2020 Audi Q8

Is the Audi Q8 a Good SUV?

Yes, the Audi Q8 is a good luxury midsize SUV. The Q8 has a breathtaking interior with top-notch materials and airy seating in both rows, and it’s outfitted with lots of sleek and easy-to-use tech features. The coupelike Q8 also impresses with its balanced driving dynamics. Bumps and dips in the road are soaked up comfortably, and sharp turns can be maneuvered without drama. Factor in a high safety score and many standard safety features, and the Q8 shapes up as a well-rounded SUV.

Should I Buy the Audi Q8?

That depends. You should buy the Q8 if you love its mix of style, performance, and cutting-edge technology. On the other hand, you may want to look elsewhere if you have a growing family. The Q8 is a luxury two-row SUV with five seats. If you need three rows, consider the seven-passenger Audi Q7 or competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5, which have optional third rows. All three cost a bit less as well.

Compare the Q8, Q7, and GLE »

Should I Buy a New or Used Audi Q8?

The Audi Q8 launched as an all-new SUV for 2019. The big news for 2020 is the upcoming arrival of a high-performance RS Q8 variant, which has a twin-turbocharged V8 engine with nearly 600 horsepower. Otherwise, the Q8 carries over largely unchanged.

If you’re only interested in the standard Q8, you can likely save money by shopping for a pre-owned 2019 Q8 with similar performance and features.

Check out our Used Car Deals page to learn about savings and discounts you can find on used vehicles.

Compare the 2019 and 2020 Q8 »

We Did the Research for You: 21 Reviews Analyzed

We’ve analyzed 21 Audi Q8 reviews, as well as hard data points like reliability ratings and fuel economy estimates, to help you make the best car-buying decision possible.

This 2020 Q8 review incorporates applicable research for all models in this generation, which launched for 2019.

Why You Can Trust Us

U.S. News Best Cars has been ranking and reviewing vehicles since 2007, and our team has decades of experience in the auto industry. Though we’re passionate about cars, we’re even more committed to providing helpful consumer advice. To maintain objectivity, we don’t accept expensive gifts or trips from car companies.

How Much Does the Audi Q8 Cost?

The 2020 Audi Q8 starts at $68,200, one of the highest base prices in an already expensive segment. The price jumps to $77,700 for the range-topping Prestige trim, though adding options can bring it close to $100,000. At the time of writing, pricing for the RS Q8 has yet to be released.

If you want an Audi SUV that costs less than the Q8, consider the five-seat Audi Q5 or seven-seat Audi Q7, which start at $43,300 and $53,550, respectively.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Audi dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Audi deals page.

Audi Q8 Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: Audi Q8 or Porsche Cayenne?

The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury midsize SUV that has a lot in common with the Q8. It has a stunning interior, comfy seats, and cutting-edge tech features. Both have similar V6 engines in their base models. Like the Q8, the Cayenne is offered with coupe styling, though a more traditional SUV body style is standard. The differences between these two largely have to do with performance and price.

The Cayenne is a much sportier vehicle. It feels lighter and more agile around turns than the Q8, and it has a broader engine lineup with more powerful options. On the other hand, the Q8 is a bit cushier on rough roads, and its pricing doesn’t soar quite as high as the Cayenne’s. If you want an SUV that drives like a sports sedan, get the Cayenne. If you prioritize comfort over performance, stick with the Audi.

Which Is Better: Audi Q8 or Audi e-tron?

The Audi e-tron is the newest addition to the brand’s SUV line. This electric vehicle has a driving range of 204 miles, and its driving experience is a bit different. The e-tron accelerates silently, and it maintains that whisper-quiet atmosphere, even at highway speeds. Otherwise, the e-tron shares many of the Q8’s features. Both SUVs are comfortable and enjoyable to drive, handsomely styled inside and out, and bursting with the latest tech and safety features.

If you’re ready to trade the gas pump for a charging station, opt for the e-tron. If you aren’t, stick with the well-rounded Q8. Both are good options.

Compare the Q8, Cayenne, and e-tron »

Q8 Interior

How Many People Does the Q8 Seat?

The Audi Q8 is a two-row SUV with five seats. The front seats are softly padded and supportive, and the driving position is quite relaxing. Outward visibility is excellent as well. The rear seats are similarly comfortable, and taller adults should find ample room to stretch out in front and in back. Like the front seats, the rear seats recline and slide.

