2022 Audi Q8 Review: Pace, Grace, And Practicality
The 2022 Audi Q8 sits in a corner of the SUV market that is growing in popularity. This premium ride is classified as a mid-size luxury crossover SUV coupé and is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder gas engine mated to a 48-volt lithium-ion battery hybrid system. This handsome car competes with other coupe-style SUVs such as the Porsche Cayenne Coupe. As an equally luxurious but slightly less practical SUV than the Audi Q7, the Q8 offers loads of desirability for its starting price of $69,300. The Q8 rides beautifully and, on the open road, it makes for a convincing cruiser with enough performance on tap for most situations. It should be noted that the Q8 can feel sluggish in town, but it is a small issue, and the plush interior and generous amounts of tech make up for it. The infotainment system can get distracting but is easier to operate once you're used to it, and this mild-hybrid coupe-SUV also offers good interior space and is nearly as practical as a conventionally-styled SUV.
2022 Q8 Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 196.6 in | 117.9 in | 67.2 in | 78.5 in | 66.1 in | 66.6 in | 4,960.0 lbs |
2022 Q8 Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
The 2022 Q8 manages to balance a tall ride height with impressively sporty driving dynamics for a unique overall driving experience. As can be expected, it's not as pleasing to drive around a corner as Audi's range of sedans, but it still puts up an impressive performance. Ride comfort is good, especially when the vehicle is fitted with the optional air suspension system, and even with the massive optional 22-inch wheels, bumps get soaked up without any major complaints. The Q8 proves to be quite the agile handling crossover, and its quick steering responses are a boon for tight city traffic and parking. It also comes in handy if you ever decide to take this beauty off-road. Grip in the rain and on dirt tracks is excellent thanks to Audi's legendary quattro AWD system, which inspires confidence on any road surface, but throw this bulky SUV into a corner with too much gusto, and you'll be greeted with mild understeer. The brake pedal feel is good at cruising speeds but failed to impress at lower speeds due to inconsistent performance. Independent reviews claim that the Q8 will stop from 70 mph in just 170 feet.
2022 Q8 Interior
2022 Q8 Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Hybrid/Electric Components | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 8 Years / 100,000 Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|
| 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2022 Audi Q8 SUV A Good SUV?
Those looking for a premium, practical and powerful mid-size SUV don't have to look much further than the 2022 Q8. This elegantly styled SUV provides an excellent balance of all the elements that make up an appealing daily driver and doesn't do anything particularly bad. Inside the Q8, passengers are treated to a refined cabin that boasts leather surfaces and the latest Audi tech. Being an SUV by classification means that there is naturally a good amount of interior space; in fact, it is one of the class leaders, and the overall trunk and cargo space is impressive as well. New owners will appreciate the MMI infotainment system but should be aware that it can distract drivers. In terms of performance, the Q8 delivers enough go to satisfy most needs. It will sprint to sixty in the blink of an eye and overtake slow-moving cars without breaking a sweat. Starting at not much less than $70,000, the Q8 certainly isn't cheap but is competitively priced compared to its rivals, and we would recommend it any day of the week.
2022 Audi Q8 Comparisons
2022 Audi Q8 vs Audi Q7
As the name suggests, the Q7 slots in below the Q8 in Audi's SUV lineup. The Q7 is offered with two engine options: you get to choose between a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-pot developing 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, or a turbocharged 3.0-liter six producing an equal 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0-liter engine provides a superior gas mileage figure of 20/25/22 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycle. Performance from the 2.0-liter engine is impressive, but the 3.0-liter engine offers superior pulling power at a relatively small cost to fuel economy. Inside, the Q7 looks and feels similar thanks to its shared DNA and features, but it is worth noting the third-row seating on offer in the Q7, regardless of the fact that it's very tight back there. The Q7 dominates in terms of cargo space, with a total of 69.6 cubic feet of space behind the front seats. The Q7 starts at $56,900, which is a considerable $13,400 less than the Q8. Get the Q7 with the 3.0-liter engine if you want pace and space.
2022 Audi Q8 vs Lamborghini Urus
The Urus and Q8 share the same MLB Evo architecture, but that is where most of the similarities end. The Urus is an SUV with the heart of a supercar and offers performance in a different league to the Q8. The RS Q8 would be a better comparison in terms of power. Under the hood of the Urus lies a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 producing 641 hp and 627 lb-ft. This allows the Urus to sprint from 0-62 mph in 3.6 seconds. The Urus will get a dismal 12/17/14 mpg, though. It also features performance accessories such as carbon-ceramic brakes. This car is on a different level performance-wise. On the road, the Urus is surprisingly comfortable when it needs to be, and can match the Q8 for cruising capability, but is the sharper car to fling around the corners. The Urus features a more sports-oriented cabin compared to the Audi Q8 interior, but can't match it for standard features, and trunk and overall cargo space is also much less impressive. The Urus starts at over $200,000. Get the Urus if you want to race Ferraris from the lights while taking your kids to school.