2020 Audi Q8 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$68,200 to $77,700

Original MSRP

7.2
of 10

expert review

4.8

avg user rating

(6 reviews)

Pros

  • Plenty of cargo space

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Poor ergonomic design

  • Fairly pedestrian performance

7.2
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
6/10
Technology
8/10
Performance
8/10
Safety
8/10
Form & function
6/10
Cost-effectiveness
7/10
2020 Audi Q8 Test Drive Review summaryImage

Audi has turned its attention to making a performance-focused crossover that can be driven on the street and track, making it ready to go head-to-head with the BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, and Porsche Cayenne Coupe.

The two-row Audi Q8 delivers a lot of what affluent buyers are looking for. Its two higher-grade performance variants, the Audi SQ8 and Audi RS Q8 give buyers the option of adding more power and improved drive dynamics for the otherwise relatively traditional luxury SUV. It faces stiff competition in its segment but is positioned to be a worthy challenger.
6/10

If the exterior of the Audi Q8 looks familiar, it should. The model can’t kick its familial looks and, in fact, it doesn’t try to. The Audi’s SQ8 and RS Q8 variants follow the same distinctive styling accents and badging that are formulaic throughout the Audi lineup. Its coupe-like roofline is one of the major distinguishing exterior design elements between the Q8 and Q7. This sloped roofline is one reason why there is no third row in this SUV.

This results in a rather mundane looking Q8, somewhat aggressive SQ8, and more aggressive RS Q8. Audi has given all models its Singleframe grille, LED headlights with LED daytime running lights (RS Q8 models get high-definition Matrix-design ones), aluminum window surrounds and roof rails, rear privacy glass, and tailgate roof spoiler. Power-adjustable, power-folding and heated exterior side mirrors are available on the Q8 and come standard with memory on the SQ8 and RS Q8.

The RS Q8 has design accents that are specific to its trim level including a honeycomb grille and side blades while the SQ8 has the toned-down versions of those features. The look of the exhaust changes based on the model though their location remains the same, at least one on each side at the rear of the vehicle.

Audi has given the Q8 and SQ8 standard 21-inch wheels. The RS Q8 and the Q8 with the S Line Plus Package get 22-inch wheels.

Several packages are available for the flagship SUV including the Black Optic package that adds back exterior trim elements and roof rails.

An air suspension is standard on the SQ8 and RS Q8.

Setting foot in the Audi Q8, there’s no doubt that it’s a luxury SUV. While the base model Q8 has leather upholstery with perforated seats to choose as an option, the SQ8 and RS Q8 up the ante. The SQ8 has perforated diamond-stitched Valcona S sport seats with ventilation while the RS Q8 changes out the diamond stitching of the SQ8 for honeycomb stitching. Heated front seats are standard in every model.

The digital displays and multi-screen infotainment/climate control setup give the model a look of luxury that is accented by real wood and metal bezels and trim pieces.

Our test model was a Q8. Audi sells the Q8 in three trim levels: Audi Q8 Premium, Audi Q8 Prestige, and Audi Q8 Premium Plus. The SQ8 is only available in either Prestige or Premium Plus grades. The RS Q8 is only available in one trim level.

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Published May 25, 2021 by Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull is the Senior Editor of Autos at Newsweek and the former editor of AutomotiveMap. Her work has appeared in American City Business Journals, Trucks.com, CultureMap, InnovationMap, SportsMap, and U.S. News & World Report. She is also an on-air contributor to the SBNation Radio network.

User reviews for 2020 Audi Q8

Write a review
User rating:
by Gavin S
Nov 28, 2023
High quality car and sporty looking. Very practical and advanced. Nov 28, 2023
by Oscar T
Mar 18, 2023
Excellent with easy driving short or long distance tripsMar 18, 2023
by Tenise J
Oct 23, 2021
I love this vehicle!! Loaded...all the bells and whistles. The look and the drive are exactly what I was looking for. Definitely would recommend to others.Oct 23, 2021

2020 Audi Q8 Pricing

Original MSRP
$68,200 to $77,700
Price range
$35,567 to $38,137
Average price on CG
$35,625
YoY price change
$38,066 to $35,625

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · AM/FM radio · Remote CD: DVD audio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 180 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 14.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: aluminium · Dash trim: aluminum · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time

Engine

Battery: lithium ion · Battery rating: 380 CCA · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 335 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5200 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 369 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1370

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: metallic · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: starter/belt alternator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 8.6 in. and 10.1 in. (dual) · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.6

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation app: INRIX Traffic · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Smart device app function: send destination to vehicle · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · AM/FM radio · Remote CD: DVD audio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 16 · Watts: 730

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 14.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: aluminum · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power passenger · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free · Battery rating: 380 CCA · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 335 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5200 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 369 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1370

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Exhaust tip color: metallic · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: starter/belt alternator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 8.6 in. and 10.1 in. (dual) · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power panoramic · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: rear · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: perforated

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.6

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation app: INRIX Traffic · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Smart device app function: maintenance status · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Dual rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · AM/FM radio · Remote CD: DVD audio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 16 · Watts: 730

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 14.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: leather · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: with lighting · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: power side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time

Engine

Battery: lithium ion · Battery rating: 380 CCA · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 335 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5200 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 369 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 1370

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Exhaust tip color: metallic · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Side door type: soft close · Window trim: aluminum

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: starter/belt alternator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 8.6 in. and 10.1 in. (dual) · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low washer fluid

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power panoramic · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Roof rails: aluminum

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: perforated

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.6

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation app: INRIX Traffic · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: myAudi with Audi connect · Smart device app function: maintenance status · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: with washer

See all trims (3)