Leather upholstery and heated front seats are standard. Ventilated and massaging front seats are available, as are heated rear seats.

Q8 and Child Car Seats

The Audi Q8 has two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the rear outboard seats, as well as an upper tether for the rear middle seat. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the system a top rating of Good for ease of use. The anchors are easy to find and can’t be confused with other hardware.

Q8 Interior Quality

The Audi Q8’s interior is both dazzling and understated. The overall design is clean and elegant, mixing traditional and modern styles, but it isn’t as eye-catching as some SUVs in this segment, like the Mercedes-Benz GLE. The cabin is exceptionally quiet, keeping wind and road noise to a minimum. Interior upgrades are available, from eucalyptus wood trim to a leather-wrapped dashboard, but the standard layout is impressive on its own.

Q8 Cargo Space

The Audi Q8 has 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats and up to 60.7 cubic feet with these seats folded. That’s a fine amount of storage space for a luxury midsize SUV, and it’s more than capable of accommodating large suitcases and boxes. However, a number of SUVs in this segment can do better, like the Volvo XC90 and Land Rover Discovery.

Q8 Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation

The Q8 sports the newest version of Audi’s MMI infotainment system. It features a 10.1-inch touch screen at the top of the dashboard and an 8.6-inch touch screen directly below it. Other standard tech includes navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, Bluetooth, four USB ports, a 10-speaker stereo, satellite radio, HD Radio, and tri-zone automatic climate control.

This dual-screen setup is quite user-friendly because of its simple menus, quick responses to user inputs, and crisp graphics. The top screen is well within the driver’s line of sight. Both screens have haptic feedback - a subtle vibration felt at the fingertip - so you can tell if the system detected your tap or swipe. The upper screen manages the radio and navigation, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The lower screen handles the climate control and vehicle settings.

Other highlights include the digital gauge cluster (Audi Virtual Cockpit), which can display navigation routes and maps in vivid detail. The Q8’s voice recognition system is stellar as well. You can say things like “I’m cold,” and the system will adjust the climate controls accordingly.

Available features include quad-zone automatic climate control, wireless device charging, and 17- and 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound systems.

Read more about interior »

Q8 Performance

Q8 Engine: Slick Six

The Audi Q8 is powered by a 335-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard. Step on the gas, and this V6 shuttles the Q8 up to speed briskly. Zero to 60 mph takes just under six seconds. There’s burly passing power at highway speeds as well, largely because of the transmission’s smooth and well-timed gear changes. Throttle response can be slow when driving at lower speeds, but shifting the Q8 into Dynamic mode largely fixes this issue.

All Q8 models are equipped with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which acts as an alternator and operates the engine’s stop-start feature. The setup is quiet and works seamlessly, though you might not see much benefit at the gas pump.

Q8 Gas Mileage: Big Appetite

The Q8 gets an EPA-rated 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. These fuel economy estimates are below average for the luxury midsize SUV segment. By comparison, the coupelike BMW X6 can get up to 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Q8 Ride and Handling: Confident Cruising

The Q8 is a bruiser of an SUV, tipping the scales at 2.5 tons, but it does a fine job of managing that weight. The Q8 feels stable and surefooted around turns, and its steering is light and responsive. It also glides comfortably over rough road surfaces, even with its optional - and huge - 22-inch wheels. That’s partly because of the Q8’s adaptive shock absorbers, which can adjust quickly on the fly. An adaptive air suspension is optional, enabling an even cushier ride.

Large brakes slow down the Q8 assertively from high speeds. However, the brake pedal can feel a bit sensitive at lower speeds.

Q8 Towing Capacity

When properly equipped, the Audi Q8 can tow up to 7,700 pounds.

Read more about performance »

Q8 Reliability

Is the Audi Q8 Reliable?

J.D. Power gives the 2020 Audi Q8 a predicted reliability rating of three out of five, which is about average.

Audi Q8 Warranty

Audi backs the Q8 with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty.

Read more about reliability »

How Much Does It Cost to Insure an Audi Q8?

The cost of insuring an Audi Q8 will depend on a variety of factors, including your deductible, the level of coverage that you want, and the type of insurance that you choose. Your age, gender, location, credit score, and driving record can also have an impact on your insurance rates. Check out our car insurance guide to find the best policy for you.

