2021 Audi Q8

Alongside a thrilling performance with a V6, the Q8 further adds to its list standard features which were options last year. The cabin is upscale and high-quality materials touch everywhere in the car justifies the hefty price tag. 

The Audi Q8 competes directly with the BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE, andPorsche Cayenne. All provide decent engines and have compelling ride quality. The 2021 Audi Q8 packs in more safety features, with the Blind Spot monitor system and Rear Cross Traffic Alert as standard features. The new 2021 Audi Q8 is right now the best-specced vehicle in its competition.

Like the Q7, the 2021 Audi Q8 is also available in three trims viz. Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. Every trim has an impressive list of essential standard features, both from the safety and infotainment system. All Q8 comes with a 3.0-Liter-V6 that produces 335 horsepower and 369 lb-feet torque. Power gets delivered through Quattro all-wheel drive via an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Premium trim includesmany standard features such as two touchscreen displays, Audi's virtual cockpit while the top-of-the-shelf Prestige trim has more exotic features such as Heads-up Display, extended leather upholstery and Touch-Sensitive controls.

Trim	Premium	Premium Plus	Prestige
MSRP	$68,200	$72,200	$77,700
Key Features	Daytime Running Lights	Adds these features from the Premium Trim	Adds these features from the Premium Plus Trim
	Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System	Blind Spot and Lane Departure Warning	Adaptive Headlights
	Tire Pressure Monitoring	Premium 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system	Full Leather Package
	Stability Control and Traction Control	730 Watts stereo output	Adaptive Cruise Control
	AM/FM Stereo with 10 Speakers	Four-zone climate control	Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System
	USB Connection	Leather Dashboard	Black Alcantara Headliner

2021 Audi Q8 Release Date USA

Prices of the 2021 Audi Q8 will increase by about $1,000 dollars for every trim. As per the data we have, we can expect the Premium to cost around $69,200 and the Premium Plus to be around $73,100. The Prestige is expected to cost around $78,900. The exact release date for the Audi Q8 as the makers have kept it secret until now. Yet, the 2021 Audi Q8 is mostly expected to launch this Fall 2020.

The 2021 Q8 will be carrying the same V6 engine that produces a sumptuous 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The engine comes mated to the same slick 8-speed automatic transmission and a standard Quattro All-wheel-drive ensures better handling as well. There's also an additional 48-volt hybrid system that aids in the easy starting and stopping of the car and makes the overall driving experience smoother.

Engine throttles smoothly on the highways but in busy city roads, it might feel a bit heavy. It's swift on the curvier roads and hugs the corners confidently, but it must be said the Q8 has a tendency for a rear-wheel spin. Overall drive quality is good but it isn’t asengaging as the seductive A7. If you want an extra punch, there's a totally different SQ8 and RS Q8 performance model available for your adrenaline desires. Both of these models sport a muscular 4.0 Liter V-8 which makes a class-leading 500 horsepower and 591 horsepower respectively.

Models	2021 Audi Q8 (Expected)*	2020 BMW X6	2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE	2020 Porsche Cayenne
MSRP	$68,200	$64,300	$61,150	$66,800
Engine	3.0-Liter- Turbo V-6	3.0-Liter-Turbo Inline 6	3.0-Liter-Turbo Inline 6	3.0-Liter- Turbo V-6
Drivetrain	AWD	RWD	AWD	AWD
Transmission	8-speed Automatic with Tiptronic	8-speed automatic with Overdrive	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed Tiptronic Automatic
Power (hp @ rpm)	335 @ 5000	335 @ 5500	362 hp @ 5500	335 @ 5300
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)	369 @ 1370	330 @ 1550	369 @ 1600	332 @ 1340

Rivals such as the BMW X6 and thePorsche Cayenne provide powerful engine setups with the same 8-speed automatic shifter while the Mercedes-Benz GLE provides an excellent combination of power and practicality along with a slick 9-speed automatic shifter. Audi achieves peak torque at low rev band thanks to its famed Quattro system.

How quick is the 2021 Audi Q8?

The regular V6 equipped 2020 Audi Q8 can leap from 0 – 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds and has a record top speed of 189 mph. It also has decent quarter-mile timing of 14 seconds. But this is the V-6 only, opt for the V-8 in the SQ8 or RS Q8 model and you get a whole another story. 2021 Q8 is expected to post similar acceleration times as it remains mechanically unchanged.

