Used Audi Q8 for sale: everything you need to know
The Audi Q8 has become a popular luxury car in the UK, thanks to its blend of SUV practicality and coupe styling, plus the premium cachet of the Audi badge. Image matters in this particular market segment, and the Q8 delivers it in spades.
There is now no shortage of coupe SUV competitors for the Q8 to challenge, with the BMW X6 the established class benchmark. Mercedes-Benz offers the GLE Coupe, plus there is also the Porsche Cayenne Coupe to consider. Land Rover offers both the Range Rover Velar and Range Rover Sport as potential rivals, too.
If you are considering a used Audi Q8, keep reading for all the information you need to know.
Should you buy an Audi Q8?
The Audi Q8 is one of the most convincing options in the coupe SUV market, partly because it looks slightly more elegant than many of its key rivals. As a flagship model in the Audi range, the Q8 has a lot to live up to, but manages to acquit itself well.
Where the Q8 really stands out is in the quality of its interior. Audi is renowned for making cabins with impressive build quality, and the Q8 is no exception. All the materials look and feel expensive.
There is plenty of space inside the Q8’s luxurious interior, thanks to being based on the larger Audi Q7. Unlike the seven-seat Q7, the Audi Q8 only has five seats. However, the rear bench can slide back and forth, allowing drivers to choose between extra rear legroom or more boot space. The Q8’s sweeping, coupe-like roofline also has little impact on rear-seat headroom, unlike many of its rivals.
Three screens dominate the interior of the Audi Q8, starting with the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument panel. This is supported by a pair of multimedia touchscreens, which are responsible for controlling almost every function inside the Q8. Using touchscreens instead of buttons does take some adjustment, but it adds to the Q8’s cutting-edge feel.
On the road, the Q8 delivers a sporty driving experience, aided by huge amounts of grip and traction. This is still a large and heavy vehicle, though, so this dynamic ability has to be taken in context. Standard adaptive air suspension ensures a respectable ride quality, even if the sportiest settings feel very firm.
The Audi Q8 has found many buyers in the UK, who are drawn to its bold image, high-quality interior and impressive driving dynamics. As a member of an increasingly important market sector, the Audi Q8 really is a top choice.
Although a luxurious coupe SUV won’t appeal to everyone, the Audi Q8 is a compelling option for those who want – and can afford – one. It has the performance and ability to compete with the BMW X6, along with an interior more luxurious than found in a Mercedes-Benz. The level of technology found inside, plus the generous level of standard equipment, all adds to the Audi Q8’s appeal.
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What's the best used Ausi Q8 model to buy?
The Q8 TFSI e plug-in hybrid might well work for you if you're able to charge at home and most of your journeys are within the car's electric range. But if you're up and down the M1 on a daily basis we'd expect similar (if not better) fuel economy from the cheaper diesel.
In terms of the trim level you want, there isn’t much you’d demand in a luxury SUV that the entry-level S line trim doesn’t give you. Black Edition (or early Edition 1) and Vorsprung versions add even more toys, but they are also more expensive.
Used Audi Q8 fuel economy and performance
The Audi Q8 is offered with a choice of three different engines in the UK. Petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid options are all covered, and each is combined with Quattro four-wheel drive. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard across the range.
Audi Q8 50 TDI Quattro: The diesel option in the Q8 range uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, designed to offer both performance and fuel economy. With an output of 286PS, it overcomes the Q8’s size to accelerate from 0-62mph in just over six seconds. When it comes to fuel economy, the 50 TDI manages an average of up to 34mpg.
Audi Q8 55 TFSI Quattro: Excluding the SQ8 (reviewed separately), the sole petrol engine in the Q8 range is a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6. This offers a notable jump in power to 340PS, while the 0-62mph time falls accordingly, to less than six seconds. Opting for petrol does mean a drop in fuel economy, though, with the Q8 55 TFSI achieving an average best of 27.2mpg.
Audi Q8 55 TFSI e Quattro: For maximum economy in an Audi Q8, the plug-in hybrid 55 TFSI e combines a 3.0-litre petrol V6 with an electric motor. This package results in a total output of 381PS, and a 0-62mph time of less than six seconds. The 55 TFSI e can cover 28 miles in electric mode before the petrol engine kicks in.
What used Audi Q8 trim levels are available?
Echoing the range structure of many premium Audi models, the Q8 is offered with a choice of three trims. All versions are comprehensively equipped, with higher specifications adding ever more luxury.
Audi Q8 S Line: The entry-level version of the Q8 is anything but bargain-basement, with an extensive list of standard equipment. This includes adaptive air suspension, matrix LED headlights and 21-inch alloy wheels. For the interior, Valcona leather upholstery, sports seats and a multiple touchscreen displays are all included.
Audi Q8 Black Edition: Less a trim level, more of a styling package, the Black Edition sees the Q8 gain a stealthier appearance. Almost all the trim has a black finish (rather than chrome), as do the 22-inch alloy wheels and interior trim. Four-zone climate control air-con is added, too.
Audi Q8 Vorsprung: Delivering maximum luxury and technology, the Audi Q8 Vorsprung is packed with features. These range from four-wheel steering to a panoramic glass sunroof, and even power closing for the doors. A powerful Bang & Olufsen sound system can be found inside, along with a 360-degree surround-view camera, head up display and seats with massage functions.
Used Audi Q8 dimensions and boot size
The Audi Q8’s exterior dimensions are:
Length: 4986mm
Width: 1995mm
Height: 1705mm
Ground clearance: 245mm
The Audi Q8’s boot space is:
Used Audi Q8 road tax
Due to its original list prices sitting above £40,000, the Audi Q8 buyer will have to be prepared to pay a £390 surcharge for road tax until the car reaches six-years old. This is on top of the flat rate of £180 for annual road tax, and the only relief on this comes for the hybrid 55 TFSI-e model that gets a £10 reduction for being classed as an alternative fuel vehicle.
How much is it to insure an Audi Q8?
As a flagship SUV coupe, offered with a range of powerful engines, it should be no surprise that the Audi Q8 is expensive to insure. S Line versions with the 55 TDI diesel engine start from insurance group 47, with the 55 TSI petrol in group 48. The plug-in hybrid 55 TFSI e will be the most expensive to cover, being rated in the top insurance group 50.
Read our full Audi Q8 review
