Audi Q8 2018 review

Audi Q8 2018 review

It’s all change down the side, too, with prominent wheelarch flares designed to evoke those of the iconic eighties ur-Quattro. The roofline begins to taper sooner than it does on the Q7, finished off by a roof spoiler and a full-width light element across the car’s tailgate. Huge 21-inch wheels (in S line trim) finish off the look. From some angles, there’s more than a hint of the new Lamborghini Urus to the Q8’s creases – but you’d never mistake it for anything other than an Audi SUV on the open road.

The same can be said of the Q8’s elegant interior, whose architecture echoes that of Audi’s other flagship, the A8. The dashboard is neatly layered, with a pair of haptic touchscreens (10.1 inches for the upper screen, and 8.6-inch for the lower) below an air vent element that runs the width of the entire dash. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital dials are standard, and are as clear and easy to interpret here as they are in other applications.

Despite the trimmed roofline, rear-seat passengers won’t want for space, with good head and legroom even when sat behind taller adults. Front-seat comfort is excellent, with plenty of adjustment to the seats and three-spoke steering wheel. Material quality is up to Audi’s usual high standards, as well.

There’s room to throw stuff in the back, too; the 605-litre boot is 25 litres bigger than you’ll find in an X6. Evidence, in fact, that while the Q8 is lower than the Q7, it’s still a near-5m long car – and that has significant volume benefits.