It's great to see thatAudi can make SUVs with performances that go head-to-head with sports cars. The 2021 Audi RS Q8 made a record by lapping the Nurburgring track in just under eight minutes.

Models	2021 Audi Q8 (Expected)*	2020 BMW X6	2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE	2020 Porsche Cayenne
0-60 MPH	5.3	5.2	5.1	4.2
Quarter mile	14	NA	13.7	10.6
Top Speed	189	177	155	183
Engine	3.0 L Intercooled Turbo V-6	3.0 L Turbo V6	3.0 L Turbo V6	3.0 L Intercooled Turbo V-6

The 2021 Audi Q8 outguns almost every rival in terms of pace. Still, the Mercedes-Benz GLE has quicker accelerates figures. It takes just 5.1 seconds for a 60 mph run and covers the quarter-mile in just 13.7 seconds.

How well does the 2021 Audi Q8 brake?

The 2021Q8 weighs as much as the Porsche Cayenne. But it does provide an excellent braking performance irrespective of its colossal figure. The large 14.8 brake rotors at the front and decent sized 13.8 inch rear rotors brings the Q8 to halt from 60mph in under 113 feet. That's a great figure as compared to rivals.

The brakes are quite responsive though it tends to get stuck in increased city traffic. Also, at lower speeds, the brake pedal feels too sensitive.

Models	2021 Audi Q8 (Expected)*	2020 BMW X6	2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE	2020 Porsche Cayenne
Brake Front (in)	14.8”	14.4	13	13.8
Brake Rear (in)	13.8	13.6	13	13
Curb Weight (lbs)	6471	5115	4696	6239
60-0 MPH (ft.)	113	NA	118	120

Rivals provide braking performance in line with that of the Q8. The Mercedes-Benz GLE shows some excellent braking capabilities partly because of its considerably lighter 4696 pounds weight.

How well does the 2021 Audi Q8 Handle?

The Audi Q8 moves with grace and handles with ease. Being a gigantic SUVoft around 2.5 tonnes, it smartly manages its weight while moving. The slick transmission works seamlessly with the V-6. The default driving mode feels sluggish where the response is delayed.. It's only until you switch on Dynamic Control when things start to get swift and snappy. Engine response is quicker and in Sport mode the shockers adjust to well absorb the road imperfections, giving a firm and comfortable ride.

The Q8 steers confidently and very much accurately. The steering response is pleasingly light on the highway, while the same feels more boring in zig-zag city conditions. The Q8 sweeps through tight corners quite comfortably and feels much stable. For daily drivers and weekend packers, this SUV is an absolute delight as it provides a pleasant ride and all-day comfort. Rough road textures are easily absorbed even with the large optional 22-inch rims. Thanks to the adaptive shocks which work like magic. Optional adaptive air suspension makes the ride even cushy. 

The Audi Q8 is a serious performer on road but deep inside, it's a thirsty beast ready to gobble up gallons of fuel. The 2021 Audi Q8 has a sluggish fuel-economy right from its base trim. We don't have the EPA figures for this model yet but we can rely on last year's figures.

The Q8 is rated 21 mpg for the highway and 17 mpg for the city. We doubt these sluggish figures will ever be improving this year. Only if Audi has diverted more of its attention to this issue, we can expect the Q8 to propel 1-2 miles more per gallon. Yet, the Q8 gets a decent-sized 22.5-gallon fuel tank and gives a nice highway range of 472 miles.

Models	2021 Audi Q8 (Expected)*	2020 BMW X6	2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE	2020 Porsche Cayenne
MPG (City)	17	21	19	19
MPG (Highway)	21	26	24	23
MPG (Combined)	18	23	21	20
Fuel Capacity (Gallons)	22.5	22.4	22.5	23.7
Range (City/Highway, in Miles)	382.5/473	460/569	428/540	450/545

The rivals of the Q8 also don't impress much in the fuel-economy department. The Mercedes-Benz GLE though has a bigger tank and has chart-topping fuel economy figures. The Porsche Cayenne also provides a bigger tank and decent fuel economy.

