2026 Audi Q8

Overview

You can pretty much think of the 2026 Audi Q8 as a sportier-looking version of the brand's Q7 SUV. From the outside, the easiest way to differentiate between the two is the Q8's lower roofline. Inside, the Q8 seats five people, whereas the Q7 has an additional third-row seat to boost capacity to seven people and make it more of a family-oriented model. Standard features are plentiful, and the Q8 proves comfortable for front and backseat passengers. However, the Q8's roofline steals some of the boxier Q7's headroom and outright cargo capacity, so it's best to remember that if you prioritize practicality in an SUV. A redesigned Audi Q8 could be coming soon, but we haven't gotten any indication so far that it will be for the 2026 year.

Edmunds spotlight: More comfortable than you expect

While its sleek profile and style give the impression the Q8 prioritizes speed over comfort, just 30 minutes behind the wheel will convince you otherwise. The seats are supportive but not overbolstered, and the ride is supple over bumps and cracked pavement. This is an SUV you can drive for hours on end without feeling fatigued. The Q8 is still fairly quick and can handle itself with confidence, proving that this SUV is a very well-rounded package. If you want to go faster, Audi does offer the SQ8 and the mind-bending RS Q8 as alternatives.

Competitors to consider

Just about every luxury automaker offers a sporty-looking SUV these days. The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is an ideal alternative to the Q8 thanks to its fantastic interior and multiple engine options. BMW offers the X6 as the more rakish version of the more traditional X5 SUV. We also recommend the Genesis GV80 Coupe. It comes with loads of standard features and will typically be less expensive than the Q8.

The Audi Q8 is a great choice if you're looking for a stylish luxury SUV.