Image: Audi
Image: Audi
Image: Audi
Image: Audi
Image: Audi
New ModelsBy: Siyavuya Mbaduli
Audi’s 2024 updates to the Q8 and its high-performance counterpart; the SQ8, bring exciting enhancements that breathe new life into the flagship SUV. Drawing inspiration from the electric Q8 e-tron, Audi has introduced a fresh design with notable changes to the exterior and interior technology.
Image: Audi
Despite being a mid-life update, the fundamental design of the Audi Q8 remains largely intact, ensuring continuity in its visual identity. However, subtle tweaks have been introduced to maintain a contemporary appearance.
The most prominent change up front is the redesigned grille, accompanied by larger air intakes in the front bumper and a revamped exhaust setup across the lineup. The SQ8 elevates the stakes with a redesigned front spoiler, rear diffuser, and accents in aluminium on the grille, side-view mirrors, and air intakes. For those seeking a more menacing look, optional packages are available to finish the window trim, bumper trim, and grille in gloss black.
Image: Audi
Related: 2024 Audi e-tron Debuts with a New Name and Increased Range
Audi has also expanded the colour palette, introducing striking shades like Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red. Visual enhancements are further complemented by five new alloy wheel designs ranging from 21 to 23 inches.
Innovations extend to the lighting as well. Audi has reconfigured the Matrix LED headlights and offers high-tech laser lights that enhance the high beam range. Top-tier models feature daytime running lights with four different lighting signatures, controllable via the infotainment screen. The rear light bar has adopted a cleaner design and is now compatible with Audi’s digital OLED lighting units.
Stepping inside, while the overall hardware remains unchanged, the infotainment system has gained compatibility with third-party applications like Spotify and Amazon Music. The updated Audi Virtual Cockpit now showcases more graphics related to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Additionally, the options for interior trim have been expanded, offering nine decorative inlays, including fine gran ash, carbon twill matte, and aluminium linear silver grey.
Image: Audi
Beneath the surface, the 2024 Audi Q8 offers various engine options depending on the market of course. The lineup begins with the 45 TDI Quattro, featuring a 3,0-litre turbodiesel engine producing 170 kW and 500 N.m of torque. Audi claims this model can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7,1 seconds, with a top speed of 226 km/h.
Stepping up, the 50 TDI quattro boasts 210 kW and 600 N.m of torque. This results in a quicker 0-100 km/h time of 6,1 seconds and a top speed of 241 km/h. For those seeking petrol power, the Q8 55 TFSI is powered by a 3,0-litre 6-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering 250 kW and 500 N.m of torque. It can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,6 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Image: Audi
The SQ8 TFSI, the performance flagship, is driven by a potent 4,0-litre turbocharged V8 engine producing an impressive 373 kW and 770 N.m of torque. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 4,1 seconds, it boasts an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
In terms of the chassis, Audi offers flexibility with suspension options, including standard steel spring suspension, electronically-controlled adaptive air suspension, and its sportier variant. The SQ8 comes standard with the sportier suspension and all-wheel steering, while options like the sport differential with torque vectoring and the electromechanical active roll stabilization system are available. Audi engineers have also optimized the steering system across all Q8 variants for enhanced daily driving comfort.
Keyword: Audi Q8 and the Potent SQ8 Receive an Update for 2024