In a market increasingly saturated with SUVs, the 2019 Audi Q8 emerges as a distinctive contender, challenging preconceived notions about coupe-like SUVs. Initially skeptical of the crossover coupe trend with their compromised rooflines, a week spent with the Audi Q8 revealed a surprisingly practical and genuinely luxurious SUV. The Q8 skillfully blends style and substance, making fewer sacrifices than anticipated, resulting in a compelling vehicle that deserves serious consideration from luxury SUV buyers.
Striking Design and Uncompromised Space
The Audi Q8 cleverly disguises its sloping roofline, setting it apart from competitors like the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. While sharing its platform with the three-row Audi Q7, the Q8 adopts a more sharply raked roof, yet maintains a balanced and visually appealing profile. Its design language is arguably the most forward-thinking within the VW Group platform, even surpassing the Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentayga in aesthetic appeal for many. The Q8 also presents a more refined and attractive alternative to the often-debated designs of the X6 and GLE-Class Coupe.
The exterior design is further enhanced by striking taillights that evoke a futuristic, sci-fi aesthetic. In an era where automotive design trends towards ever-slimmer headlights and oversized grilles, the 2019 Audi Q8 achieves a harmonious balance. The headlight assembly is proportionally matched to the grille, which cleverly integrates sensors and hardware for its advanced driver-assistance systems. The overall design cohesively works, particularly when finished in sophisticated shades like the Glacier White Metallic of the test model.
Stepping inside the 2019 Audi Q8 reveals an interior that arguably surpasses even its striking exterior. Audi’s innovative dual-screen dashboard, featuring the award-winning MMI Touch Response system, seamlessly integrates into a sleek glass panel spanning the dashboard’s width. High-quality materials are evident throughout the cabin, with minimal use of vinyl-like materials and cleverly incorporated air vents that are subtly integrated into the trim – a design feature increasingly seen across the Audi lineup to great effect. The inclusion of matte-finish wood trim adds a touch of understated luxury and tactile richness, culminating in a truly well-designed and premium SUV interior.
Despite the coupe-inspired roofline, the 2019 Audi Q8 remarkably avoids compromising interior space. The front seats offer generous dimensions and excellent visibility in all directions, including a surprisingly expansive rear view. Rear passengers also benefit from ample space, comfortably accommodating taller adults with substantial headroom. Cargo capacity is equally impressive, boasting a segment-leading 30.5 cubic feet of space, further highlighting the Q8’s practicality despite its stylish silhouette.
Cutting-Edge Technology: MMI Touch Response and Virtual Cockpit
Audi’s MMI Touch Response infotainment system in the 2019 Audi Q8 stands out as a benchmark in automotive technology, arguably the best dual-screen setup currently available. This system elevates the user experience, integrating seamlessly with the vehicle’s functionality.
The system is centered around two primary screens stacked vertically. The lower 8.6-inch display primarily manages climate controls, but also houses shortcuts for features like steering wheel heating and the auto stop-start system. This lower screen doubles as a handwriting input pad, offering surprisingly quick and accurate handwriting recognition. The system’s responsiveness is exceptional, often booting up and ready to use even before the engine fully starts.
The upper 10.1-inch screen handles traditional infotainment functions, including radio, navigation, and smartphone integration. The interface design is clean and intuitive, bearing similarities to Porsche’s latest PCM system. Response times are virtually instantaneous, and the subtle haptic feedback provides a tactile confirmation of inputs, enhancing the user experience. While some might find the design minimalist, its straightforward layout prioritizes ease of use. Control is primarily touch-based, with the exception of a physical volume knob, yet the system is so well-executed that the absence of traditional dials is hardly missed.
Complementing the dual-screen MMI system is Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, a familiar but still impressive feature in the 2019 Audi Q8. This 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster mirrors information from the central 10.1-inch screen and offers customizable displays, placing essential information directly in the driver’s line of sight. While Virtual Cockpit is now widespread across the VW Group, it remains a leader in digital gauge displays, offering unmatched flexibility and user-friendliness through steering wheel-mounted controls.
