Body style: SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle)
Segment: Large SUV
Infotainment: Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Production years: 2023
Audi introduced the Q8 SUV Coupe in its lineup in 2018, and five years later, in the fall of 2023, the German automaker launched the refreshed version of this vehicle.
The Q8 was the first vehicle developed under a new head of the design department, Marc Lichte, and he was the one who created the brand's new design language. That worked well for a while, but by 2023, customers needed something fresh without spoiling the look of the vehicles. So, there were several exterior changes for the updated Q8, some minor interior upgrades, and improved drivetrains.
On the outside, the automaker offered the wide single-frame octagonal grille with an option of piano-black color on it, apart from the silver or chromed ones available for several trim levels. Furthermore, the trims that visually connected the main grille with the headlights sported matching colors, emphasizing Audi's new headlamps on the 2023 Q8. While the entire range got full-LED headlights, the automaker offered an option for Matrix LED ones. From its profile, the largest SUV Coupe in Audi's lineup kept the same design. However, the automaker offered an option for black trims around the windows instead of chromed ones. The automaker offered the Q8 with wide light alloy wheels ranging between 21 inches and 23 inches for a better exterior look. Finally, at the back, the raked-forward tailgate featured a roof spoiler on its upper side. Another significant change for the taillights, which were upgraded from the formerly used LEDs to OLEDs.
Inside, there were just minor changes to the overall look of the dashboard. Audi didn't even bother to offer a new design for the steering wheel since customers loved the existing one. Like the 2018 model year, the 2023 featured a pair of high-bolstered seats at the front and a bench seat profiled for two for the rear passengers. But still, it installed three seat belts there. Thanks to the 40/20/40 flat-folding mechanism of the rear seats' seatbacks, owners could expand the trunk space, which was slightly smaller than on its Q7 sibling. There was one noticeable improvement in the infotainment system. Audi added a few third-party apps for the MMI unit, including Spotify and Amazon Music.
Under the hood, Audi carried over the engines from the 2018 model year but improved the eight-speed automatic gearboxes. As a result, despite offering the same power as the non-facelifted version, the 2023 Audi Q8 managed to get better acceleration times. In addition, the integrated belt-driven starter-generator helped the vehicle lower its emissions. The car could shut off its engine at lower speeds, such as when approaching a stop light, and then instantly restart it when the driver pressed the accelerator.
ENGINE SPECS - 45 TDI V6 quattro 8AT AWD (231 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V6 |
Power: | 169.9 KW @ - RPM 231 HP @ - RPM 228 BHP @ - RPM |
Torque: | 369 lb-ft @ - RPM 500 Nm @ - RPM |
Fuel System: | Turbocharged Common Rail |
Fuel: | Diesel |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 140 mph (225 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.1 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 8-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
ENGINE SPECS - 50 TDI V6 quattro AWD 8AT (286 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V6 |
Power: | 210.4 KW @ - RPM 286 HP @ - RPM 282 BHP @ - RPM |
Torque: | 443 lb-ft @ - RPM 600 Nm @ - RPM |
Fuel System: | Turbocharged Common Rail |
Fuel: | Diesel |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 150 mph (241 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 6.1 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 8-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |