Specifications of Audi Q8 50 TDI (286 Hp) quattro MHEV tiptronic
General characteristics of Audi Q8 50 TDI (286 Hp) quattro MHEV tiptronic
The Audi Q8 SUV is classified as a mid-size luxury crossover SUV coupé, and its dimensions are similar in size to that of the Porsche Cayenne Coupe. The Audi Q8 quattro rides on a 117.9-inch wheelbase and is 196.6 inches long, making it over two inches longer than the Porsche. Height comes in at 67.2 inches and width is 86.2 inches with the mirrors included and 78.5 without them. The track in the front is 66.1 inches, and 66.8 inches in the back. All trim levels weigh in at 5,004 pounds and offer a ground clearance, when loaded, of 5.75 inches.
From the base model, all the way to the top-tier Prestige, you get a single engine and transmission option. Under the hood of the 2021 Q8 SUV lies a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder gas engine mated to a 48-volt/9.6 Ah lithium-ion battery hybrid system and an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with quattro AWD. This mild-hybrid powertrain produces a healthy 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Out on the open road, this combination offers smooth power delivery and strong overtaking abilities, which is exactly what this SUV was designed for. Still, unfortunately, there is a weak spot: in and around town at low speeds, the engine can feel hesitant and unresponsive, which gets frustrating when trying to take gaps in traffic or competing with Honda Civics away from the lights. Sure, the Q8 is a heavy car, but rivals such as the Cayenne Coupe don't suffer from the same issue and provide seamless power all the way through the rev range. The exhaust note is also very conservative, and we believe that it deserves a meaner growl. The experience here is satisfactory, but Audi USA needs to work on low-speed drivability.
The 2021 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.
Unlike the Q7 which boasts a 3rd row of seats, this SUV can officially carry five adults, but you could squeeze a few more in the spacious trunk if need be. Don't let the coupe body style fool you: the Q8 offers a ton of space for both the front and rear passengers, with a legroom figure of 41.6 inches in the front and 40.2 in the rear. The headroom is also more than enough for six-foot-tall adults in the front and rear. The seats are sumptuous in the way that they support the two front passengers and should prove to be extremely comfortable over the long haul. The driving position is rather commanding, which is excellent in traffic and for driving off-road, and accessing the front seats is easy thanks to some large front doors. Getting in the rear is also a cinch due to the ample head and legroom, and you don't have to worry about squeezing into a 3rd-row seat here.
