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Audi Q8 55 TFSI Quattro S-Line 2020 Review

Rob Fraser

2020 Audi Q8 S Line 2 front qtrAudi Q8 – Audi has been quite successful with its seven seat large SUV the Q7 in various forms including the SQ7. The question then is why would the introduce a 5 seat SUV that is slightly smaller than the Q7

However the Audi Q8 is based on the same platform as the Lamborghini Urus, Bentley Bentayga, VW Touareg, as such the underpinnings are first class. Launched in late 2018 the Q8 will be joined by the SQ8 in the not so distant future.

Audi Q8 55 TFSI Quattro Exterior

First impressions are that is low, sleek, squat and looks bloody good, better in the flesh than in photos. It looks and feels much smaller than it actually is. The S-Line exterior package is striking.

S line exterior package includes S line front and rear bumpers with honeycomb inserts, Singleframe mask in Platinum grey, matt, S line side air inlet grilles in matt Titanium black, S line diffuser in matt Titanium black, S line side sill trims and S line emblem on the front fenders

It has the now familial large single frame grill, with vertical lines, striking and prominent. The highlighted LED headlights with high beam assist and the contoured, edgy front spoiler enhances this aggressive front-end. Matrix headlights are part of an option package.

Profile viewing shows an elegantly sloping roofline with bulging rear wheel arches. The combination of frameless doors and narrowing windows gives a forward leaning appearance. From the rear the full width lighting and directional indicators add to the appeal.

Audi Q8 55 TFSI Quattro Interior

Like the A6, Q5, SQ7, Audi seems to have the balance pretty right for the interior between form and function.

Inside, there is a minimalist black-panel look that sweeps across the dash. When illuminated, all the displays, elements and controls integrate seamlessly with each other. There is an absence of dials as most controls are operated by the dual screens. This can be both good and bad.

Front air-conditioned massage seats are exceptionally comfortable, multi electronically adjustable and with the all-important additional lumbar support for the driver. The 12.3 inch Audi virtual cockpit is now becoming a familiar Audi feature. It allows a degree of individualisation but usually a driver will settle on a screen and leave it.

On the thick rimmed steering wheel you find the usual controls and it frames the cockpit perfectly. Audi’s HUD is excellent, allowing again a degree of individualisation. It also doesn’t polarise out with sunglasses.

The two 10.1-inch and 8.6-inch displays – with MMI touch response – (both audible and touch haptic response) have stunning resolution. The general feel for the driver is that the ergonomics are directed at them.

One thing that sets the ambiance is the selectable mood lighting, similar to what is in the VW Touareg. At night it’s a calming place to be. Apart from a couple of cup holders, a smallish centre console bin, which houses the Q charging bed for phones and a glove box, there isn’t a lot of room for bits and pieces.

Rear seats are great for two people, with enough room for my large bear frame to fit in comfort. There is a digital air-conditioning control with the four zone A/C option as well as USB ports and pillar based vents. Boot space is adequate for four occupant’s luggage, but the sloping roofline does reduce it a touch.

Audi Q8 55 TFSI Quattro Features

Q8 continues the development of Audi infotainment and connectivity. Unusually for a premium European vehicle, there is one offering that is highly equipped with standard features.

Some highlights include:

In addition to this extensive list, the $11,000 Premium plus package includes 22-inch alloy wheels, Adaptive air suspension, HD Matrix LED headlights, Privacy glass, Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, 4-zone air conditioning with rear touch control panel and the colour interior lighting package.

An optional Full leather package, with a suite of additional items in fine Nappa leather is also available for $8,900. There is also a front seat massage function – 10 pneumatic support cushions in 3 intensities. Includes 7 massage programs.

Audi Q8 55 TFSI Quattro Drive and Engine

The Audi Q8 is powered by the beautiful 55 TFSI 3.0L V6 petrol engine, that produces 250 kW @ 5500 rpm and torque of 500 Nm from 2900 – 5300 rpm.

This is transferred to a Quattro drivetrain through an eight speed tiptronic automatic transmission. In normal driving circumstances, power is split to the front and rear 40:60 respectively, with up to 70 percent to the front and 85 percent to the rear as needed, during dynamic driving conditions.

I’m not a big fan of the transmission lever system, where you put your foot on the brake and push it either forward or back. In principal it should be foolproof, yet there were many times where I sat in neutral as I hadn’t pressed the brake long enough. I prefer simple slotted styles.

The engine also employs the mild hybrid system as seen on the A6 and A7 which enhances economy and responsiveness. The Q8 will accelerate from 0-100kmh in around 5.9 seconds, not bad for a large SUV. The economy is an ADR 9.2 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 210 g/km.

A five-link suspension arrangement is employed at both the front and rear of the Q8, together with electronically controlled adaptive damper control to alter the characteristics of the car to the driving situation. Adaptive air suspension is available as an option, as is dynamic all-wheel steering for enhanced manoeuvrability.

Audi Q8 55 TFSI Quattro driving experience

Loved it. That’ll do for most readers.

More detail includes the quietness, surprising given the low profile 45 series 21 inch wheels and tyres. They do however provide excellent grip. The adjustable suspension is best left in auto for the most part, but when you want to play, selecting dynamic or tailoring the selection with individual settings, transforms the vehicle. The 55 TFSI provides enough responsiveness for a spirited drive.

The balance that is achieved between direct responses to driver inputs in steering and throttle allows a level of driver engagement that will satisfy most. If you want more the SQ8 is coming soon and the SQ7 is here already.

What are the Audi Q8 SS TFSI dimensions?

The Q8 has an

Audi Q8 55 TFSI Quattro Safety

The Audi Q8 has an ANCAP five star safety rating, as you would expect. It also has an abundance of safety and technology features, amongst the best in class. You are protected by some 39 plus driver assistance systems to provide both active and passive safety protection for occupants.

Some highlights include Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) with electronic wheel-selective torque control, ABS, ASR, EDL and Brake Assist, Audi pre-sense front with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) – provides collision mitigation from 5km/h up to 85km/h (pedestrians) and up to 250 km/h (vehicles), Adaptive drive assist (adaptive cruise control with stop & go, with traffic jam assist), lane departure warning, pre-sense front and rear, lane change warning, cross traffic assist rear, Head-up display and 360 degree cameras, including kerb view for easy manoeuvring.

Audi Q8 55 TFSI Quattro Summary

Its no secret that I like large SUVs. The Audi Q8 has just joined my top list. It looks good, comes packed with Audi features and feels just right when you’re driving it. It complements the driver.

It provides executive transport for a family of four in comfort and meets the test of driving 1000km in a day and arrive feeling relaxed.

Is there room for both the Q7 and Q8 when they are so close, the market will decide?

However I would have one parked in the driveway every day it’s that good.

What’s Good:

What’s Not:

Also Look At

Model    Audi Q8 55 TFSI Quattro

*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.

Overall Rating:    89/100

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