Audi Q8 2024 Review

The competition in the mid-size luxury SUV market has become increasingly intense in recent years. Consumers want both the sophistication brought by brand endorsement and expect the configuration and space to meet daily family needs. As a mid-to-large SUV under the brand, the 2024 Audi Q8 public facelift raises the question: does it continue Audi's consistent sense of technology and luxury? Can it stand out among its competitors with its comprehensive strength? This article will fully analyze the real performance of this car through static experience and dynamic test driving.

The exterior design continues Audi's family-style robust design. The front features a large octagonal single-frame grille, combined with honeycomb chrome trims, and sharp LED matrix headlights on both sides, offering high recognizability overall. The air intake design under the front bumper broadens the visual width of the front end, while the silver skid plate at the bottom adds a touch of off-road flair. The side profile of the car boasts smooth lines, with a continuous waistline stretching from the A-pillar to the D-pillar, giving the vehicle a sleek appearance. The 21-inch multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels look dynamic, paired with tires sized at 265/45 R21, promising good grip performance. At the rear, the horizontal LED taillights echo the front headlights, creating an eye-catching illuminated effect. The rear bumper is also equipped with a silver skid plate, and the dual exhaust layout on both sides (only decorative) enhances the sporty vibe. Overall, the exterior of the Q8 public retains the stability of an SUV while incorporating youthful design elements, catering to the aesthetic preferences of modern consumers.

Stepping inside, one immediately feels Audi's signature luxurious ambiance. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, paired with wood grain panels and metal trims, delivering a refined tactile experience. The 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster (Virtual Cockpit) offers clear displays and multiple modes, including navigation and vehicle status information. The central control area is equipped with a 10.1-inch touch screen and an 8.6-inch climate control screen. Both screens are designed to float, operate smoothly, and support gesture controls, reducing physical buttons and giving the interior a more streamlined look. The seats are covered in genuine leather, providing good support and wrap-around comfort. The front seats support 12-way electric adjustment, heating, and ventilation functions, while the rear seats are equipped with heating features to enhance passenger comfort. The steering wheel adopts a three-spoke design, wrapped in leather for a comfortable grip. Buttons on the left side control multimedia and cruise systems, ensuring convenience in operation.

In terms of dimensions, the Q8 public measures 4986mm in length, 1995mm in width, and 1705mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2995mm, placing it at the mainstream level among mid-to-large SUVs. The front row offers ample seating space. After a 180cm tall tester adjusted the seat, there was still a fist and two fingers of headroom remaining. The rear row also provides excellent space, with the tester’s legroom remaining at two fists and headroom at one fist while seated in the back, fully catering to the daily needs of family users. Regarding storage space, the trunk has a default capacity of 605L, which can be expanded to 1755L by folding down the rear seats, accommodating multiple suitcases or large items. Additionally, the car is equipped with multiple storage spaces, including a central armrest compartment and door panel slots, for storing personal belongings conveniently.

Power: The 2024 Q8 public is equipped with a 3.0T V6 turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum output of 250kW (340 horsepower) and a peak torque of 500Nm. It is paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission and comes with a 48V mild hybrid system, supporting start-stop functionality and energy recovery. During actual driving, the vehicle accelerates smoothly, and the throttle responds sensitively, providing noticeable power output with a light press. When switched to Sport mode, the transmission’s shift logic becomes more aggressive, delivering a strong pushback during acceleration, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of approximately 5.9 seconds, showcasing excellent performance. During daily driving, the vehicle maintains ample power reserves, quickly downshifting when the accelerator is deeply pressed, and delivers smooth and linear power output without obvious jerks.

Handling: The Q8 public's steering wheel is precise with minimal slack. It feels light at low speeds and becomes sturdier at higher speeds, giving the driver more confidence. The chassis features a front double-wishbone independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension. The suspension is tuned for comfort, effectively absorbing road bumps while maintaining vehicle stability during high-speed driving. When traversing speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension handles vibrations cleanly without unnecessary bouncing, ensuring passenger comfort inside the vehicle.

Fuel consumption: According to actual testing, the fuel consumption is about 11.5L/100km on urban roads, about 8.5L/100km on highways, and a combined fuel consumption of about 9.8L/100km. For a midsize luxury SUV with a 3.0T V6 engine, this level of fuel consumption is within an acceptable range. In braking performance tests, the vehicle's stopping distance from 100 km/h is approximately 38 meters. The braking process is stable, with timely ABS intervention, providing excellent performance.

Sound insulation: The Q8 public’s sound insulation performance is commendable, with wind noise and tire noise well-controlled at high speeds, keeping the cabin quiet. This is thanks to the vehicle's use of double-layer soundproof glass and active noise cancellation technology. In terms of seat comfort, the front seats offer good support, reducing fatigue during long drives. The backrest angle of the rear seats is adjustable, allowing passengers to find a comfortable sitting posture. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with a four-zone automatic climate control system, enabling independent temperature control for the front and rear seats, enhancing the in-car experience for passengers.

In summary, the 2024 Audi Q8 public performs exceptionally well in terms of exterior design, interior quality, space, and power performance. Compared with its peers, the Q8 public stands out with its advanced technology features (such as the virtual cockpit and gesture control) and spaciousness, while its sense of luxury aligns well with Audi’s brand positioning. This vehicle is ideal for families who value luxury and space, as well as business professionals seeking advanced technology and driving experience. If you’re looking for a well-rounded midsize luxury SUV, the Q8 public is a solid choice.