New Audi Q8 vs Range Rover Velar

Space and practicality

Front space, rear space, seating flexibility, boot

Neither of our protagonists is small, so front space is plentiful. The Q8 has a bit more head room, but we dare say the Velar’s panoramic roof (a £1115 option) stole some space.

Those in the back are well served, too. Leg room is significantly better in the Q8, but the Velar counters with more head room. Either way, you’d have to be well over six feet tall to have an issue.

Electric reclining rear seats are standard in the Velar, whereas a manual equivalent will cost you £350 in the Q8. This money also gets you 40/20/40 split-folding seatbacks (standard in the Velar), and the whole bench slides to prioritise boot space or leg room; this feature isn’t available in the Velar. Still, you don’t really need it, because the Velar can swallow more luggage no matter where the Q8’s rear seats are positioned.

Both cars have electric tailgates as standard, with the Velar adding gesture control so you can open the boot even when your hands are full, although the Q8 counters with a ‘kneeling’ function that allows you to lower the rear suspension for easier loading.

There’s less storage space for odds and ends in the Q8, with the wireless phone charger taking up most of the space under the front armrest and no shelf for a wallet or keys in front of the gear selector.

Audi Q8

Q8’s tapering rear results in an awkward boot shape, and the load cover slopes downwards. Rear seats slide, recline and split 40/20/40 for £350; with them right back, there’s more leg room than in Velar. Q8 has more space up front.

Boot 605-1755 litres Suitcases 8

Range Rover Velar

The Velar has a bigger boot, although accessing it is trickier than in the Q8, due to a smaller aperture and a higher load lip. Electrically reclining rear seatbacks are standard and there’s more head room for rear seat passengers.

Boot 632-1690 litres Suitcases 10

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