Used Audi Q8 2018-present review

Category: Luxury SUV

Premium SUVs like the rakish Audi Q8 are all the rage, and this is one of the best, with fine handling and a classy interior.

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Used Audi Q8 2018-present review
Star rating

What's the used Audi Q8 4x4 like?

Isn’t it amazing that when someone comes up with a popular idea, everyone copies it immediately afterwards. 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 burgeoning market for luxury SUVs with coupé-inspired styling.

Engines choices were initally 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.

Overview

Fine handling and a classy interior make the Audi Q8 a fine premium SUV-coupé choice, but just be aware that the excellent Q7 is more practical and a lot cheaper

  • Spacious interior
  • Fantastic build quality
  • Very quiet
  • Limited engine choice
  • Expensive road tax
  • Fiddly infotainment system

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.

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.

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.

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.

Audi Q8

Ownership cost

What used Audi Q8 4x4 will I get for my budget?

At the time of writing, prices for an Audi Q8 start at £38,000 for a 2018 50 TDI S Line. If you're interested only in a petrol Q8, you will need to spend at least £45,000 to get into one because most buyers have opted for the more economical diesel. Want a 2022 example? Have at least £52,00 to spend.

The SQ8 goes for upwards of £54,000, while the RS Q8 rises to around £81,000.

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

Check the value of a used Audi Q8 with What Car? Valuations

Audi Q8

How much does it cost to run a Audi Q8 4x4?

MPG

Heavy fuel bills are par for the course; the Q8 has similar fuel economy figures to its rivals, with the 50 TDI officially getting 33.2mpg and the 55 TFSI getting 26.4mpg.

Road tax (VED)

You’ll need to be well-heeled to run a Q8, and not just because every version attracts the top rate of road tax that applies between years two and six. This luxury tax will add on £390 to your regular £180 (for petrol and diesel cars) or £170 (for hybrid cars) per year.

Servicing

Audi servicing costs should be pretty reasonable, especially when compared to those of a Mercedes. At the time of writing, a fixed price plan for two services of a Q8 costs £629, while the equivalent for the latest GLE is £888.

Our recommendations

Which used Audi Q8 4x4 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

Audi Q8

Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Audi Q8 4x4?

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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Audi Q8