Audi has decided the time is ripe for the most opulent of its SUVs, the Q8, to have its midlife facelift and technical update. And, to avoid any confusion, it should be noted that this pertains to the internal combustion-powered coupe-SUV related to an Audi Q7 only rather than the updated electric vehicle, now known as the Q8 e-tron following a midlife refresh earlier this year.
Tidier appearance and laser lights
In terms of structural changes, it's the usual minor primping of the Q8's existing features. The Singleframe grille is octagonal on the new models, with vertical teardrop-pattern inlays on regular models or L-shaped graphics for the S line and SQ8 high-performance derivatives. Larger air intakes sit below the grille, while the 'mask' for the Singleframe grille and headlights is rendered in high-gloss black if you opt for various visual packages on the Q8. There are different colours and finishes for all of the skid plates, door trims and diffuser, depending on which specification of Q8 you've gone for, and at the back, Audi cites 'premium-quality, visually appealing tailpipes' for the exhaust systems of all models - and genuine exit pipes are not always a given on Audis these days, so this is definitely a plus point.
Perhaps of more interest is that the Q8 can now be fitted with HD Matrix LED technology for the headlamps, as well as 'laser light' if you want it. Around the back, the rear clusters are now digital OLED for the first time in the Q8 family, and the big SUV also wears the new corporate identity of Audi in the form of two-dimensional rings for the company's logo - the same thing debuted on the Q8 e-tron, as a neat counterpoint.
Beyond this, Audi has introduced new interior trims and upholsteries for the Q8, as well as three additional paint finishes for the bodywork - these being Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue and Chili Red, all of these metallics. There are also fresh designs of 21- to 23-inch alloy wheels available for the updated SUV.
Q8's tech boosted, drivetrains carried over
In terms of in-car connectivity, Audi says it is expanding the range of apps installed within the Q8's infotainment system. This will include the ability to use apps from third-party providers, like Spotify or Amazon Music, for the first time, while over-the-air updates and an expanding range of further apps will ensure the SUV's software is always at the cutting edge. Audi has also upgraded the surroundings display for the advanced driver assist safety systems, with full HD quality in the Audi Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster.
Underneath, however, the Q8 continues very much as before. Suspension on the standard models is steel-sprung with variable damper control, but customers can enhance that to adaptive air suspension, with a particularly sporty tune specific to the SQ8 range-topper. All-wheel steering, for greater agility, is optional on all models except that SQ8, where it's standard-fit, and as you'd expect of an Audi SUV, all models have quattro all-wheel drive. Oh, and a Tiptronic eight-speed automatic, again with a slightly different and more aggressive tune for the SQ8 model.
Your choices for motive power first of all come in the form of two diesels, these being the 231hp/500Nm 45 TDI or the 286hp/600Nm 50 TDI. Expect the former to do 0-100km/h in 7.1 seconds and 226km/h flat out, the latter improving said stats to 6.1 seconds and 241km/h respectively. If diesel's not your bag, then there's the 340hp/500Nm 55 TFSI, which'll run a 5.6-second 0-100km/h time and on to a 250km/h limited top speed. All of these three engines are turbocharged 3.0-litre units with a V6 cylinder configuration, which means they all get 48-volt mild-hybrid fuel-saving technology as a bonus.
SQ8 provides extra thrills
Sitting at the top of the tree for now, in the absence of any announcement about a 600hp-plus RS Q8 derivative, is the SQ8. This switched from TDI power to TFSI petrol propulsion a few years back and it's that 4.0-litre biturbo V8 which continues in service here. That means you still get a whopping 507hp backed up by a thumping 770Nm of torque, allowing the sizeable SQ8 to sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds. Like the 55 TFSI, the SQ8 has to be limited to a maximum speed of 250km/h. As with any high-performance Audi, the SQ8 is marked out by distinctive exterior details, including the classic aluminium look for the door mirrors, and it gets a sporty interior rendering too.
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