The Audi Q8 sits at the top of Audi’s SUV tree. The largest SUV in the company’s range, the Q8 is spacious, stylish and offers more rakish sportiness when compared to the Audi Q7. A very posh and plush – and fast, if you lease the SQ8 or RS Q8 performance versions – family car, the Q8 puts the ‘sport’ into Sport Utility Vehicle.
Stylish for an SUV.
High-quality cabin is loaded with tech.
A range of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid engines.
Its 5-metre length sees the Audi Q8 slot right in the same size pool as its close rivals. Putting the ‘large’ in large SUV, the Q8 has lots of head- and legroom in the front and back, and can carry adults behind the front-seat passengers with space to spare.
There is 605 litres of luggage space when the rear seats are in their upright position, which allows the Audi to carry more than the BMW X6 and Maserati Levante, but less than the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. With the rear seats folded, there is 1755 litres of space, but plug-in hybrid models have less due to the packaging of the hybrid-system batteries.
The Audi Q8 family’s wide range of engines include high-power petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid units. Even the diesels have mild-hybrid technology for improved efficiency. They can coast between 34- and 99mph with the engine switched off, helping to return mid-30s mpg. The petrol engines achieve mid to high-20s economy.
The plug-in hybrid models are the most fuel efficient on paper, knocking on the door of 94-100mpg. However, that’s only when they are charged regularly and, as with all electrified vehicles, things like adverse weather, traffic conditions, driving style and the power-consuming features you use when driving will impact range. Talking of range, the TFSIe Q8 plug-in hybrids can travel up to 28 miles on electric power alone, according to official economy tests.
The large SUV market is now broader than ever, with the arrival of coupe-SUVs like the Q8. As well as the Audi Q7, more traditionally styled rivals include the BMW X5, Maserati Levante, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Range Rover Sport, Volkswagen Touareg and Volvo XC90. Classy coupe-SUV competitors include the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, and Porsche Cayenne.
Sharing the same almost-3-metre wheelbase, the Audi Q8 and Q7 are both well-sized carry-alls. Its squarer rear end makes the Q7 the more practical and accommodating car when carrying luggage and/or people, but the Q8’s sporty style trumps that of its close relative. Similar cabins and tech mean that you don’t sacrifice anything leasing either car, but if you want both practicality and style, choose the Audi Q8.
A large SUV, the Audi Q8 has it covered when it comes to carrying cargo. With the rear seats in place, there is 605 litres of luggage space, rising to 1755 litres when they are folded away. With 505 litres of boot space, plug-in hybrid TFSIe versions of the Q8 are a little less practical, thanks to the installation of the hybrid-system batteries under the luggage compartment.
If you’re looking to lease an Audi Q8, you’ll be spoilt for choice. As well as the core S line, Black Edition and Vorsprung trims, TFSIe plug-in hybrid models come in Competition and Competition Vorsprung versions. SQ8, SQ8 Black Edition and SQ8 Vorsprung models offer a more sporty feel, but if you want a true high performance SUV, then you’ll want to lease the RS Q8, which also offers 3 derivatives including Carbon Black and Vorsprung.
Yes, every Audi Q8 has front and rear parking sensors as standard as part of a Parking System Plus system, which includes acoustic and visual park assist guidance. Audi also fits a rear-view camera to every Q8, which displays a calculated path to aid reversing.
Unlike some other SUVs of comparable size – and its in-house Audi Q7 sibling – the Q8 only comes with the option of 5 seats. However, that does mean there’s lots of room inside. Rear-seat passengers have as much room as in an Audi Q7, and even headroom is more than acceptable, even though the Q8 has a more rakish roofline. Bigger than the BMW X6’s, the Q8’s boot loses out slightly to that of the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe’s.
For those wanting to carry everything and the kitchen sink, the Audi Q8 is a good leasing choice. A plush family holdall with lots of tech and space, as well as an almost bewildering choice of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid engines, the Q8’s smart coupe-like styling also makes sure it stands out in an increasingly crowded sector.
For the best price on your Audi Q8 lease, choose Vanarama. We guarantee the best car leasing deals with our Price Promise and include free delivery in every deal. We’re rated Excellent on Trustpilot and offer free 30-day returns in case you change your mind.