In terms of driver assistance, the 2019 Audi Q8 comes standard with autonomous emergency braking. The test vehicle was further equipped with the optional Driver Assistance package, adding adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, traffic sign recognition, and active lane assist. Despite the Q8’s advanced zFAS controller and lidar technology, the driver-assistance systems operate with comparable smoothness and effectiveness to competitors. The adaptive cruise control manages stop-and-go traffic effectively, while the lane assist is more hands-on, requiring more driver input compared to systems from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but still providing valuable assistance.
Driving Dynamics and Performance
Currently, the 2019 Audi Q8 is offered with a single engine option, with a higher-performance SQ8 variant anticipated. The standard engine is a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine is a notable upgrade over the supercharged V6 in the Audi Q7, offering increased horsepower and torque. The same V6 engine also powers the Audi A6 and A7 models, showcasing its versatility and performance capabilities.
The V6 engine delivers ample power and responsive acceleration in the 2019 Audi Q8. The standard rear-biased all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent traction, even in challenging conditions, as demonstrated by the test vehicle equipped with winter tires. The eight-speed automatic transmission operates smoothly and unobtrusively, shifting seamlessly in the background without disrupting cabin comfort.
However, a slight anomaly was noted in the throttle response from a standstill. Whether due to turbo lag or factory throttle tuning, the initial acceleration can feel somewhat inconsistent. Gentle pedal input results in minimal forward movement, while slightly increased pressure can trigger a more abrupt acceleration. Utilizing the customizable Individual drive mode, with the engine set to Sport and transmission to Comfort, mitigates this issue to some extent, but does not entirely eliminate it. Conversely, setting the transmission to Sport mode can hold revs too high, impacting fuel efficiency.
The 2019 Audi Q8 incorporates a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, primarily designed to enhance the stop-start system’s smoothness and duration. Unlike Mercedes-Benz’s EQ Boost system, Audi’s mild-hybrid technology does not provide supplemental horsepower or torque. Despite the extended engine shut-off periods afforded by the mild-hybrid system, fuel economy remains moderate. EPA ratings are 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, figures that were achievable in testing.
Ride quality in the 2019 Audi Q8 is generally commendable. The test vehicle, lacking the optional air suspension, still effectively absorbed road imperfections, even on poorly maintained roads. Wind noise is well-controlled, with noticeable increases only above 75 mph, making the cabin quieter than comparable BMW SUVs tested in similar conditions.
Trim Levels, Options, and Value
The tested 2019 Audi Q8 was the Premium Plus trim, positioned just below the top-tier Prestige trim. The Premium Plus trim adds desirable features such as larger wheels, ambient interior lighting, a surround-view camera system, ventilated front seats, wireless device charging, and four-zone climate control, representing a $4,000 step up from the base Premium trim. Additional options included the Driver Assistance Package, a towing package, and a Cold Weather Package, bringing the total price to $77,090.
For a well-equipped 2019 Audi Q8, the Premium Plus trim at a starting price of $71,400 presents a compelling value proposition. Personalizing the Q8 with options like a vibrant exterior color and the air suspension package can further enhance its appeal. While the price point remains in the luxury segment, it aligns competitively for a flagship-level SUV offering this blend of style, technology, and performance.
Competitive Landscape
The 2019 Audi Q8 enters a competitive segment with both established and emerging rivals. The BMW X6, a direct competitor with a similar coupe SUV profile, offers a slightly lower starting price but is based on an older platform. The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, while also a direct competitor, is primarily available in AMG guise in the US market, pushing its starting price higher. The Porsche Cayenne, while priced similarly to the Q8, prioritizes driving engagement over outright luxury, appealing to a different type of buyer. Within Audi’s own lineup, the Audi Q7 serves as a three-row alternative, though it utilizes previous-generation Audi technology.
Conclusion: A Stylish and Capable Luxury SUV
Initial impressions of the 2019 Audi Q8 as a style-focused SUV sacrificing practicality prove to be unfounded. The Q8 successfully merges a fashionable coupe-like silhouette with ample interior space for passengers and cargo. It delivers a rewarding driving experience, complemented by class-leading technology. Audi has effectively delivered a compelling luxury SUV that stands out in a crowded market. The 2019 Audi Q8 is not just a stylish statement, but a genuinely capable and well-rounded luxury SUV that deserves a top spot on any luxury SUV shopper’s list.
