans in this thing even though it looks like you could. However, you will have one of the coolest-looking SUVs in the lineup for school drop-offs. | |
Which Q8 does Edmunds recommend?
Audi Q8 models
The Q8 comes in three trims: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. The Q8 is available with one engine: a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It's connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
2021 Audi Q8 pricing
in Ashburn, VA
2021 Audi Q8 video
Read Description
NOTE: This video is about the 2019 Audi Q8, but since the 2021 Audi Q8 is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
We spent two days driving the 2019 Audi Q8 in the slippery snow-covered hills and sun-soaked desert valleys between Utah and Colorado to see if it's functional for family use while being fun to drive.
[MUSIC PLAYING] CALVIN KIM: Here's ann odd thought. Two row SUVs are actually big hatchbacks. Bear with me for a second. They're go anywhere, do anything vehicles with a lot of cargo space and a lot of capability. Don't believe me? Well, check out cars like the Cayenne and the Range Rover. They're sporty and off-roadable. And the 2019 Audi Q8 joins that fray. Is it a weird segment, you ask? I don't think so. Cars like the Bentayga, the Urus, and even Mercedes' venerable G wagon prove that there is a market for two row SUVs that's only growing. Since the Q8's all new, there's really no previous model to go off of on appearance. But compared to Audi's other SUVs, there's a lot of changes. This angular design is all new. And in particular, Audi-philes specifically will notice the vertical streaks. Audi calls this a mask. And this particular model has the Black Optic package which makes this surround black. And another one of Audi's trademark design elements are these LED headlights. There are two available, and they're both LEDs. The standard model just uses traditional LED elements, and they basically work like bi-xenon or halogen light. But the option headlight is the HD Matrix Beam headlights, and that uses a lot more LEDs to selectively turn on and off to be able to direct the light beam where it needs to go. Unfortunately, that functionality is not available in the United States. Audi is very hopeful that the regulations will pass that will allow that to happen. And if that does, a software update will make that functionality active. Here on the side of the Q8, it's pretty much typical Audi, a lot of good body creases. The lines all flow very well. One of the things that Audi was very specific about mentioning is this C pillar, this rearmost buttress, if you will. It's supposed to look like the same C pillar angle on Audi's famous Sport Quattro Rally Hatchback. Honestly, it does look good. And the benefit of it is it has a high roofline to keep headroom, really good for rear seat passengers. Another thing that they have is frameless doors just like their sports cars. Now, frameless doors look cool, but they introduce some noise. So Audi made sure to put dual pane glass on all the Q8s. One of the things that Audi really wanted to do is have a really big door opening so that you can get in and out really easily. Some things that parents will really appreciate is a force on climate control locks out when you turn on the child safety locks. And your cover for the panoramic roof, it's not a mesh. It's solid. So a child or even you if you don't like it won't get the full brunt of the sun. Another area where the Q8 differentiates itself from its more "coupe roofline" is these is here in the trunk. Due to the strong C pillar and the roofline angle, the space back here is actually extremely usable. The seats fold 40-20-40, so long skis, odd-shaped luggage can all fit. And again, that high roofline means you can stack stuff pretty high. Audi says the Q8 is their new flagship. But you might be asking, they've got the Q7. And that's a three row, seven seater SUV, and you'd be right. So how is the Q8 the flagship? Well, simply it's dynamically a better vehicle. It doesn't have the compromises the Q7 has in order to have that third row. So who would buy the Q8? Well, somebody that prefers the driving dynamic and really doesn't need that third row. But having said that, Audi made sure to have the Q8 still be very functional for families. Under the hood of the new Q8 is pretty much the same powertrain that's been out in the A6, A7, and the A80. It's a turbo-charged V6 with 8-speed automatic. It's a mild hybrid so that it has a very smooth start-stop characteristics, and it gives you a little bit extra charge, if you will, on initial acceleration. It makes 335 horsepower. And frankly, it performs very well. One difference though compared to the Audi sedans is that this has a 40-60 split Quattro system. And while this system is adaptive-- you can send power front and rear as needed-- it likes to sit at 40-60 with a bias towards the rear. That means the Q8 through corners mind of takes on a more rear-drive car feeling, which kind of enhances its sportiness. This particular model has the optional sport package which includes air suspension, which allows you to change the ride height. Which is really great if you like to do a little bit of off roading, because you can increase the ground clearance. Or if you load a lot of cargo, you can actually drop the floor to make the lift over height a little. bit lower. But more importantly, the sport package also gets you rear steer, which makes this Q8, while a big SUV, makes it handle like one that's much smaller. [MUSIC PLAYING] Having been in the car for over eight hours. I feel like I've drawn a fairly good conclusion about the new 2019 Audi Q8. At the beginning of this video, I asked a couple questions. Number one, is there a good market for a two row lifestyle-oriented SUV. Well, the answer to that question is absolutely yes. SUVs, particularly in the luxury segment, are blowing up like crazy. Audi would be absolutely remiss not to have something to compete in that category. And number two, is the Q8 a good version of that? And again, that answer is yes. They are able to combine very good and aggressive looks while still keeping it very functional. That additional roof height in the back makes those rear seats absolutely livable. And you can fit four adults absolutely no problem. Your kids fit in their no problem. It really makes you wonder if you need that three row look, the bigger, bulkier look. I don't think so. On the flip side, the Q8 presents a good value. A starting price is a little over $67,000, and well-equipped one is just over $75,000. So thumbs up for. that. . We can't wait to get the Q8 and its competitors in the office for a possible comparison test, stay tuned. [MUSIC PLAYING]
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Safety
Our experts’ favorite Q8 safety features:
- Audi Pre Sense Front
- Uses sensors at the front of the car to warn the driver about an imminent front collision. Can automatically apply the brakes too.
