Audi has revealed the updated versions of its Q8 and SQ8 flagship SUVs, with minor updates both inside and out.
The updated Audi Q8 and SQ8 are set to launch in Europe this month, and will go on sale in Australia in mid-2024.
At this stage Audi hasn’t revealed an updated version of the high-performance RSQ8.
On the outside the updated Q8 and SQ8 come equipped with matrix LED headlights as standard for the first time. These headlights have 24 LEDs and a high-powered laser diode in each unit.
There are also new OLED tail lights that are available an an optional extra. These feature four selectable lighting signatures, as well as dynamic indicators.
The SQ8 gets a refreshed front bumper with larger air intakes featuring honeycomb inserts.
The updated Q8 and SQ8 ranges are available in three new exterior paint colours, including Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red. There are also five new alloy wheel options ranging in size from 21- to 23-inches.
Inside there are nine decorative inlays that are available to choose from, including fine grain ash natural silver, carbon twill matt, as well as aluminium linear silver grey.
The virtual cockpit now displays lane-change warning, a distance warning for other road users (trucks, cars and motorcycles), intersection assist, and traffic light information.
For now Audi has said the regular Q8 will be available globally with three carryover powertrains, along with a single carryover engine for the SQ8.
The Q8 45 TDI quattro is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system, producing 170kW of power and 500Nm of torque. This powertrain isn’t offered locally.
The Q8 50 TDI also has a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system, though it produces 210kW and 600Nm.
The Q8 55 TFSI is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system, producing 250kW and 500Nm.
The SQ8 TFSI continues to be powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine producing 373kW and 770Nm.
All of these Q8 and SQ8 models have an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive.
As recently reported, Audi Australia has confirmed a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Q8 is due locally in the fourth quarter of 2023. This will arrive here in pre-update guise.
The forthcoming Q8 60 TFSI e basically runs the same PHEV drivetrain as the related Volkswagen Touareg R eHybrid, combining a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine producing system outputs of 340kW and 700Nm.
The Audi Q8 was first revealed in 2018 and launched locally in 2019, slotting above the more practical, three-row Q7.
MORE: Everything Audi Q8
MORE: Everything Audi SQ8
MORE: 2023 Audi SQ8 TFSI review
