Flagship of the Rings’ SUV range and sporty coupé derivative of the Q7, the Audi Q8 was first introduced in 2018, and five years later it’s time for the Ingolstadt-based brand to refresh the cousin of the Volkswagen Touareg III, Porsche Cayenne 9YA, Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus and Audi Q7 4M, all of which use the MLB EVO platform.
Homeopathic changes?
Audi only indicates in its press release that the headlights and taillights of the Q8 will benefit from a “new design and new functionalities”. The official “teaser” design shows off LED graphics with a new, more futuristic taillight layout that retains their full-width treatment. Audi also promised “more customization options”, hinting at new color combinations, wheel designs, interior trim and other options. Besides the lighting unit, slight changes are expected to the grille and bumper air intakes, resembling those of the recently updated all-electric Q8 e-tron.
Keeping up with increased competition
The Q8 must also be updated in terms of on-board technological features and engines in the face of strong competition which includes, among others, the BMW X6, the Mercedes-Benz GLE, the Porsche Cayenne Coupé and the Range Rover Sport. The Audi Q8 powertrain lineup is expected to be largely carried over with improvements to PHEV range and power.
Leaving the 100% electric versions to the Q8 e-tron, this restyled Q8 will offer the choice of light electrification at 48 volts but we are undoubtedly expecting rechargeable hybrid engines with increasing autonomy, and later versions SQ8 and RSQ8 even more powerful, to put themselves in the wheels of the Lamborghini Urus Performante and especially of the cousin Porsche Cayenne Coupé Turbo E-Hybrid which has just gained in power and passed the 700 HP bar.