Some cars you buy with logic. Others—you buy with your heart. The Audi Q8 firmly belongs to the latter. When one of our long-time customers—a previous GLE 300d owner—decided to switch to something that feels more personal and expressive, they chose the Audi Q8. After spending eight months and nearly 9,000 kilometres behind the wheel, they shared their full ownership experience with us.
This is not just a spec sheet comparison—it’s a real-life, day-to-day look at what it’s like to live with Audi’s flagship coupe SUV.
So, how does the Q8 hold up once the honeymoon period ends? Let’s dig in.
Design & Road Presence – Built to Be Noticed
Few SUVs command as much attention as the Q8. In a world full of boxy behemoths, the Q8’s coupe-like silhouette, frameless doors, and signature single-frame octagonal grille give it a bold, athletic stance.
Our customer opted for the glacier white exterior, and the car gets noticed. From valet stands at five-star hotels to fuel station stops, the Q8 turns heads, without being shouty. It doesn’t scream wealth—it suggests taste.
The Matrix LED headlamps and LED rear light bar add to the car’s visual drama, especially at night. Details like the flush-fitting tailgate, sporty rear bumper, and 21-inch alloys contribute to a balanced yet imposing design.
Powertrain & Driving Experience – Smooth Muscle
Beneath the hood lies a 3.0L V6 turbocharged petrol engine, paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system. The power delivery is seamless—340 hp and 500 Nm of torque translate into a 0–100 km/h time of 5.9 seconds.
That may not sound outrageous on paper, but on the road, the Q8 feels eager and responsive. The 8-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox is tuned more for smoothness than outright aggression, which suits the car’s character.
Around town, the Q8 feels lighter than it looks. Steering is light at low speeds, and the surround view camera with parking assist makes tight spaces manageable. On highways, it truly shines— suspension with damper control flattens out bumps and undulations, and the car feels incredibly planted at high speeds.
There’s no fake exhaust drama or aggressive noise. Instead, it’s composed and quiet, with just enough engine note under hard acceleration to remind you that this is a luxury performance SUV.
| Specification | Details |
| Type | Luxury Coupe SUV |
| Ex-Showroom Price | ₹1.17 Cr (Technology variant) |
| Engine | 3.0L V6 TFSI Petrol + Mild Hybrid |
| Power & Torque | 340 hp / 500 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | 5.9 seconds |
| Transmission | 8-speed Tiptronic, AWD (quattro) |
| Mileage (Claimed) | 11.8 km/l |
| Notable Features | Matrix LED headlamps, B&O 3D premium sound system, quattro, 4-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning |
Cabin & Comfort – First-Class Audi Minimalism
If the outside is a statement, the inside is pure refinement. Audi’s interiors are known for their design-forward simplicity, and the Q8 elevates that further.
The dashboard is dominated by a dual-touchscreen layout. Initially, it takes a few days to get used to the haptic feedback interface, but once you do, it becomes second nature. Climate, navigation, drive select, everything is just a tap away.
The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus is still one of the best digital instrument clusters in the game—customizable, bright, and smooth. The Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system deserves its paragraph. Whether you’re stuck in traffic or cruising down an empty expressway, it transforms the cabin into an acoustic cocoon.
Rear seat comfort is excellent for two adults. There’s ample legroom, the recline angle is good (though fixed), and the panoramic glass roof floods the space with natural light. While this isn’t a three-row SUV, the boot space is sufficient for airport runs and weekend getaways.
Materials feel properly premium—soft-touch plastics, brushed aluminium, and finely stitched leather all around. No creaks, no rattles. Just Audi quality.
Ownership & Running Costs – Luxury with Logic
Living with the Q8 doesn’t come with the anxiety some other luxury cars bring. Here’s what our customer reported over the 8 months:
Fuel Economy: On longer highway trips with conservative driving, they averaged around 8.5–9.5 km/l, which is respectable for a V6 petrol SUV. In the city, it drops to 5.5–7.5 km/l depending on traffic conditions.
Service Experience: Audi’s service centre in Delhi NCR was prompt and transparent. Pickup/drop-off options, digital service logs, and updates via app made the experience smooth.
Annual Costs:
- Insurance: ₹1.9–2.2 lakh
- Basic Service: ₹40,000–₹55,000 per year
- Tyre replacement (after ~40,000 km): ₹1.2–1.4 lakh for all four 21-inch tyres
Audi offers a 5-year extended warranty + service plan, which our customer opted for—worth it if you’re planning to keep the car long-term.
Tech & Features – Fully Loaded, Thoughtfully Applied
The Q8 Technology variant lives up to its name. Some standout features:
1. Suspension with damper control with four drive modes (Comfort, Dynamic, Off-Road, Auto)
2. Matrix LED Headlamps with dynamic turn indicators
3. Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System with 17 speakers
4. Audi Phone Box with wireless charging + signal booster
5. Audi Pre Sense and lane departure assist
6. 4-Zone Climate Control
7. Virtual Cockpit Plus
There are a few technical quirks—such as the lack of physical volume knobs and the over-reliance on touchscreens—but they don’t compromise the experience. It still feels more driver-focused than many rivals.
Pros and Cons of Audi Q8
Pros:
- Show-stopping exterior design that ages well
- Engine refinement and power balance
- Premium cabin that feels futuristic yet simple
- Confidence-inspiring highway dynamics
- Audi’s smooth ownership experience
Cons:
- No third row (in case that matters to large families)
- Touch controls can be distracting initially
- The boot opening could be larger, given its coupe tailgate
Final Verdict – Who Should Buy the Audi Q8?
The Audi Q8 isn’t just another luxury SUV—it’s a personality on four wheels. It’s for those who want to stand apart from the herd of boxy 7-seaters and prefer a sleeker, more individual expression of luxury.
If you’re an enthusiast who enjoys driving, appreciates interior refinement, and doesn’t mind the absence of a third row, this car fits beautifully. It’s not the most practical SUV Audi sells (that would be the Q7), but it’s the most emotional one.
Our customer summed it up best:
“The Q8 makes me feel like I’ve arrived—not because it’s flashy, but because it reflects who I am.”
Enquire now to book a test drive of the Audi Q8. Our team will get in touch to help you experience the car up close, on your terms.