When it came out in 2018, the Audi Q8 impressed everybody with its design and features. This vehicle was the ideal combination of style and functionality in an SUV-Coupe package. It quickly became one of the most popular premium German vehicles and frankly made the Q8 look ugly.
The Audi Q8 is, at its core, quite similar to a lot of other SUVs from within the VW Group. Most importantly, the Lamborghini Urus also came out in 2018, and the two were developed quite closely together. Park a Q8 next to its Italian counterpart and the similarities are immediately apparent, which is amazing when you consider the Audi is about 3 times cheaper.
This quick online comparison reveals the two have roughly the same 3-meter wheelbase, similar ground clearance and cargo space, though the Urus is a little longer, partly because of its sports aero cladding. Even the door mirrors and handles are similar!
Anyway, while the Lamborghini Urus just got a facelift, bringing with it the Performante high-output version, we’re still waiting for Audi to reveal its updated sports 4×4. Ahead of that, we believe these renderings MV Auto could serve as a valid preview.
The first 2024 Audi Q8 facelift prototype was spotted for the first time just four days ago, and despite the camouflage, we can see that the changes in these renderings are correct. Audi is making even the normal model appear more sporty with RS-like air intakes on the sides of the bumper, connected by the chin spoiler. The mesh pattern of the singleframe grille is also being changed, while the inner components of the LED headlights are being updated (the housing stays the same shape).
Audi is likely to change the trim of the fenders while updating a few of the wheel designs while the rear may sport new exhaust tips and a revised taillight unit.
Any new engines for the Q8?
Audi has said in the past that the current V6 and V8 are the last of their kind, which means they’re not going to develop anything radically new. In fact, there’s already a fully-electric version of this SUV. It’s called the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron. Frankly, I don’t think it looks as good as this old boy, but the performance version called the SQ8 does boast Audi’s most powerful tri-motor yet at 496 horsepower and 718 pound-feet of torque.
In case you didn’t know, updated engines have already been introduced for the Q8 in 2020 because the SUV was already using the 48-volt electric architecture. As such, all the 3.0 and 4.0-liter motors are equipped with mild-hybrid tech, from the 231 horsepower base TDI to the “55 TFSI V6”. There are also full hybrids, the 55 and 60 TFSI e which have up to 462 hp.
We believe 2024 will also bring out the RS Q8 Performance, a new trim with gold-colored 22-inch wheels and an updated 4.0 TFSI making 621 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. The technology has already been developed for the RS6/RS7 and is quite similar to what Porsche uses in the Panamera Turbo S. Overall, the 2024 Audi Q8 will continue to offer a good combination of style and comfort, though it will struggle in the electrified world.
