2024 Audi Q8 55 TFSI Quattro First Drive Review: Small Changes, Big Effect?

It seems SUV coupés are flooding the Indian market, with new models entering every price bracket almost every month. Even the well-established ones are being refreshed with mid-life facelifts to keep the competition sharp. Take the Audi Q8, for instance. Launched in 2019, it stood out with its unique design, high-end tech, and precision-built interior, making it a pleasure to drive. Four years on, Audi India feels they can take it up a notch. Enter the new and improved Q8, featuring an updated design and additional features. But are these changes enough to make the competition take notice? Let’s begin with the styling.

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Audi Q8 55 TFSI Quattro First Drive Review: Exterior Design & Features

Yes, there are updates to the design, although they’re subtle enough that you might not notice them at first glance. The front grille has been revised for a wider appearance. Gone are the six vertical, chrome-plated slats from the outgoing model, replaced by staggered elements that are spaced further apart. Additionally, the air intake grille design has changed, and there’s a silver-finished front spoiler, which sits lower.

The Q8 now rides on new 21-inch alloy wheels, replacing the 19-inch ones on the previous model. At the rear, the most noticeable update is the silver-finished diffuser. While the changes may be subtle and easy to overlook at first, they gradually grow on you once you spot them. Thankfully, the Audi Q8 already looked quite futuristic when it was first launched, and in this latest version, it remains refreshingly contemporary.

In addition to its refreshed styling, the MY24 Audi Q8 now comes with a striking new Sakhir Gold colour option to further enhance its appeal. It has a beige or sandy tone, and on paper, at least, it certainly stands out as one of the most attractive choices among the seven available colours.

Now, let’s move to the feature upgrades, which are particularly noteworthy as they significantly enhance both the practicality and overall experience of the Q8. The MY24 model now comes equipped with Audi’s impressive HD Matrix headlights featuring laser beam technology. What's more, the LED taillights have also been upgraded with OLED elements for improved illumination.

One of the highlights is the ability to customise the lighting, with users able to select from different preset light signatures for the front DRLs and rear taillights, adding a unique touch of personalisation. Although we didn’t have the opportunity to test the Matrix headlights at night, their performance in an underground parking lot gave us a glimpse of just how effective they can be.

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Audi Q8 55 TFSI Quattro First Drive Review: Interior Design & Features

The interior revisions, much like the exterior, are subtle. The highlight remains the three-screen setup, featuring a 12-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, a 10-inch MMI Navigation Plus infotainment system, and an 8-inch HVAC control unit. However, the latest updates now bring the Q8 on par with its rivals. Most notably, it comes equipped with a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround sound system, offering superbly crisp and clear audio quality. Another welcome addition is the 360-degree parking camera, which is seamlessly integrated into the infotainment system. The Q8 also includes Audi's Park Assist, which ties in smoothly with a new array of assistive features offered with this model.

Now, let’s briefly discuss the design and available space. In my view, the Q8 has a well-organised cabin with top-notch fit and finish, a clear reflection of German craftsmanship and engineering. However, it doesn't quite have the radical or futuristic appeal of newer designs from brands like BMW and, particularly, Mercedes-Benz. The Q8 offers eight exterior colour choices and four interior upholstery options: Okapi Brown, Saira Beige, Black, and Panda Grey. Our test unit, as apparent in the images, featured a black exterior paired with Panda Grey upholstery inside. Unfortunately, this combination didn’t leave a lasting impression. For an SUV-Coupé, making a bold statement is key, and getting the colour scheme wrong can cause it to blend into the sea of traffic rather easily.

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What did leave a lasting impression, however, was the rear-seat space. The Audi Q8 prioritises not just function over form, but comfort over performance as well. There’s ample room for three passengers in the back, and with the new 2024 model, you also get four-zone climate control, adding to its practicality. Additionally, there are dual automatic sun blinds, a huge panoramic sunroof for an SUV-Coupé, and dual 12V electric sockets. My only gripe is the absence of more modern charging options, such as Type-A or Type-C USB ports.

Audi Q8 55 TFSI Quattro First Drive Review: Performance & Handling

The mechanical specifications remain unchanged. The Q8 is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 340bhp and 500Nm of peak torque. Getting the vehicle moving from a standstill takes a bit of effort, given its over 2-tonne weight, but once in motion, the performance feels effortless. The torque delivery is strong and comes in early, allowing the car to cruise comfortably at triple-digit speeds with the engine barely working. This also makes roll-on acceleration and navigating through town at slow speeds incredibly smooth. However, it’s not a particularly thrilling experience. That said, Audi claims a 0 – 100 km/h time of 5.6 seconds, which should be more than enough to satisfy your need for occasional bursts of excitement. Combine that with its ability to effortlessly cruise at high speeds for long stretches, and you’ve got a fun yet practical SUV with coupé styling. It’s an excellent daily driver and a capable weekend companion. Overall, the powertrain is well-balanced and tractable, offering versatility in almost every situation.

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You'll also be quite impressed with the vehicle's handling. The steering feels a bit heavy at low speeds but firms up nicely as you pick up the pace. While the suspension may feel slightly firm on uneven surfaces, it effectively absorbs bumps and rough roads. The Q8 retains its adaptive damping technology, making it just as versatile in comfort and handling as it is in terms of performance. Show it a corner, and it holds on as if its life depends on it – in short, agile and confidence-inspiring. You'll relish the long highway drives leading to twisty sections, and when you start throwing the Q8 into corners, you'll enjoy it even more.

Audi Q8 55 TFSI Quattro First Drive Review: Verdict

In simple terms, if you're looking for an SUV-Coupé that leans more towards being an SUV, then the Q8 is definitely a strong contender. It still sports the sharp, edgy styling, but you also benefit from ample space, practicality, and easy driving dynamics. However, for some, the understated exterior colour options, interior design, and the absence of heart-pounding performance might be a deal breaker. The changes to the new Audi Q8 aren't revolutionary; however, they do strengthen its appeal to the right customer. Ultimately, it comes down to individual needs and preferences. But if you think about it, with so many options available in a niche segment like SUV-Coupés, the real winners are us, the buyers.