Audi Q8 review - Interior & comfort

When we tested the Audi Q8 before its UK launch, the only versions available to drive were fitted with a standard air-suspension system. It's impressive: able to soak up road imperfections comfortably, despite the enormous wheels and unyieldingly low-profile tyres fitted across the Q8 range. The default for UK cars, though, is a sports air-suspension system, and it’s not quite as soothing on long journeys than the standard setup.

Audi Q8 dashboard

Wisely, Audi hasn't given the Q8 an inappropriately sporty interior. Instead, it's a place of relaxing serenity, with a real upmarket air thanks to a very strong flavour of Audi's prestigious A8 executive saloon. It shares that car's central control system, which looks after infotainment and convenience settings through a pair of glossy touchscreens. It’s impossible to fault the fit and finish of the Q8’s cabin, and it feels a step up from the already-luxurious Touareg. Large expanses of piano-black plastic will be a magnet for swirls and scratches, though. Its perforated leather steering wheel is great to hold and – unlike in the VW – the Audi’s spoke-mounted buttons are physical, so they're better to use. Black Edition includes a flat-bottomed wheel, while S line and Vorsprung models get a conventional round item. It’s also worth noting that a flat surface on top of the Q8’s gear selector lets you steady your hand while using the climate controls.

Compared with the Volkswagen Touareg’s enormous display, the Q8’s 10.1-inch screen looks modest. Put looks aside and approach it from a functionality point of view and it’s a simpler, more logical system; the VW’s isn’t unduly confusing, but Audi’s simple main menu page, with eight tiles and neat sub-menus, is easy to work out. 

In terms of graphics and structure, it’s largely similar to before the facelift, but now there's full integration for third-party apps such as Spotify and Amazon Music. Audi says the list of apps will continue to grow and the system will improve, thanks to regular software updates. Ahead of the driver is a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit display. The graphics offer a greater level of customisation than in the VW, and they look a little bit sharper, too.

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Equipment

The Q8 is offered in a choice of three trim levels. The default is S line – a designation familiar from elsewhere in the Audi range – while the high-end Vorsprung (a German word that means 'taking the lead') acts as flagship, bookending a Black Edition trim.

All the usual niceties – sat nav, climate control, all-round parking sensors, reversing camera and endless other handy features – are standard, along with 21-inch alloy wheels, upholstery in soft Nappa leather and Alcantara suede and full smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Black Edition cars get bigger wheels, a black styling pack and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. The Vorsprung heaps in yet more equipment, including a heads-up display, Bang & Olufsen stereo and a panoramic roof, as well as 'super sport' seats and a four-wheel steering system. 

Options

S line and Black Edition cars can be ordered with a Technology Pack, which bundles the B&O sound system with additional ambient lighting, a 360-degree parking camera and a head-up display for around £3,000. A ‘Pro’ version for just over £5,000 also brings four-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, heated seats all-round, rear USB chargers and an electric luggage compartment cover.

Another option is the 'Tour Pack' for £2,000. This is a suite of semi-autonomous driving assistance features, including an advanced active cruise control that not only matches the speed of traffic ahead, but can also interpret approaching hazards – such as corners and roundabouts – and adjust the car's speed accordingly, along with fitting a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel.

Vorsprung cars come with the full equipment list so the only options are roof rails, carbon-fibre door mirror caps and extended leather upholstery, plus a choice of £750 paint colours.