“Great car for the money back up camera is not good, water comes in drivers door when window is cracked open shifter is hard to get used to.”
Audi Q8: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Audi Q8 is a five-seat, two-row luxury SUV with coupe-like styling, standard all-wheel drive, and a tech-focused cabin. It is known as the sleeker, more design-driven alternative to Audi’s more traditional Q7.
Since its 2019 debut, the Q8 has balanced dramatic styling with real SUV usefulness. Its core formula has stayed consistent: a strong turbocharged V6, standard all-wheel drive, confident road manners, and a highly digital interior. A 2024 update sharpened the exterior and upgraded the lighting and driver-assistance technology without changing that basic character.
Strengths
- Its coupe-like roof and expressive styling give it a more distinctive look than a traditional square-roof luxury SUV.
- Standard all-wheel drive and composed road manners help it feel secure and confident in everyday driving.
- The cabin has emphasized digital displays and modern technology since the Q8 first arrived.
- The back seat has genuine adult space, with 40.2 inches of rear legroom in the 2027 model.
- It retains useful SUV capability despite its sleek shape, with the 2027 model rated to tow up to 7,700 pounds.
Who it's for
The Q8 fits someone who wants the space and everyday usefulness of a premium SUV but prefers a sleeker shape and a more modern, screen-heavy cabin. It is especially well suited to couples or small families who need two roomy rows rather than a third-row seat.
Audi Q8 lineup
The 55 TFSI Premium is the starting point and keeps the Q8’s central experience: V6 power, all-wheel drive, bold styling, and a digital cabin. Pick the 55 TFSI Premium Plus when you want a stronger mix of convenience and driver-assistance equipment without moving to the top trim. The 55 TFSI Prestige is the luxury-focused choice, and in recent years it has stood apart with added comfort and chassis features such as an adaptive air suspension. All three share the same basic powertrain, so the decision is mainly about equipment and comfort rather than performance.
Audi Q8 generations
From 2019 to 2026, the Q8 spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2019.
1st Generation (2019–Present)
The first Q8 is a two-row SUV with a coupe-like roofline, a dual-touchscreen cabin, and a 335-hp turbocharged V6 with mild-hybrid assist and standard all-wheel drive. A 2024 mid-cycle update revised the front and rear styling, upgraded the lighting, and added more standard driver-assistance features without changing the core powertrain.
36 In Stock
2026
The Q8 carries over the 2024 styling update and 335-hp V6. Upper trims gain some standard comfort and suspension features, while the base Premium trim is largely unchanged.
2025
The refreshed styling, three-trim lineup, 335-hp V6, and cabin technology carry over from 2024.
2024Mid-cycle update
Audi revised the front and rear styling, upgraded the exterior lighting, and made adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist standard across the lineup.
2023
Upgraded LED headlights, headlight washers, and animated lighting effects become standard across the lineup.
2022
Audi reshuffled standard and package equipment, adding more driver-assistance, comfort, and suspension features to certain trims.
2021
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert become standard on every trim, with other convenience features reshuffled between trims and packages.
2020Trim changes
Some previously optional features become standard, but the styling, powertrain, and three-trim structure carry over.
2019New generation
The Q8 debuts in the U.S. as a new two-row SUV with coupe-like styling, a dual-touchscreen dashboard, a 335-hp turbocharged V6, and standard all-wheel drive.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Audi Q8.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Audi Q8 a two-row or three-row SUV?
The Audi Q8 is a two-row SUV with seating for five. It does not have a third row, which separates it from more traditional three-row luxury SUVs such as the Audi Q7.
How is the Audi Q8 different from the Audi Q7?
The Audi Q8 is the sleeker, style-focused alternative to the Q7. It has two rows instead of three and a more coupe-like roofline, while still providing standard all-wheel drive and useful SUV cargo space.
Does every Audi Q8 have all-wheel drive?
Yes. Every standard Audi Q8 from its 2019 debut onward pairs quattro all-wheel drive with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive versions are not part of this model history.
Is the Audi Q8 a hybrid?
The Audi Q8 uses a gasoline V6 with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance. It is not a full hybrid or plug-in hybrid; the electrical system assists the 335-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter engine rather than defining a separate hybrid trim.
Is the Audi Q8 practical for a family?
Yes, for a family that needs five seats rather than a third row. The latest Q8 has 40.2 inches of rear legroom and up to 60.7 cubic feet of cargo space, combining family usefulness with a sleeker roofline.
Can the Audi Q8 tow a trailer?
Yes. The latest Audi Q8 has a maximum towing figure of 7,700 pounds. That gives it meaningful trailer capability, though the hitch, vehicle equipment, trailer weight, and load still need to match the limits of the specific used Q8.
Has the Audi Q8 had a full redesign?
No. The Q8 has remained in its first generation since its 2019 debut. Audi gave it a substantial update for 2024 with revised front and rear styling, upgraded lighting, and broader driver-assistance equipment, but the basic platform and V6 remained.
Audi Q8 Reviews
What owners are saying about the Audi Q8.
4.1
Audi Q8
(607 reviews)
“If you want style, power, luxury, reliability and an overall fantastic experience, consider an Audi Q8.”
“A truly wonderful EV for commuting and short trips. I would be reluctant if you travel a long distance for business or pleasure. Just going 225 miles is worrisome.”
“Quiet and smooth ride. Lots of features. Pretty easy interface but settings for all things could be organized better. Great build quality and nice materials. Plenty of utility for active lifestyle.”
“Car rides beautifully! The added massage feature on the seats is amazing especially for longer rides. I love the headlight display. It makes me smile every time I see it! Lots of get up and go. Only downside is figuring out exactly how far it will go on a charge. Lots of variability with weather/ temps.”
“it's a great car. I had one previously that didn't work, but audi worked with me and replaced it. The new one operates exactly right.”