2024 Audi Q8 And SQ8 Unveiled With New Styling And Upgraded Interior

Audi has unveiled the midlife refresh for the gas-powered Audi Q8, not to be confused with the former e-tron, which changed its name to Q8 earlier this year. Audi's SUV coupe is still very much gas-powered, as reflected in the drastic changes made to the front of the car.

The Q8 has always been a design favorite at CarBuzz because it's the most handsome of all the high-end SUVs based on this particular platform. We like the short overhangs, design throwbacks to the Quattro, and the overall elegant construction.

The Audi Singleframe with the octagon design has been blessed with vertical inlays on the base models and L-shaped inserts on cars equipped with the S line exterior package and the top-spec SQ8. The air intakes are more prominent, and the S Line and SQ8 models are further differentiated by contrast colors on the underride guard, door trim, and diffuser.

Audi also made some updates to the tailpipes of all models. Base models get a new dual-pipe setup, while the SQ8 retains its quad-pipe setup.

The ICE Q8 gains the new two-dimensional rings that debuted on the Q8 e-tron. The chrome finish is gone, replaced by four rings in contrasting black and white. The white can also be replaced with a dark gray as part of an optional package. The B-pillar now carries a model, derivative, and technology badge.

As standard, the Q8 comes with LED headlights, but Matrix LED lights are available as an option. A step above the latter, you'll find the HD Matrix LED headlights with the Audi laser light, which has 24 LEDs and a high-powered laser diode each. The laser light is activated at 43.5 mph and claims to increase the high-beam range significantly. These top-spec lights also have four selectable daytime running light patterns.

Customers can also order OLED rear lights for the car, and these also come with four light signatures that match the fancy front lights.

New exterior hues include Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red, and there are five new wheel options ranging from 21 to 23 inches in size.

On the inside, the seams on the seat trim come in contrasting gray as standard. The standard model comes with fine-grain ash natural silver inlays, while the S line and SQ8 get aluminum linear silver grey.

Audi is also making third-party apps available for the first time. Customers can download Spotify or Amazon Music, and Audi says there will be regular software updates that will expand the range of available apps. The virtual cockpit display now includes a lane change warning, other road users, distance warning, intersection assist, and traffic light information in full HD quality.

Finally, Audi has added more items to the standard features list. You now get 20-inch alloy wheels, a rearview camera, park, high beam assist, and the convenience key, to name just a few.

The mechanical bits are carried over as is. The Audi Q8 55 TFSI is powered by a turbocharged V6 with a mild-hybrid system that produces 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds and is electronically limited to 155 mph. The SQ8 has a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that produces 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. It gets to 62 mph in just 4.1 seconds.

Both models have an eight-speed automatic transmission, sending power to a quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system. The SQ8 comes standard with 21-inch rims with 285/45 tires, 15.7-inch brake discs in the front and 13.7-inch discs at the rear.

If you opt for the optional advanced suspension package, Audi includes torque vectoring and electromechanical active roll stabilization, controlled via two 1.5 kW electric motors on the rear axle.

The pricing and availability for the European market have been announced (starting at 86,700 Euros for the Audi Q8), but we don't have figures for the USA yet.