We think the new Audi Q8 looks freaking fantastic. As for the performance... not so great. You see, at the European launch, the main engine is something they call a "50 TDI" which is a single-turbo 3.0-liter diesel.
It feels slightly overwhelming to have a flagship SUV model with awesome frameless doors and a sloped roof while giving it only a 286 horsepower V6. I mean, this is the same company that put a freaking V12 in the old Q8 and launched the electrically supercharged SQ7. Where's the magic carpet stuff from the A8? Where's the freaking W12?!
Before we turn this into a rant, let's just say that the Q8 50 TDI is perfectly adequate, if not all that exciting. You can get the exact same engine in the €60,000 Volkswagen Touareg, but the Q8 starts from €77,350.
This independent test video shows how the Q8 needs 6.56 seconds to reach 100 km/h, quite close to the officially claimed 6.3 seconds. Its top speed is 245 km/h and it just barely gets there. Wow, a flagship SUV that can't reach 250 km/h! And why did they make the digital dash go all the way up to 300 km/h? It's not like one of those universal clock faces they made in the pre-digital era.
All things considered, fuel economy isn't bad for a 2-ton vehicle with a tall body. Even cruising at 200 km/h, the Q8 still only drinks 13 liters per 100 km. You can't beat that in a Porsche Cayenne right now, since it doesn't have a V6 diesel.
We rather enjoyed the full walkaround video as well, the last one included below. The geometric exterior styling is only let down by Audi's continued use of fake exhaust. Otherwise, this could easily compete with the best SUVs out there. Audi probably does the best taillights in the business, but you're welcome to tell us we're wrong in the comments section. Once inside, the Q8 offers a screen for everything, and the functionality is endless.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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