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Uses the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering system to provide assisted driving at speeds up to 40 mph.
- Audi Pre Sense Basic
- Tensions occupants' seat belts, closes the windows and sunroof, and activates the hazard lights if it detects an imminent collision.
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
| Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Driver | 4 / 5 |
| Passenger | 5 / 5 |
| Side Crash Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Side Barrier Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Driver | 5 / 5 |
| Passenger | 5 / 5 |
| Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings | Rating |
| Front Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Back Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Rollover | Rating |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 |
| Dynamic Test Result | No Tip |
| Risk Of Rollover | 15.8% |
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
| Side Impact Test | Good |
|---|---|
| Roof Strength Test | Good |
| Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
| IIHS Small Overlap Front Test | Not Tested |
| Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
Audi Q8 vs. the competition
Audi Q8 vs. Porsche Cayenne Coupe
Check out the Porsche Cayenne Coupe if you want a more engaging driving experience from your coupe-style luxury SUV. It doesn't have the cargo space or practicality to match the Q8, but even the Cayenne's base turbocharged V6 is powerful enough to raise your pulse and make you rethink just how heavily you pack.
Audi Q8 vs. BMW X6
You can credit the X6 for popularizing the coupe-style SUV trend. It's now in its third generation, while the Q8 is just getting started. The BMW's highlights include strong acceleration and a smooth and quiet ride. You might prefer its more traditional knob-based infotainment system over the Q8's all-touchscreen setup. The X6, however, has less rear headroom and cargo space than the Q8.
Audi Q8 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe
Packed with standard equipment and safety features, the GLE is a good choice for tech-savvy buyers. With impressive performance from either of the available engines, it's also a strong choice for buyers who value performance. And with one of the classiest interiors in the segment, it should be at the top of the list for any shopper who values quality and luxury over all else. This combination of virtues is what puts the GLE at the top of our list among midsize luxury SUVs.
FAQ
Is the Audi Q8 a good car?
What's new in the 2021 Audi Q8?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Audi Q8:
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is now standard
- Several previously optional features are now standard or included in option packages
- Part of the first Q8 generation introduced for the 2019 model year
Is the Audi Q8 reliable?
Is the 2021 Audi Q8 a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Audi Q8?
The least-expensive 2021 Audi Q8 is the 2021 Audi Q8 Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $68,200.
Other versions include:
- Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $68,200
- Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $72,050
- Prestige 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $77,850
What are the different models of Audi Q8?
More about the 2021 Audi Q8
2021 Audi Q8 Overview
The 2021 Audi Q8 is offered in the following submodels: Q8 SUV. Available styles include Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A), Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A), and Prestige 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A).
What do people think of the 2021 Audi Q8?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2021 Audi Q8 and all its trim types. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2021 Q8.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2021 Audi Q8 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2021 Q8 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2021 Audi Q8?
2021 Audi Q8 Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A)
The 2021 Audi Q8 Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $73,270. The average price paid for a new 2021 Audi Q8 Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) is trending $6,139 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $6,139 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $67,131.
The average savings for the 2021 Audi Q8 Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) is 8.4% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2021 Audi Q8 Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2021 Audi Q8 Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A)
The 2021 Audi Q8 Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $80,670. The average price paid for a new 2021 Audi Q8 Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) is trending $6,601 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $6,601 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $74,069.
The average savings for the 2021 Audi Q8 Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) is 8.2% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 18 2021 Audi Q8 Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2021 Audi Q8 Prestige 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A)
The 2021 Audi Q8 Prestige 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $87,110. The average price paid for a new 2021 Audi Q8 Prestige 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) is trending $6,825 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $6,825 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $80,285.
The average savings for the 2021 Audi Q8 Prestige 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) is 7.8% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 5 2021 Audi Q8 Prestige 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Which 2021 Audi Q8s are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2021 Audi Q8 for sale near. There are currently 62 new 2021 Q8s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $72,965 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2021 Audi Q8. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $4,671 on a used or CPO 2021 Q8 available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2021 Audi Q8s you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Audi for sale - 6 great deals out of 18 listings starting at $21,447.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2021 Audi Q8?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Audi lease specials