Design

The biggest change for the updated Q8 can be seen from the front, where new Matrix LED lights sit either side of a refreshed singleframe grille. The grille itself has inset vertical elements and a repeating elliptical motif, and you can personalise your Q8 with a choice of four different daytime running light signatures. Other changes? The lower air intakes are more prominent, and the rear features new OLED lights. New exhaust tailpipes complete the update; the Q8 is available with four new wheel designs.

Features

The Q8 is available in S-Line, Black Edition and top-of-the range Vorsprung trim levels. All have the excellent Audi Virtual Cockpit instrument display, while the central infotainment features two stacked touchscreens. The lower 8.6-inch touchscreen chiefly controls the climate settings, while the 10.2-inch upper touchscreen carries MMI Navigation Plus, along with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration. A powered tailgate, rear camera, privacy glass and electric front seats are among the standard features on the entry point S-Line. Additional Black Edition features are mainly styling-led, while the flagship Vorsprung trim includes B&O audio, Nappa leather upholstery, massage seats, panoramic roof and four-zone climate control. All models have air suspension as standard; the rear-wheel steering option, which improves low-speed manoeuvrability, is standard on Vorsprung models.

Performance & Technology

Currently the new Q8 is available with two powertrains. The Q8 50 TDI is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel, which develops 282bhp and 600Nm of torque. This despatches the benchmark 0-62mph sprint in 6.1 seconds. If you’d prefer petrol power, the 55 TFSI is a shade faster to 62mph (5.9 seconds), developing 335bhp and 500Nm. However, the diesel is a great choice for towing - that extra torque gives it effortless urge at lower speeds. Both models feature quattro all-wheel drive, mild hybrid technology and an eight-speed automatic transmission; plug-in hybrids are reportedly coming soon.

Safety

All Q8 models have earned a full 5-star EuroNCAP safety rating, and there are up to 39 driver assistance systems, depending on model and options chosen. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and lane assistance are standard, while the Virtual Cockpit display includes distance warning of other road users (trucks, cars, and motorcycles), intersection assist, and traffic light information in full HD quality. At the rear, all the digital OLED rear light elements illuminate when following vehicles come within two metres of a stationary Q8.