Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi Q8 – design

The shape is broadly the same as the original, but the facelift has softened off the Q8’s angular nose and introduced new lights

Evo rating
RRP
from £73,825
  • Well built; refined; painless to drive
  • Forgettable dynamics; cabin is no longer cutting edge

The Q8’s pseudo-coupe profile, gaping front grille and large alloys give it real presence on the road – even if it’s far from the sleek elegance of an actual coupe. For the facelift, Audi has applied a less angular interpretation of its ‘Singleframe’ front grille with vertical inlays, as well as larger intakes in the bumper. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

There are also new matrix LED headlights, but the party trick is an updated rear light bar with OLED tech on the range-topping Vorsprung. There’s the usual welcome light show you get on many modern cars these days, but you can also choose from four different running light designs via the infotainment system. 

The overall bulk of the Q8 means that the 21-inch wheels don’t actually look enormous in the arches, and the 22s fitted to the Black Edition and Vorsprung fill them out better. The Black Edition comes with black alloys, naturally, but the diamond-turned trident-shaped spokes you get on the Vorsprung pop more and help lift the design.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Why car bosses are quietly scrapping their multi-billion pound EV plans
Porsche badge
Opinion

Why car bosses are quietly scrapping their multi-billion pound EV plans

Industry giants U-turning on EV plans is not entirely good news, reckons Meaden
21 Jul 2026
New Lotus Emira 420 Sport review – taking aim at the Porsche Cayman GT4
Lotus Emira 420 Sport front
Reviews

New Lotus Emira 420 Sport review – taking aim at the Porsche Cayman GT4

Lotus’s sports car gets added focus and is all the better for it. As it needs to be with such a lofty target...
22 Jul 2026
The incoming Range Rover GT takes a leaf out of Jaguar’s book
Range Rover GT
News

The incoming Range Rover GT takes a leaf out of Jaguar’s book

The Range Rover lineup is getting a new addition with the sleek GT, and this teaser offer our first look
21 Jul 2026