Here’s a first look at the updated Audi Q8 and Audi SQ8 as the Ingolstadt-based brand has announced revisions to the luxury sports SUV.

This is the updated Audi Q8, which brings a number of cosmetic, lighting technology and trim upgrades to market. The Q8 is a coupe SUV and is a rival to the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. Riding on the MLB Evo platform and built in Bratislava, Slovakia, the 5-seater Audi Q8 has impressed us.

The update you see now comprises some visual enhancements along with trim upgrades and the introduction of a petrol-powered SQ8, which replaces the diesel derivative. Visually, make no mistake, this is an Audi Q8 through-and-through, but you’ll quickly spot the all-new HD Matrix LED headlight setup.

These new headlights feature a laser as an additional high beam, digital daytime running lights and light signatures. At the rear, there are digital OLED lights with four selectable rear light designs. There are also revisions to the air intakes and bumpers. Customers can opt for the S Line, Black and Black Plus optic package to personalise their updated Audi Q8. There are sportier-looking exhaust tips too.

Customers have three new paint colours to choose from, such as the Sakhir Gold you see here, Ascari Blue and Chili Red. There are five new wheel designs with sizes ranging from 21- to 23-inches.

The Audi Q8 has received a digital enhancement too, with access to third-party apps like Spotify now being available through a market-specific app store. Over-the-air updates are also available for the updated Audi Q8. The driver assistance system display has received an upgrade too, with the virtual cockpit now offering road info in full HD.

Audi Q8 and SQ8 Powertrain

The Audi Q8 engine lineup is mostly unchanged, with the headline story being the performance-biased Audi SQ8 ditching diesel power for a rumbling petrol V8. The updated Audi Q8 features adaptive air suspension, with the SQ8 featuring a sportily-tuned air suspension setup. All-wheel steering is standard on the SQ8 and optional for the Q8.

Kicking off the range is the 45 TDI, a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 170 kW and 500 Nm. Audi claims a 0-100 kph time of just 7.1 seconds while consuming around 8.9 L/100 km.

The Audi Q8 50 TDI offers the same V6 diesel engine, but with higher outputs of 210 kW and 600 Nm, giving it a claimed sprint to 100 kph time of just 6.1 seconds. A consumption figure of 8.9 L /100 km is claimed. For the petrol fans, there’s a 3.0-litre V6 with 250 kW and 500 Nm, and that’s good for a 0-100 kph time of just 5.6 seconds while consuming around 12.8 L/100 km on the combined cycle.

Every updated Audi Q8 features an 8-speed automatic transmission which drives all four wheels and a 48V mild-hybrid system which is said to reduce consumption by 0.5 L/100 km.

The big news is the updated Audi SQ8 has switched from diesel power to a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 petrol with 372 kW and 770 Nm. Thanks to a quick-shifting 8-speed Tiptronic transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive, the updated Audi SQ8 is capable of 0-100 kph in just 4.1 seconds.

The Audi SQ8 TFSI ships standard with 21-inch wheels and large 285/45 tyres, with options in 22- and 23-inches.

Static photo,Colour: Sakhir gold metallic

When will the updated Audi Q8 arrive in South Africa?

Audi global said the updated Audi Q8 launch will take place in September 2023, while Audi South Africa said units will be arriving in SA in the second quarter of 2024. We’ll be test driving the new model at its international driving event in Cape Town in early November.

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