Audi Q8 review – a master of comfort and refinement - Interior and tech
Audi’s first coupe SUV isn’t the last word in driving thrills, but it serves up an easy to live with and satisfying package
Interior and tech
We’re often quite enamoured with modern Audi interiors thanks to their clean design, quality materials and usable, well-integrated technology like the Virtual Cockpit. However, compared to its other SUVs – the Q7 and Q5 – the Q8 is another leap forward in design and technology. The main change is the addition of another touchscreen that sits ahead of the gear selector and reduces the need for a lot of physical buttons.
Two touchscreens could add an unwelcome level of complexity and frustration, while the reduction in easy-to-identify-and-press buttons could add dangerous levels of distraction. However, the lower screen is customisable so you can add shortcuts to all the functions you use most frequently, making basic functions incredibly easy. There’s also an audible and haptic signal every time you select something on either screen, and although not a replacement for a real button, the feedback really does mean you can spend less time focussing on the screens.
As well as the greater amount of tech, software and screens, the interior still looks as clean, fuss-free, modern and appealing as other Audi models, while the materials and finish are just as high-quality as ever.
