2020 Audi Q8: Complete Review
The 2020 Audi Q8 is a luxury midsize crossover SUV that blends sporty styling with premium comfort and advanced technology. First introduced in 2018, the Q8 serves as Audi's flagship two-row SUV, offering coupe-inspired design while sharing its platform with the larger Q7. It is available in three trims: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige, each offering a unique mix of luxury and technology.
What's New for 2020?
For the 2020 model year, Audi made several previously optional features standard and introduced two new appearance packages: S Line and Black Optic. Audi also unveiled the high-performance RS Q8, although the standard Q8 remained largely unchanged from the 2019 model.
Although it shares much with the Q7, the Q8 is exclusively configured as a five-seat SUV. Thanks to its nearly identical wheelbase, it delivers generous headroom and legroom for both front and rear occupants, making it one of the roomiest luxury SUVs in its class. If you're considering buying one, here are the five biggest pros and cons of the 2020 Audi Q8 to help you decide.
5 Pros
Loaded with Premium Features
Even the base Premium trim comes generously equipped. Standard features include leather upholstery, Audi's MMI infotainment system with dual touchscreens (10.1-inch upper and 8.6-inch lower display), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, navigation, Amazon Alexa integration, Wi-Fi hotspot, a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster, heated power-adjustable front seats, adaptive air suspension, panoramic sunroof, tri-zone climate control, power liftgate, and alloy wheels. Moving up to the Premium Plus adds a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, surround-view camera, and quad-zone climate control. The range-topping Prestige trim further includes a head-up display, premium leather interior, soft-closing doors, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring.
Spacious and Comfortable Interior
Although it has a sporty coupe-like roofline, the Q8 offers exceptional interior comfort. Without a third row, rear passengers enjoy generous legroom and headroom, while the front seats provide excellent support with multiple power adjustments.
Higher trims offer heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, while rear passengers can also enjoy available massage functions. The sliding second-row seats allow owners to prioritize either passenger comfort or cargo space.
Luxurious Cabin Quality
Audi is well known for premium interiors, and the Q8 continues that tradition. High-quality leather, genuine wood trim, brushed aluminum accents, and outstanding fit and finish create a cabin that feels refined and upscale.
The Prestige trim elevates the experience further with leather-covered dashboard surfaces and additional premium materials that rival more expensive luxury SUVs.
Excellent Safety Ratings
The 2020 Audi Q8 earned impressive safety scores. It received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was recognized as an IIHS Top Safety Pick when equipped with Matrix-design LED headlights. Standard safety equipment includes Audi Pre Sense Front, Audi Pre Sense Basic, lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams. Available driver assistance technologies further enhance occupant protection.
Advanced Driver Assistance Features
The Q8 offers numerous advanced safety technologies, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and intersection assist. These systems provide extra confidence during daily driving and long highway trips.
5 Cons
Less Practical Than the Q7
While the Q8 shares much with the Audi Q7, it sacrifices practicality for style. The Q7 offers three rows, seating for seven passengers, more cargo capacity, and lower ownership costs, making it a better choice for larger families.
Touchscreen Controls Can Be Distracting
Audi replaced many traditional buttons with dual touchscreens. Although the system looks modern and responds well, some drivers find it distracting to use while driving. The glossy screens also attract fingerprints quickly.
Fuel Economy Isn't Outstanding
Power comes from a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system producing 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Performance is strong, but fuel economy is only average for the segment, making it less efficient than several luxury SUV rivals.
Premium Price Tag
Luxury comes at a cost. The Q8 is significantly more expensive than the similarly equipped Audi Q7 despite offering fewer seats and less cargo space. Buyers mainly pay extra for its sleek coupe-inspired styling and flagship design.
Limited Visibility
The Q8's stylish sloping roofline creates thicker pillars and a smaller rear window, reducing outward visibility. Parking sensors, cameras, and driver-assistance features help compensate, but visibility remains one of the SUV's weaker points.
Conclusion
The 2020 Audi Q8 successfully combines luxury, technology, comfort, and sporty styling into one impressive package. Its premium interior, spacious seating, advanced safety features, and refined driving experience make it an appealing luxury SUV. While its touchscreen-heavy controls, limited visibility, modest fuel economy, and premium pricing may not suit everyone, these compromises are relatively minor for buyers seeking a stylish and upscale crossover.
If you value luxury and design over maximum practicality, the 2020 Audi Q8 is well worth considering.
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