Audi Q8 Long-Term Review: After spending a few months with the Audi Q8, one thing became abundantly clear—this luxury SUV defies categorization. Whether you’re cruising down the expressway, weaving through city traffic, or embarking on a weekend getaway, the Q8 adapts with surprising finesse. It’s a bold, stylish coupe-SUV with enough road presence to turn heads, yet it delivers the daily comfort you’d expect from a high-end German marque.
In our #AutocarLongtermer experience, we clocked over 6,500 km with the Q8, exploring everything from highway dynamics to daily city commutes. What we discovered was a machine that strikes a harmonious balance between performance, comfort, and style. Interestingly, the less we tried to define the Audi Q8 by traditional SUV standards, the more its personality made sense. It’s not a raw off-roader, nor just a highway cruiser. It’s a lifestyle statement on wheels.
So, what’s it really like to live with the Audi Q8 long-term? We break down our experience in this detailed review, covering everything from design and interiors to fuel efficiency and features. If you’re considering buying a luxury SUV in India in 2025, our Audi Q8 review gives you every reason to put it on your shortlist.
Audi Q8 Long-Term Review Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Distance Driven | 6,575 km |
| Review Period | Several months |
| Variant Tested | Audi Q8 Celebration Edition (India-Spec) |
| Engine | 3.0L TFSI V6 turbo-petrol |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic with quattro AWD |
| Key Highlight | Luxurious cabin, performance, style |
Design and Road Presence
The Audi Q8 is a head-turner in every sense. Its coupe-like roofline, massive octagonal grille, Matrix LED headlamps, and sculpted body panels give it a futuristic yet imposing look. Unlike the more utilitarian Q7, the Q8 is designed to make a statement. It looks just as premium parked at a luxury hotel as it does on the expressway.
From the rear, the LED light strip running across the width adds a sporty touch, while the sloping D-pillar gives it a coupe-SUV aesthetic that sets it apart from typical large SUVs in India. The 20-inch alloy wheels (standard on the Celebration Edition) add both elegance and confidence to its stance.
Interior Comfort and Space
Step inside the Q8, and you’re welcomed by a cabin that oozes modern luxury. The twin-touchscreen setup, soft-touch materials, and seamless integration of tech make it feel every bit like a high-end lounge on wheels. Despite its sporty roofline, the Q8 offers plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.
The seats are supremely comfortable for long-distance driving. Ventilated, electrically adjustable, and with memory functions, they make each journey a pleasure. The quality of materials, ambient lighting, and sound insulation make this one of the most refined cabins in the segment.
Infotainment & Tech Features:
- 10.1-inch upper touchscreen (MMI Navigation Plus)
- 8.6-inch lower touchscreen for climate controls
- Audi Virtual Cockpit (12.3-inch digital display)
- 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto support
- Wireless charging and multiple USB-C ports
Performance & Driving Dynamics
Under the hood of the Audi Q8 is a 3.0-litre TFSI V6 turbo-petrol engine producing 340hp and 500Nm of torque. Paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system, the Q8 delivers brisk acceleration and confident handling.
Whether darting through city traffic or tackling long highway drives, the Q8 feels planted and powerful. The drive modes—Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual—adjust steering, engine response, and suspension stiffness. Dynamic mode especially brings out its sporty character.
Performance Highlights:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| 0-100 km/h | ~5.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | ~250 km/h (electronically limited) |
| Fuel Economy (claimed) | 9.8 km/l (real-world ~7-8 km/l) |
| Drive Type | Quattro AWD |
Ride Quality and Suspension
Despite riding on 20-inch wheels, the Q8 surprises with its composure over bad roads. Thanks to its adaptive air suspension, it manages to soak up bumps and undulations with remarkable poise. The suspension can also be raised or lowered depending on the terrain or driving condition, making it versatile for Indian road conditions.
High-speed stability is phenomenal, and body roll is kept in check, especially in Dynamic mode. It’s not just a luxury cruiser—it handles corners better than you’d expect from an SUV of this size.
Also read: Honda Activa Electric: Light on Pocket, Heavy on Performance
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
Over our 6,575 km long-term test, the Q8 delivered a real-world fuel efficiency of around 7–8 km/l. While that’s not exactly economical, it’s reasonable considering the size and performance on offer. The large 85-litre fuel tank ensures fewer stops on highway runs.
Maintenance costs are on the higher side, typical for luxury German brands, but Audi India offers service packages and extended warranties which help ease the ownership experience.
Audi Q8 India Price and Launch Details
Latest Pricing (2025)
The Audi Q8 is available in two variants in India:
| Variant Name | Ex-Showroom Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Audi Q8 Celebration Edition | ₹1.39 crore |
| Audi Q8 Technology Edition | ₹1.47 crore |
Launch Date in India
The Audi Q8 was launched in India on January 15, 2020, and continues to be updated with new features and cosmetic enhancements. As of 2025, it holds strong in Audi’s lineup as a flagship offering.
Is the Audi Q8 Worth It in 2025?
With increasing competition in the luxury SUV segment from the likes of the BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, and even EVs like the BMW iX, the Audi Q8 still holds its ground firmly. It offers an unbeatable blend of style, road presence, comfort, and technology.
It might not be for everyone. If you want a seven-seater or serious off-roading capabilities, there are better-suited options. But if your priorities lie in luxury, on-road performance, and making a bold lifestyle statement, the Q8 is a compelling choice.
Audi Q8 Long-Term Review Conclusion
The Audi Q8 is not just another premium SUV—it’s a reflection of lifestyle and choice. After spending several months and 6,575 km with it, we’ve come to appreciate how well it fits into a variety of driving scenarios. From highway hauls to daily commutes, the Q8 never feels out of place.
Its design, luxurious cabin, strong performance, and tech-loaded interface ensure it remains relevant even as newer competitors arrive. If you’re in the market for a bold and elegant luxury SUV in 2025, the Audi Q8 is a worthy investment that blends emotion and engineering beautifully.
Audi Q8 Long-Term Review FAQs
1. What is the price of the Audi Q8 in India in 2025?
The Audi Q8 Celebration Edition starts at around ₹1.39 crore (ex-showroom), while higher trims with more features and personalization options may cross ₹1.55 crore on-road depending on the city.
2. Is the Audi Q8 good for long-distance travel?
Absolutely. The Audi Q8 excels at highway cruising, thanks to its plush seats, adaptive suspension, powerful V6 engine, and large fuel tank. It provides a quiet, smooth, and fatigue-free driving experience over long distances.
3. Does the Audi Q8 have off-roading capabilities?
While the Audi Q8 comes with quattro all-wheel drive and adaptive suspension, it is more tuned for light off-roading and rough roads rather than hardcore terrain. It’s best suited for urban use and long highway trips.
4. What is the real-world mileage of the Audi Q8 in Indian conditions?
In mixed city and highway driving, the Audi Q8 delivers around 7–8 km/l. While this might not be ideal for those prioritizing fuel economy, it’s acceptable for a luxury SUV with a 3.0L turbo-petrol engine.
