Meet the updated 2024 Audi Q8 and SQ8 facelift. When it comes to luxury SUVs, Audi has always been at the forefront of innovation and sophistication. In this article, we delve into the remarkable upgrades that Audi has bestowed upon its flagship SUV from the Q family, the Audi Q8. With a focus on design purity and cutting-edge technology, the new Audi Q8 is set to redefine the standards in the world of SUV coupés.

The Revised Exterior on the 2024 Audi Q8 and SQ8 facelift

On the exterior, the Audi Q8 exudes sportiness and elegance, setting it apart as a true SUV coupé. The clean lines, generous surfaces, and well-defined volumes create a dynamic visual impression. The short overhangs and extended wheelbase further enhance its sporty and elegant proportions.

One of the most striking updates is the Audi Singleframe grille with its distinctive octagon design. Vertical inlays within the grille make a bold statement, emphasizing the Q8's status as one of Audi's premier models. The new air intake seamlessly integrates into the car's architecture, adding to its confident appearance.

To distinguish between different trims, Audi has strategically employed contrasting colours for the underride guard, door attachment trim, and diffuser. These touches underline the rugged off-road aesthetics of the base model while emphasizing the sporty character of the S line exterior package.

Audi's commitment to minimalism is evident in the reduced decorative elements, contributing to the Q8's puristic design. The Black and Black Plus optics packages, available as options, add striking accents to the exterior, enhancing the already impressive visual appeal. The Singleframe mask, in particular, shines in high-gloss black, adding a touch of sophistication.

HD Matrix LED Headlights and OLED Taillights

Audi has taken a significant step forward in lighting technology with the introduction of HD Matrix LED headlights in the Q8. These headlights feature an additional laser light for an extended high-beam range. The laser light becomes active starting at 70 km/h (43.5 mph) and significantly increases the high beam range. They also boast digital daytime running lights that can be customized to various light signatures, allowing drivers to make a unique statement on the road.

The innovation extends to the rear of the vehicle, where digital OLED taillights make their debut in the Q8. With four selectable rear light designs, these lights not only enhance safety but also add a touch of luxury. An LED light strip, combined with black high-gloss trim and integrated Audi rings, spans the entire width of the car's rear, ensuring that the Q8 leaves a lasting impression.

Personalization at Its Finest: Decor, Colors, and Wheels

Audi understands the importance of personalization, and with the updated Q8, they've gone above and beyond. The base model now comes with seat trim seams in a contrasting grey colour as standard. For those seeking even more customization, there are nine decorative inlays to choose from.

Audi offers a range of finishes, including Fine grain ash natural silver, Carbon twill matt, and Aluminium linear silver grey. To elevate the Q8's character, three new metallic finishes—Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red—are now available, adding vibrancy to your driving experience.

Wheel options have also been expanded, with five new designs ranging from 21 to 23-inch wheels, giving the Q8 a competitive edge in terms of style and performance.

Cutting-Edge Technology: Infotainment and Driver Assistance

The Audi Q8 doesn't just impress with its exterior and design; it's also packed with cutting-edge technology. Audi has expanded the range of apps, allowing passengers to use popular third-party apps like Spotify and Amazon Music. Regular software updates and an ever-growing app portfolio ensure that your infotainment system stays up-to-date and tailored to your preferences.

In terms of driver assistance, the Q8 boasts a surroundings display that provides lane change warnings, distance warnings for other road users, intersection assistance, and even real-time traffic light information in stunning full HD quality. Standard equipment now includes 20-inch alloy wheels, a rearview camera, park and high beam assist, and the convenience key, among other features, ensuring a safe and convenient driving experience.

Driving Excellence: Suspension and Engines

Audi's DNA for driving excellence is deeply embedded in the Q8. With characteristics like balance, solidity, control, precision, and effortlessness, the Q8 offers a driving experience like no other. The suspension, steering, and drive systems, along with advanced braking and control technologies, combine to create a safe, dynamic, and comfortable ride.

Audi also offers electronically controlled air suspension with adaptive damping. All-wheel steering is also available, improving safety and manoeuvrability. The steering system has been optimized for ease of use, particularly in tight spaces like parking lots and garages.

Under the hood, the Audi Q8 offers a range of powerful engines.

The 45 TDI Quattro features a 3.0-litre diesel engine that makes 228 horses and 500Nm of torque. It accelerates the SUV from zero to 100kmph in 7.1 seconds (0-60mph in 7 sec) and reaches a max speed of 226kmph (140 mph).

The 50 TDI quattro boasts 282 horsepower and 600Nm of torque. The German SUV accelerates from zero to 100kmph in 6.1 seconds (0-60mph in 6 sec) and reaches a top speed of 241kmph (150 mph).

For those who prefer a petrol engine, the Audi Q8 55 TFSI from its 3.0-litre six-cylinder Otto engine that generates 335 horses and 500Nm, sprints from zero to 100kmph in 5.6 seconds (0-60mph in 5.5 sec). It reaches its electronically limited top speed of 250kmph (155 mph).

All V6 engines in the Q8 come with an eight-speed tiptronic transmission, quattro permanent all-wheel drive, and a mild hybrid system. This system, with a lithium-ion battery and belt alternator starter, enhances fuel efficiency by recovering energy during deceleration and allowing the Q8 to coast with the engine off at certain speeds.

The 2024 Audi SQ8 with a V8 TFSI petrol engine

For those who demand the ultimate in sportiness, the Audi SQ8 TFSI takes performance to new heights. With a redesigned front apron, sporty underride guard, and expressive diffuser, the SQ8 TFSI makes a bold statement. The vertical L-shaped inlays in the Singleframe grille exude a sporty aesthetic.

Under the hood, the Audi SQ8 TFSI features a 4.0-litre TFSI engine producing 500 horses and 770 Nm of torque, This high-performance SUV accelerates from zero to 100kmph in just 4.1 seconds (0-60mph in 4 sec) and has an electronically limited top speed of 250kmph (155 mph). It's a thrilling driving experience that sets the SQ8 TFSI apart from the crowd.

To further enhance handling, Audi offers an advanced suspension package with sport differential and electromechanical active roll stabilization. These technologies work together to make every curve and corner a joy to navigate.

2024 Audi Q8 - Price and Availability in the UAE

The market launch of the updated Audi Q8 and SQ8 will be in September 2023. We have speculated the prices of the different variants of the SUV for UAE.

The expected starting price for the 45 TDI Quattro is approximately AED 440,900*, while the 50 TDI Quattro is projected to be priced at around AED 456,100*. The 55 TFSI Quattro is anticipated to have a price tag of AED 457,100*, and the SQ8 TFSI is expected to commence at AED 607,700*.