Q8 Safety

Q8 Crash Test Results

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2020 Q8 an overall safety rating of five out of five stars. The Q8 earned five stars in the frontal and side crash tests and four stars in the rollover evaluation.

The 2020 Q8 earned the highest rating of Good in all six tests and was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Headlight ratings depend on the trim. The Q8 with standard LED highlights received the lowest rating of Poor for how well they illuminate the road ahead, while models equipped with the optional HD Matrix headlights received the second-highest rating of Acceptable. For its standard front crash prevention features, the Q8 earned the top rating of Superior.

Q8 Safety Features

All Q8 models are equipped with a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking (Audi pre sense city), lane departure warning, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and automatic high-beam headlights.

Available safety features include a surround-view parking camera system, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert (Audi side assist), lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, a head-up display, and a night vision camera.

Read more about safety »

Q8 Dimensions and Weight

The Audi Q8 is 16.4 feet long. Its curb weight is 5,004 pounds.

Where Is the 2020 Audi Q8 Built?

Audi builds the 2020 Q8 in Slovakia.

Which Audi Q8 Model Is Right for Me?

The 2020 Audi Q8 is offered in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. A high-performance RS Q8 model is expected to arrive in mid-2020, but at the time of writing, its specifications and features haven’t been confirmed.

For most shoppers, the entry-level Q8 Premium is the best pick. It’s well-equipped with standard convenience and safety features, and it offers the same engine performance as the Premium Plus and Prestige models. All models are equipped with a 335-horsepower V6 engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and Quattro all-wheel drive.

Audi Q8 Premium

The Q8 Premium has a starting price of $68,200. Standard infotainment features include 10.1-inch and 8.6-inch touch screens, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, four USB ports, Bluetooth, a 10-speaker stereo, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Other standard features include leather upholstery, heated front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, push-button start, a power liftgate, an adaptive suspension, and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Standard safety features include a rearview camera, parking sensors, forward collision warning with brake assist, lane departure warning, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and LED headlights with automatic high beams.

Options include a tow package ($650) and 21-inch wheels ($1,000). The Cold Weather package ($600) comes with heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel, and the Convenience package ($850) adds blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and wireless device charging.

Audi Q8 Premium Plus

The Q8 Premium Plus has a starting MSRP of $72,200. This trim adds heated and ventilated front seats, quad-zone automatic climate control, a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, a surround-view parking camera system, 21-inch wheels, and the contents of the Convenience package.

The towing and Cold Weather packages carry over. Other options include upgraded headlights and taillights ($1,200), 22-inch wheels ($1,000), and an adaptive air suspension with all-wheel steering ($2,750). The Driver Assistance package ($1,750) adds lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control.

Audi Q8 Prestige

The Q8 Prestige trim starts at $77,700. It includes the contents of the Driver Assistance package, plus the upgraded headlights and taillights. Other features include a leather-wrapped dashboard, rear window sunshades, power soft-closing doors, and a head-up display.

Most available features carry over. However, options exclusive to the Prestige trim include a night vision camera system ($2,500), a 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo ($5,000), and the Luxury package ($6,150), which offers extended leather upholstery and heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats.

Audi RS Q8

The RS Q8 is expected to go on sale in 2020, though pricing has yet to be confirmed. It will feature a twin-turbo V8 engine with around 590 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Audi dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Audi deals page.

See 2020 Audi Q8 specs and trims »

The Final Call

The Audi Q8 is a comfortable luxury midsize SUV, from its seats to its ride. The interior is handsome and trimmed with top-notch materials. There are lots of infotainment features, and nearly all are easy to use. The Q8 also rates highly for crash safety. What the Q8 doesn’t do however, is sip fuel or provide third-row seats. If good fuel economy or seating for seven are top priorities, you’re better off with other SUVs in this class.

Don’t just take our word for it. Check out comments from some of the reviews that drive our rankings and analysis.

• "As sporty as it is useful, the Q8 is the luxury two-row SUV to a T." -- Car and Driver
• If you find yourself drawn to the 2019 Audi Q8, be prepared to trade some of the Q7 SUV’s haul-loading practicality for some more alluring attributes like emotional styling and sporty handling." -- Kelley Blue Book (2019)
• "For buyers who have no use for a three-row SUV but still want something with impeccable curb appeal that's quite sizeable and stylish, the 2019 Audi Q8 is as good as it gets this side of a Lamborghini Urus or Bentley Bentayga." -- Automobile Magazine (2019)