No, if you are lucky enough to go to Munich, where the Motor Show is currently being held, you will not be able to approach the revised and corrected version of the most prestigious of the Audi SUVs up close on its stand, insofar as the Q8 restyled, it is he we are talking about, is absent at this event. How to explain such treatment? A priori, the Rings brand seems to have preferred to highlight its zero-emission models and its more “responsible” desired future. However, responsible, it is a qualifier which corresponds rather little to Q8. Nearly 5 m long, 2 m wide, 2.3 tonnes at a minimum, powerful and torquey engines, the Q8 has never been in the lace. The novelty does not change the fundamentals.
Take out the magnifying glass
Who says restyling of a German model says not very visible modifications. The Q8 is no exception to the rule. Changes, there are quite a few, but you have to be familiar with the model to spot them. However, the Q8 is clearly not the most widespread vehicle in the Audi range on our roads (449 sales all the same in 2022, better than a TT and hardly far from a Porsche Cayenne). In addition, for the moment, we must be content with the sporty SQ8 variant, the only one available at launch.
Among the few small aesthetic changes, we note the hexagonal grille, no longer made up of vertical strips but of multiple… hexagons. The air intakes located on the front bumper are now framed by the bodywork. If, as standard, it is equipped with matrix headlights, there is an optional more advanced variant with high definition headlights and laser light which is activated from 70 km/h. It is also possible to customize the look of the headlights by choosing one of the four light signatures available. At the rear, we note the arrival of digital OLED lights. You will also recognize this restyled Q8 by its two simple rectangular exhaust outlets placed on either side of the rear diffuser (two double outlets in the past).
For the rest, the changes are relatively few. Three new colors are available (gold, blue and red), four new rims. As far as staffing is concerned, new online applications are available (Spotify and Amazon Music in the first place).
A range reduced to its simplest expression
Already limited in the past, the choice of engines is more limited than ever. At its launch in September 2023, it’s simple, only the SQ8 sports variant will be offered, still equipped with the same twin-turbo petrol V8 with 507 hp and 770 Nm of torque. Surprising insofar as this variant was sold only 3 copies last year. Audi is certainly hoping to recoup customers who will mourn the demise of the mighty RSQ8 with the same engine as the Lamborghini Urus cousin.
Later, during 2024, the TFSI e plug-in hybrid variant (381 hp or 462 hp in total? To be confirmed) should help the model to sell more with more favorable taxation and a lower price of €30,000. For once, Audi was not too greedy. From generation to generation, prices for the SQ8 have only increased by around €5,000. We’ve seen worse inflation lately.
All prices for the facelifted Q8
SQ8 : 135 000 €
Q8 TFSI e : 105 000 €
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To sum up
The Audi stand would however have needed it, the restyled Q8 will not make the trip to the Munich Motor Show. To admire it, it is here that it happens.
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