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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. 

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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.

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