Used Audi Q8 2018-2024 review

What's the used Audi Q8 like?

Isn’t it amazing that when someone comes up with a popular idea, everyone copies it immediately? You see it in fashion, cooking, music and cars.

The Audi Q8 is a prime example of the latter, having been created to take on the BMW X6 and Mercedes GLE Coupé in the market for luxury SUVs with coupé-inspired styling. It was so successful it ran from 2018-2024 before it was replaced by an updated version that carried on the good work set out by this original car.

Overview

The Audi Q8 is a luxury SUV that combines stylish coupé-inspired design with impressive handling and a high-quality interior. It offers a range of engines, including powerful diesel and petrol options, alongside plug-in hybrids. With generous space for passengers and a well-equipped interior, the Q8 stands out in the competitive premium SUV market. Fine handling and a classy interior make the Audi Q8 a fine premium choice, but just be aware that the excellent Q7 is more practical and a lot cheaper. There is a question mark over Audi reliability too, unfortunately.

Pros

• Spacious interior with plenty of room for passengers
• Fantastic build quality with good use of materials
• Very quiet and refined in the interior

Cons

• Limited engine choice
• Reliability on some related Audi models is below average
• Fiddly infotainment system

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Engines: Engines choices were initially a little limited, with only a 282bhp 3.0-litre diesel (badged 50 TDI) or a 335bhp 3.0-litre turbo petrol (55 TFSI), plus the bonkers 427bhp 4.0-litre diesel in the sporting Audi SQ8. Then came the Audi RS Q8 – it has a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V8 that develops 592bhp under its bonnet.

The standard 50 TDI diesel is discerning enough, with smooth running at idle and under full acceleration, plus plenty of performance. The 55 TFSI petrol offers punchy acceleration, but you'll pay for that at the pumps.

There are also two plug-in hybrid variants that were introduced in 2021. Named the 55 TFSI e and 60 TFSI e, they combine 3.0-litre petrols with electric power for a combined output of 376bhp in the former and 456bhp in the latter.

Trims & equipment: Entry-level S line Q8s have near enough everything you could ever wish for, including 21in alloy wheels, LED headlights, Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital display, heated front sports seats and adaptive air suspension. Pushing the boat out a little further are Black Edition cars, which have slightly larger 22in alloys, a black exterior styling package, a panoramic glass roof, four-zone climate control and Virtual Cockpit Plus (the same as the normal system but with a couple of extra views). Finally, the top-of-the-range Vorsprung has cooled front seats, plusher leather, a Bang & Olufsen stereo and all-wheel steering.

Ride & handling: The Q8 has a sportier edge than the Audi Q7, and this is reflected in its ride. It’s never uncomfortable, but you feel lumps more, even when the adaptive suspension is set in its most compliant Comfort mode.

Handling is really rather good for such a hefty vehicle, with minimal body roll through the corners. Mind you, the Q8 is a not-too-distant relation of the Lamborghini Urus, which perhaps explains why it's able to carve through turns with little fuss. SQ8 models are even better, because it has active anti-roll technology that helps keep the car flat through bends. Vorsprung models go one stage further by introducing all-wheel steering, which noticeably tightens the Q8's turning circle.

Interior & practicality: The Q8 has a beautifully finished interior featuring all the finest soft-touch plastics, leathers and metal finishes in the Audi parts catalogue. The only difference with the Q8 is the introduction of Audi’s new dual-touchscreen layout. This replaces all the physical buttons and dials with touchscreens that give haptic feedback. It isn’t as easy to use as the old rotary dial setup, however, and shows up fingerprint marks really badly in direct sunlight.

Space isn’t an issue for passengers in the rear seats, unlike similarly styled rivals. The lower roofline of an SUV coupé can eat into the head room, but the Q8 is good for even tall adults, plus it has a massive amount of leg room.

The boot betters the X6's for overall capacity but trails that of the GLE Coupé. There shouldn't be any complaints from anyone in the front, though.

If you're interested in finding a used Audi Q8, or any of the other models mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at great prices.

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Ownership cost

What used Audi Q8 will I get for my budget?

Prices for an Audi Q8 start at around £31,000 for a 2018 50 TDI S Line. If you're interested only in a petrol Q8, you will need to spend at least £32,000 to get into one because most buyers have opted for the more economical diesel. Want a 2022 example? Have at least £42,000 to spend. A 2023 or 2024 car? Figure on over £46,000.

The SQ8 goes for upwards of £42,000, while the RS Q8 rises to around £51,000.

To keep up to date with used Q8 prices, use our free valuation tool to make sure you're getting the best deal.

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Our recommendations

Which used Audi Q8 should I buy?

Engine

At the moment, the engine range is limited to one petrol and one diesel. Of these, the 50 TDI diesel is the best option, because of its blend of refinement, performance and economy.

Specification

We’d recommend sticking with the cheapest trim, S line, because it feels just as luxurious as the Black Edition and Vorsprung specs, but is considerably cheaper to buy.

Our favourite Audi Q8: 50 TDI S line

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Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Audi Q8?

The Mercedes GLE Coupé may be the best in terms of boot space, but it's based on the old GLE, which in turn was a facelifted M-Class. This means it doesn’t benefit from all the latest technology that allows the Q8 to handle so well.

The BMW X6, on the other hand, handles incredibly well and offers some stonking diesel engines. Its interior isn't as accommodating, but it does feature BMW's iDrive infotainment system, which is one of the best in the industry.

If you're interested in finding a used Audi Q8, or any of the other models mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

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