DRIVEN + VIDEO: FIRST Review Of The All-new Audi Q8 — What Do YOU Make Of This First Impression?

In a world where sport-utility vehicles are in great demand, the automaker that connects with consumer's first is the real winner. This has led to a fragmentation of the types of SUVs available today — in other words, all-new niches are being created.

I am not hating it.

Audi Q8

For Audi, it's made a killing off the backs of the Q7 and Q5. Obviously, there was room to add to the lineup in form of the Q3. And while we wait for the electric Q6 to take on the Tesla Model X, the four rings decided to launch something to whet our appetite.

That would be the all-new Q8 SUV. Set to go up against the likes of the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe, this could be a BIG product for Audi. Although people panned the X6 and even the GLE Coupe when it launched, these vehicles are out and about in high net worth areas in droves.

So, can Audi take a bit out of the competition? Get a taste of what the four rings has delivered, below.


The Audi Q8 is the sixth Volkswagen Group SUV to be launched on the same MLBevo platform in the last 3 years. How does it stack up among the Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus and Volkswagen Touareg? And is it better than rivals from other manufacturers, such as the BMW X6 and Range Rover Sport? Subscribe now:



Audi Q8

MDarringer - 6/23/2018 9:58:43 AM

+3 Boost

I doubt it makes much difference how it drives. People buy Audis for snob appeal and this has that in spades.

Deutschland - 6/23/2018 12:39:31 PM

+1 Boost

I do think people like a guy that is reasonably good looking, this car lacks that in a big way.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 6/23/2018 12:33:53 PM

+1 Boost

I fail to see the appeal of this SUV. I would get a Cayenne over this and never look back.

MDarringer - 6/23/2018 12:44:10 PM

+1 Boost

LOL I'm with you, but I'd take a Lincoln Aviator over this because the Lincoln looks like it costs as much as the Audi and the Audi looks like hell.

greGARYous1 - 6/23/2018 12:35:30 PM

+7 Boost

Too much grey plastic does Not look upscale... Fail....!!!

Deutschland - 6/23/2018 1:06:32 PM

+5 Boost

I really don't get the positioning of this model. In the US market your flagship SUV needs to have size. The GLS is large and of course the X& will be large. I don't think this fits well in this market.

MDarringer - 6/23/2018 3:51:23 PM

+3 Boost

I agree. This should have been an Audi Escalade i.e. a big 3 row machine. This should have been an Audi for Texas. But then again, the Bentley Bentiguan should have been large and stately rather than an ugly bug-eyed Touareg so of course this is ridiculous.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 6/23/2018 9:29:16 PM

+1 Boost

I am in the minority but I much preferred the concept Bentley SUV that looked more like the Mulsanne with the larger headlights then the Conti style model they came out with.

MDarringer - 6/23/2018 9:50:28 PM

+1 Boost

I don't like Bentley "Super Beetle" headlights. The ugly round headlights need to go.

scenicbyway12 - 6/23/2018 2:29:25 PM

+6 Boost

The is basically, nice car but meh.

GermanNut - 6/23/2018 3:00:57 PM

-4 Boost

I believe the Q8 will sell very well. It's design is less polarizing than the BMW X6 or Mercedes GLE. Also, its interior is of the highest quality and packed with the latest technology features.

scenicbyway12 - 6/23/2018 5:31:46 PM

+2 Boost

If they only bring a V6 to the game, it's over.

cidflekken - 6/24/2018 12:25:22 AM

+3 Boost

You're right. The styling is less polarizing, because it's absolutely generic and undistinguished. Then again, so is the Q7, but at least the Q7 offers utility, but at a much lower price.

MDarringer - 6/24/2018 10:19:44 AM

+1 Boost

Whenever I think of Audi, the words Oldsmobile Avalon come to mind. Now apparently they want to be edgy like Lexus but they don't have the testicles to do it.

TomM - 6/23/2018 6:47:01 PM

+6 Boost

Yup - its another Audi crossover - which one? THey are all the same.

MDarringer - 6/23/2018 9:10:15 PM

+2 Boost

Ponderous and numb?

rlbdcky - 6/24/2018 10:56:29 PM

+2 Boost

I don't like the trend toward exaggerated humongous grills. It's the worst design feature of the new A8 which is otherwise a very handsome vehicle. The grill doesn't do this vehicle many favors either. The Q7 looks more premium than this.

cidflekken - 6/26/2018 2:02:52 AM

+1 Boost

The most unfortunate part of the Q8 is the fact that it looks like a bigger version of the VW T-Roc. You expect me to pay top dollars for a vehicle that looks like a larger scale version of a non-premium vehicle. Don't think so.