2021 Audi Q8 Review

Name: 2021 Audi Q8 Review
Brand: Audi

Price Range: $36,996 - $52,850

Audi Q8 Prestige 55 TFSI quattro 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

+126

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.

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2021 Audi Q8 Review

byTravis Langness^{Reviews Editor
Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.}

Pros

Comes well equipped with many standard features
Comfortable ride
High-quality cabin materials
Front and rear seats offer all-day comfort

Cons

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

What's new

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

Overview

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.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Audi Q8 Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/55 TFSI (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$233/mo

$217/mo

Avg. Large SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

7.8

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

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.

Comfort

8/10

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.

Interior

7.5/10

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.

Technology

8/10

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.

Storage

8/10

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.

Fuel Economy

6/10

How’s the fuel economy? 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.

Value

7/10

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

8.5/10

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?

The midlevel Q8 — the Premium Plus trim level — is our choice. On top of the standard luxury equipment, it adds a wireless phone charging pad, a 360-degree parking camera, a 17-speaker stereo, and access to several options you can't get on the base trim.

2021 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.

Standard feature highlights for the Premium trim include:

Adaptive suspension (improves ride comfort and handling)
Power liftgate
Panoramic sunroof
Twin-touchscreen infotainment system
Digital gauge cluster (Audi's Virtual Cockpit)
Three-zone automatic climate control
Leather upholstery
Heated front seats
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility

Standard safety equipment for the Q8 includes:

Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)

The Premium's Convenience adds:

Wireless charging pad and cellphone signal booster
Auto-dimming exterior mirrors
Heated steering wheel
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Q8 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

The Premium Plus trim adds the contents of the Convenience package, plus:

Front-seat ventilation
Four-zone climate control
17-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system
Additional LED ambient lighting

Premium Plus buyers can also specify the Executive package, which adds:

Matrix-design LED headlights
Heated rear seats
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)

Prestige models come with the Executive package plus:

Headlight washers
Soft-close doors (catch as they're being closed and gently pull shut)
Head-up display
Power rear sunshades

Other option packages worthy of a look include a Towing package, an Adaptive Chassis package (air suspension for adjustable ride height and rear-wheel steering for more nimble turning) and, for the Prestige only, a Luxury package that includes premium cabin materials and upgraded front seats.

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Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Audi Q8.

5 (61%)

4 (18%)

3 (5%)

2 (11%)

1 (5%)

4.2

38 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Audi, where have you been all my life?

Jim Shields, 04/20/2019

2019 Audi Q8 3.0 TFSI Premium quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A)

After months of research I purchased the Q8 with Premium Trim. The Q8 has exceeded my expectations as a sporty and luxurious SUV. As a tall man (6’6”), I feel right at home in the Q8 and driving it is a lot of fun! This SUV has all kinds of power and smoothness. The Technology in the vehicle is a lot but it becomes fairly intuitive after a few days. Super quiet on the inside! One …

Pleasantly Surprised

Matt D, 06/22/2019

2019 Audi Q8 3.0 TFSI Prestige quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A)

Have always shopped MB and BMW w/o much thought on Audis. When the MB debacle associated with the GLE 450 added six months (or more) to my delivery date I got my deposit back and started doing a bit more research. Never thought the "coupe" style SUVs were ugly personally, but I know they are polarizing. The Audi does a much better job making a sporty vehicle, so I figured it was worth …

2019 Audi Q8

HM, 03/13/2019

2019 Audi Q8 3.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A)

We have had the Q8 for three months, and have enjoyed every minute using it. We have put around three thousand miles, and reliablity, as it should be has been flawless. It is great in the snow. We drive it to our ski house each weekend, and it is like driving a snow cat compared with our previous vehicle, the dreadful 2016 Ford Explorer which was like a toboggan. The matrix-led …

Great overall package

Steve D, 07/04/2019

2019 Audi Q8 3.0 TFSI Premium quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A)

Overall, we are really happy with our Q8. Regardless of published reviews, this car is very quick. Its a quiet ride, the technology is really strong. It gets constant looks or people asking us what model the car is. Its a definite 4 or 4.5 stars rating for us. A few things for the Audi designers to work on to make it a 5: - Remote start capability: Last four cars have had this, …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Audi Q8, so we've included reviews for other years of the Q8 since its last redesign.

See all 38 reviews of the Audi Q8

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2021 Q8 Highlights

Trim:

Premium

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$68,200
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	20 MPG
Cost to Drive	$233/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	30.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Q8 models:

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

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover15.8%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2021 Audi Q8 Review

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2021 Audi Q8 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Q8 does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Audi Q8 models

Most helpful consumer reviews

Audi, where have you been all my life?

Pleasantly Surprised

2019 Audi Q8

Great overall package

2021 Q8 Highlights

Safety

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