2027 Audi Q8MotorTrend - MotorTrendSporty, upscale exterior designImpressive interior appointmentsA wealth of standard featuresPoor fuel economyRide worsens on bigger wheelsCoupelike roofline hurts interior roomStyle and sportiness come together in the 2027 Audi Q8, which continues to challenge other coupelike midsize luxury SUVs such as the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. Slotting between the three-row Q7 and the all-new full-size Audi Q9, the gas-powered Audi Q8 justifies its place in the lineup with eye-catching looks and powerful engines.AdvertisementAdvertisementImage shown is last year model. This page will be updated with photos as information becomes available.What's NewAudi most recently issued a major refresh to the Q8 for the 2024 model year, massaging the exterior and interior design. Still, the automaker applies a few tweaks to the midsize luxury fastback SUV's lineup for 2027.S Line exterior is now standardStandard 21-inch wheels with a 5-V-spoke designAvailable 10-Y-spoke wheels with matte neodymium gold finish for the Black optic packageRS Q8 Performance is now standard with dual-pane acoustic glass side windowsWhat We ThinkAudi took a page from its rivals by adapting the popular three-row Q7 into the swoopy two-row Q8. For the most part, it gets the formula pioneered by the BMW X6 right with a blend of style and sportiness.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 2027 Audi Q8 continues to be offered in three trims, with varying degrees of performance on tap. Entry-level Q8 models are a decent value, with a long list of luxury equipment. However, even with the base engine, the Q8 is thirsty compared to its rivals.Stepping up to the SQ8 specs a powerful twin-turbocharged V-8 engine. This is where the Q8 begins to offer performance matching its eye-catching looks. Frustratingly, however, the SQ8's engine stop/start system is overeager, and its screens have begun to show their age.The 2027 Audi RS Q8 Performance is the flagship model. This is a proper super SUV with a strengthened V-8 engine, an upgraded chassis, and enhanced brakes. Even so, its design remains elegant while retaining an understated cool that's uncommon among coupelike SUVs. In a world of inflated automotive pricing, the RS Q8 Performance is something of a bargain. Just watch out for the rough ride on its available 23-inch wheels.Though the Q8 continues to age as its first-generation run enters its ninth model year, it's still worth considering due to its relative value and unmistakable style.Top-Ranked Competitors:Genesis GV80 CoupeBMW X6Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class CoupeMotorTrend TestedThree versions of the 2027 Audi Q8 are available, with engines producing increasing output as you move up the range. All variants use an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe entry-level Q8 is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 engine developing 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Rivals have far more output; the base BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe, and Genesis GV80 Coupe all develop 375 hp.The Audi Q8 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds in MotorTrend testing, lagging the competition. For comparison, the BMW X6 gets from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe needs just 4.9 seconds to launch to 60 mph from a standstill. Finally, the Genesis GV80 Coupe goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.In the middle of the Q8 range is the SQ8, which receives a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine developing 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. It launched from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds in MotorTrend testing.At the top of the range sits the 2027 Audi RS Q8 Performance. This model's 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine develops 631 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. In our testing, the RS8 Performance shot from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds.MPGs and RangeFuel economy is one of the 2027 Audi Q8's weaknesses. Models outfitted with the 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 return 17/23 mpg city/highway and are good for 428 miles of driving range. That's far worse than the BMW X6 xDrive40i, which is rated at 22/26 mpg and 504 miles of range. In the middle, the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 4Matic returns 19/25 mpg and can drive 472 miles per tank.AdvertisementAdvertisementFuel economy plumets for models with either of the available V-8 models. Both the SQ8 and RS Q8 are rated 14/20 mpg and 360 miles of range.Safety Ratings and Driver Assist FeaturesThe Audi Q8 most recently received an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2024. Since then, the fastback luxury SUV has received mostly positive but mixed ratings. Meanwhile, NHTSA has awarded a five-star overall rating for the 2026 model year.As one of the higher-end models in the Audi lineup, the 2027 Q8 gets a long list of standard driver assist features and even more available tech.Standard FeaturesEvery 2027 Audi Q8 comes standard with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and parking sensors.Available FeaturesOther available equipment includes a 360-degree camera, remote parking assistance, and night vision assistance. You can also upgrade the Q8's headlights with Audi's HD Matrix-design LEDs with laser lighting and motorized washers.Cargo Space and Interior RoomThe 2027 Audi Q8 remains a spacious pick for passengers in the first and second rows.TechnologyInfotainmentThe 2027 Audi Q8 carries over with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, Audi makes a six-month subscription to navigation and its App Store services standard on all Q8 SUVs.AdvertisementAdvertisementA 12.3-inch driver display handles driver information duty while an 8.6-inch control panel adjusts the HVAC and other vehicle functions. These screens are showing their age compared with the tech found in other models within Audi's lineup.Sound SystemA 10-speaker audio system is standard on the 2027 Audi Q8. Those who want to feel the music can equip a powerful 23-speaker setup from Bang & Olufsen.Available UpgradesOther available tech for the 2027 Audi Q8 include a head-up display, a wireless charging pad, and a 360-degree camera. You can also equip the Q8 with power soft-closing doorsValueStandard FeaturesThe most basic version of the 2027 Audi Q8 is the Premium 55 TFSI Quattro model. This variant rolls on 21-inch wheels and rides on standard adaptive suspension. It makes use of Audi's Matrix-Design LED headlights and LED taillights with animated turn signals.AdvertisementAdvertisementInside the cabin, you get leather seating surfaces with heated front seats. There's a panoramic sunroof, three-zone climate control, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Audi asks just over $78,000 for the 2027 Q8 Premium 55 TFSI Quattro.Recommended TrimThe 2027 Audi Q8 with the entry-level V-6 powertrain comes in three trims: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. Although you get more luxurious features when you step up to a higher grade, we think the base-level Premium trim gets the job done in style. What's more, Audi has sweetened the deal with its sporty-looking S Line exterior accents and 21-inch wheels with a 5-V-spoke design as standard equipment.
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