The 2024 Audi Q8 and SQ8: A Subtle Evolution
After rolling out the e-tron variant of the Q8, Audi is back to the drawing board to refresh its flagship SUV coupé. The 2024 Audi Q8 and SQ8, with their redesigned aesthetic and tech offerings, represent a measured step forward from their predecessors. Expected to debut in the European market, the American audience is awaiting its stateside arrival. So, let's delve into what's been presented.
A Glimpse into the Exterior
The 2024 Audi Q8 showcases the brand's commitment to an expressive yet sporty design. Those familiar with Audi's design language will find the revamped exterior comfortably familiar but noticeably fresher. This SUV coupé's elegance is accentuated by short overhangs and a long wheelbase. A notable transformation is the Audi Singleframe, which comes with vertical inlays, accentuating its lineage to the brand's premium models. A reduced set of decorative elements contributes to its more puristic design, providing a refined, athletic presence.
Setting the Stage with Lighting
Audi's headway into the lighting domain is palpable in the Q8's innovative headlights. This includes HD Matrix LED technology, laser light, and selectable digital daytime running light signatures. These aren't merely functional; they serve as a statement of the vehicle's premium standing. And speaking of which, the rear gets an LED strip that spans its width, marrying the digital OLED rear lights, a first for the Q8. Interestingly, these OLED rear lights offer a proximity feature, activated when another vehicle approaches within two meters, illuminating all digital OLED segments.
Interior Panache and Infotainment
Stepping inside, the 2024 Audi Q8 welcomes its occupants with contrasting seat trim stitching and a choice of nine decorative inlays. The evolution is not limited to aesthetics. The infotainment system now welcomes popular apps like Spotify and Amazon music, backed by regular software updates. Enhancing driver assistance, the surroundings display now operates in glorious full HD, providing vital information like lane change warnings and traffic light data.
Underneath the Chassis
The driving experience, coined by Audi as having its unique DNA, boasts five defining characteristics: balance, solidity, control, precision, and effortlessness. This SUV coupé is intended to provide both a dynamic yet comfortable ride. Audi's suspension, from the electronically controlled air suspension to the adaptive air suspension sport in the SQ8, ensures consistent driving comfort. All-wheel steering, particularly in the SQ8, enhances the Q8's stability, making tight maneuvers and turns seem effortless.
Powering the Beast
The 2024 Audi Q8's powertrain lineup commences with the 45 TDI quattro, boasting 170 kW and an impressive 500 Nm torque. Its petrol counterpart, the Q8 55 TFSI, promises a spirited drive with its turbocharged engine, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds. All V6 engines align with an eight-speed tiptronic, quattro drive, and a mild hybrid system. On the sportier end, the SQ8 runs on a 4.0 TFSI, churning out 373 kW and 770 Nm of torque. A cylinder on-demand system optimizes fuel efficiency, while the sporty exhaust sound reminds you of its performance credentials.
Corners and Curves Ahead
Performance isn't only about raw power; it's also about how that power is managed during intricate maneuvers. For enthusiasts wanting an edge, the optional advanced suspension package introduces the sport differential, making high-speed cornering more exhilarating by dynamically adjusting torques between the rear wheels.
Wrapping Up the Revamp
While Audi has chosen to stay close to its roots, the 2024 Q8 and SQ8 models come across as more than mere incremental updates. They represent a brand that understands the balance between evolution and revolution. The Q8 line remains a testament to Audi's ability to merge athletic prowess with understated elegance, keeping an eye on the ever-evolving demands of the modern driver.
-Ed
2024 Audi SQ8
