Audi makes more sporty SUVs than almost anyone. It has a lineup packed with high-horsepower family haulers that offer stunning styling, opulent interior finishes, and great technology. The range-topping Q8 gets a refresh for 2024 that brings updated exterior styling, new tech features, and an advanced LED lighting system. Its high-performance counterpart, the SQ8, receives the same updates.
The 2024 Q8 and SQ8 come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), and the “entry-level” Q8 gets a turbocharged 6-cylinder engine making 335 horsepower. Though there’s an even more powerful RS Q8, the SQ8’s V8 cranks out a more-than-generous 500 hp. Audi offers the 2024 Q8 in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige, and the SQ8 comes in the top two configurations. Pricing for the 2024 Q8 line starts at $73,700 before the $1,195 destination charge. Audi says the new Q8 and SQ8 SUVs will arrive in early 2024.
- Styling and feature updates
- Two carryover powertrain choices
- Pricing starts in the mid-$70,000 range
- Audi is targeting the first quarter of 2024 for a release
The new Audi flagship SUV has a revised grille with new octagonal styling elements and an updated lower fascia with more prominent air intakes. The SQ8 adds a new front lip spoiler and a fresh rear spoiler design. The Q8 has updated exhaust outlets in the rear, and the available Black Optic package brings dark exterior trim.
Both SUVs get Audi’s new badges and standard matrix-LED headlights that can shift the light beam to avoid blinding oncoming traffic. The rear lights get a similar treatment, with digitalized OLED lights available for the SQ8 Prestige for the first time, bringing dynamic turn signals and animated welcome/departure sequences.
Audi equips leather upholstery with heated front seats as standard equipment in the Q8 and SQ8. Other standard interior gear includes a leatherette dashboard covering, LED interior lighting, tri-zone climate controls, a power panoramic sunroof, and high-gloss wood trim. Higher trims add ventilation for the front seats, Valcona leather upholstery, and more.
The Q8 is a 5-seat SUV based on the 3-row Q7. Accordingly, space is generous across both rows of seating, and there’s a good deal of cargo room without a third-row seat to get in the way. The Q8 offers 30.5 cubic feet of space behind the second row, which expands to 60.7 cubic feet with the bench folded flat.
The 2024 Q8’s powertrains carry over from the previous year unchanged, but that’s not a bad thing, given their performance. The base engine is a turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder, making 335 hp and 369 pound-feet of torque. The SQ8 gets a twin-turbo V8, making 500 hp and 568 pound-feet of torque. Audi pairs both with its lightning-quick 8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, while the top Prestige trim adds adaptive air suspension. Audi says that combination is solid enough to give the Q8 a zero-to-60-mph time of 5.5 seconds and the SQ8 a time of 4.0 seconds.
Audi gives the Q8 a few new safety features for the 2024 model year, including adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance. A new adaptive cruise control display shows the driver lane-change warnings, distance warnings, and traffic light information. It also works with the intersection turn assistance system to prevent collisions while heading into a busy area.
As of this writing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has yet to rate the crashworthiness of the 2024 Audi Q8. However, the structurally similar 2023 model earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating for the 2023 calendar year. That performance included Good marks in all crash-test categories. Headlight testing yielded an Acceptable score, with the IIHS noting that the low beams only provide fair visibility. According to the Institute, the high beams are inadequate in curves, but the new model’s matrix LED lights might improve this score.
The 2024 Q8 gets a dual-screen infotainment system with 8.6- and 10.1-inch displays. Audi pairs them with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, multiple USB ports, and a 10-speaker stereo. Higher trim levels add quad-zone climate controls, wireless device charging, power soft-close doors, and upgraded stereo options.
There’s no shortage of powerful, plush family haulers on the market, and the Q8 has the best of the crop as its closest rivals. The list includes the BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and the Porsche Cayenne. Coupe versions of the Cayenne are likely the Q8’s closest competition, as they share engineering and other technology. The GLE is a better family vehicle and is more practical, but it lacks some of the Q8’s panache.
Audi is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of October 26, 2023, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Chris Teague is an experienced writer in the automotive and technology fields. In addition to JDPower.com, his work appears at Forbes, The Drive, Your Test Driver, and others.
