Audi Q8 2019 Review

The luxury mid-size SUV market has always been a highly competitive segment in Malaysia. Consumers value brand image while also expecting high standards for space, features, and driving quality. As one of Audi's flagship SUVs, the 2019 Audi Q8 3.0 TFSI quattro features a coupe-inspired design and a quattro all-wheel drive system as its core selling points. This time, through an in-depth test drive, we take a look at whether it can meet local consumers' dual demands for luxury and practicality.

In terms of appearance, the Q8 adopts Audi's family-style octagonal grille, paired with honeycomb-patterned chrome trim inside, giving it a high level of recognition. The body lines stretch from the front to the rear, with the side silhouette featuring a sleek coupe-like design. Despite being an SUV, it delivers a smooth aesthetic. Its 1995mm width and 2995mm wheelbase make the vehicle appear very broad. The rear LED tail lights feature a through-type design, creating a striking visual effect when lit up, while the dual exhaust layout enhances its sporty feel. The overall design combines a sense of luxury with youthful vitality, standing out among models in the same class with its strong visual impact.

Inside the cabin, the materials and layout clearly reflect the qualities of a luxury car. The center console features a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, with an additional 8.6-inch screen below for air conditioning controls. Both screens respond quickly, and the control logic is relatively intuitive. The fully digital LCD instrument cluster displays with fine detail and allows switching between different display modes. The HUD head-up display conveniently shows the driver speed and navigation information. As for the seats, the front ones are made of leather with electric adjustment and memory functions, offering good support and comfort for long journeys. The rear seats fold in a 40:20:40 split, expanding the trunk capacity from 605L to a significantly larger space, making it perfectly suitable for carrying large items on a daily basis. The rear also features independent air vents and a 220V power outlet, offering strong practicality.

In terms of performance, the 3.0T turbocharged engine delivers a maximum output of 340PS and a peak torque of 500N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and the quattro all-wheel drive system. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 5.9 seconds. During actual driving, you can feel the abundant power output from the start. The turbo kicks in quite early, reaching maximum torque at just 1370rpm. Mid-range acceleration for overtaking is quick, and the transmission's shift logic is smart, adjusting gears promptly based on throttle input. The power response varies significantly across different driving modes; the throttle is more sensitive in Sport mode, while Comfort mode is better suited for daily cruising.

As for the driving experience, the steering wheel offers moderate heft and precise handling. Despite its large body size, the Q8 doesn't feel cumbersome to maneuver. The suspension is a multi-link independent setup, tuned more towards comfort. It effectively absorbs most bumps when dealing with Malaysia's common potholes and speed bumps, ensuring passengers have minimal jolts. On highways, the vehicle maintains excellent stability, and it doesn't feel unstable even when encountering crosswinds. As for fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 8.9L/100km. During the test drive, city road consumption was around 11-12L/100km, while highway conditions showed about 8L/100km. For a 3.0T mid-size SUV, this fuel efficiency is fairly reasonable.

In terms of noise control, the cabin is impressively quiet, with both tire noise and wind noise kept at low levels during high-speed driving, ensuring that conversations among passengers are not affected. The Bang & Olufsen sound system delivers outstanding audio quality, providing an immersive listening experience. In terms of safety features, it comes standard with active braking, forward collision warning, and a 360-degree surround view system, offering comprehensive safety assurance for daily driving.

Overall, the 2019 Audi Q8 3.0 TFSI quattro performs well in luxury, driving performance, and practicality. Compared to models in the same class, its coupe-like design is more distinctive, the quattro all-wheel-drive system shows greater stability in complex road conditions, and it is equipped with luxurious features such as HUD, a full LCD instrument panel, and B&O sound system. Its cost-performance ratio is above average in its class.

This car is suitable for consumers who value brand prestige, pursue driving quality, and need to accommodate family use at the same time. Whether for daily commuting or weekend getaways, it caters well to these needs. If you are looking for a midsize SUV that combines luxury and practicality, the Q8 3.0 TFSI quattro is worth considering.