Pricing for the facelifted Audi Q8 has been released ahead of the car going on sale on the 10 October. The range-topping SUV will start from £75,500 for the entry-level 50 TDI S line model, rising to £116,795 for the fully-loaded SQ8 in Vorsprung trim.
In a similar structure to the outgoing car’s line-up, there will be three permanent trim levels for each of the Q8’s engine options, which include both a V6 petrol and diesel, and two for the SQ8, which retains its petrol V8. There’s also a further, limited-run Launch Edition available for all three engine options during the Q8’s first 12 months on sale.
Audi will offer S line, Black Edition, new Launch Edition, and finally Vorsprung lines, each gaining incremental upgrades in terms of interior tech, styling and chassis hardware; the performance-focused SQ8 will only be available in Black Edition trim and above.
Changes for the updated Q8 include a new grille up front with revised air intakes to the side and Matrix LED headlights that feature a new design and lighting signature. Audi’s top-spec HD Matrix system with Laser light technology, as seen in the Q8 e-tron and new A8, are fitted as standard on top-spec Vorsprung models.
The car’s rear lights have also been updated to new OLED units that come with changeable lighting signatures, which are configurable from the car’s infotainment system. These sit above a new lower bumper with a revised design, which is painted in a body-coloured finish. Wheel sizes range from 21 to 23 inches depending on the trim level.
Audi’s SQ8 range flagship receives a few unique changes, including a reshaped lip spoiler, a new “underride guard” at the front, and a redesigned rear diffuser insert. The grille also features a different look, while the front air intakes now have honeycomb inserts.
In order to help the Q8 stand out further from its revised rivals, it has been given technological upgrades inside, too. The range of apps on Audi’s MMI infotainment system has grown and passengers can now use apps from third-party providers too, such as Spotify and Amazon music.
Driver assistance systems such as lane-change warning, crossroad assist and traffic light information have been given greater prominence within the Audi virtual cockpit digital dash. A rear-view camera, park assist, high-beam assist and keyless entry all come fitted as standard.
Audi canned the plug-in hybrid Q8 recently, so it’s no surprise this powertrain option has not been brought back with this mid-life update. The UK range consists of one 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 (badged 50 TDI), a 3.0-litre V6 turbo petrol (55 TFSI) and a petrol V8, branded SQ8. All V6 engines come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, permanent four-wheel drive and a 48v mild-hybrid system with a belt-driven starter motor.
Kicking off the Q8 line-up is the 50 TDI, which offers 282bhp and 600Nm of torque for a 0-62mph time of 6.1 seconds and a 150mph top speed. The 55 TFSI is up next and its petrol V6 is good for 335bhp and 500Nm of torque for a 5.6-second 0-62mph time and a top speed that is limited to 155mph.
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The SQ8 employs a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 with 500bhp and 770Nm of torque to propel it to 62mph in 4.1 seconds. Cylinder deactivation also comes as standard on the V8 model, resulting in claimed fuel economy of 22.7mpg. Details are still yet to be released on the updated RS Q8 that’s also on its way, so until then, it’ll be SQ8 that will sit at the top of Audi’s SUV range.
Customers can place an order for the updated Q8 and SQ8 from the 10 October, with deliveries due in the first quarter of next year.
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