The cabin of the 2021 Q8 exuberates elegance and tranquility. Aside from luxurious and comfortable interiors, this mid-size SUV has a very clean minimalistic design schema. What really stands out are the number of display screens in front and the sleek air-con pannels, that runs through the entire dashboard.

As soon as you enter the Q8, serene interior ambient lighting and high-quality materials will instantly catch your eyes. The seats are well cushioned and contoured to hug you with the utmost support over the long-distance journeys. The minimalistic dashboard has Audi's full touchscreen infotainment system. There are many options like Eucalyptus wood trim and leather dashboard with contrast stitching. Rich leather upholstery is standard on all models and there are many soft touches inside.

At the rear, there is plenty of room for the passengers too. The low roofline surprisingly doesn't actually cut much of the rear headroom. The seats can be heated and cooled, and in the Prestige and Premium plus they also offer massaging functionality. The rear passengers get as much as above 40 inches of legroom to stretch out. With that much space and equally comfy seats, the rear passengers are can anytime take a nap.

Models	2021 Audi Q8 (Expected)*	2020 BMW X6	2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE	2020 Porsche Cayenne
Seating Capacity	5	5	5	5
Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)	37.1/59.5/41.6	39.3/60/40.4	40.5/59.3/40.3	NA
Rear Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)	38.1/58.5/40.2	37.5/57.7/35.7	39.6/58.3/40.9	NA

Rivals of the Q8 have better interior rooms and offer decent seating but none matches the opulence of the Audi. Yet, the Mercedes-Benz GLE provides a decent passenger room and is much comfy from inside.

Some key interior features of the Audi Q8 are as follows:

• Customizable LED Ambient Lighting
• In-seat heating, cooling and massaging
• Pristine standard leather upholstery
• High-quality materials
• Superior Build Quality

What about the infotainment system of the 2021 Audi Q8?

In 2020, Audi made a bold move by featuring the touchscreen-only infotainment system in the Q8. Since then, Audi has been criticized and even loved by many for that reason. Some experts find the new interface distracting while some like the clean look. 2021 model of Audi Q8 doesn't bring many technical changes for the year but the overall gizmos continue to remain top-notch and luxurious.

Every Q8 trim comes equipped with two infotainment screens and a 12.3 inch Audi Virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster. The two screens include a 10.1-inch entertainment touchscreen and an 8.6-inch touchscreen for vehicle functions and climate controls. Android Auto/ Apple wireless CarPlay is standard along with Bluetooth and other features. The Premium Plus trim adds a premium B&O sound system and a surround-view camera system. The Prestige tops the chart by adding an advanced 3D audio system and exotic interior trim.

Overall, the 2021 Audi Q8 features an intuitive infotainment system and the overall dash looks modern and futuristic. The voice controls work fine but it could have more commands. Below are key infotainment features of the Q8

• 12.3-inch Audi's Virtual Cockpit
• Dual infotainment screens
• Standard Android Auto / Apple Wireless CarPlay
• 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System
• Four Zone Automatic Climate Control

How much cargo can the 2021 Audi Q8 carry?

The conservative styling of the 2021 Audi Q8 preserves much of the cargo space. The Q8 has an outstanding 30.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats which is great in its class. This much storage is enough for a long weekend trip or even a big Sunday shopping. Want more space? Fold the rear seats down and you get a massive 60.7 cubic feet flat space. You can store longer items in this space.

Models	2021 Audi Q8 (Expected)*	2020 BMW X6	2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE	2020 Porsche Cayenne
Standard Cargo Capacity (ft³)	30.5	27.4	41.4	27.1
Maximum Cargo Capacity (ft³)	60.7	59.6	67.8	60.3

Audi Q8 provides better cargo capacity than the rivals, thanks to its conservative styling. The Mercedes-Benz GLE provides a best-in-class cargo capacity.

Other storage spaces inside the 2021 Audi Q8

There's plenty of storage behind the rear seats but the in-cabin storage options are scarce. Apart from a shallow center-console bin and few narrow door pockets, there isn't much storage space left for the smaller items.

The front fascia of the Audi Q8 is pretty aggressive looking, especially with those octagonal grille styling. Sure, the SQ8 and RSQ8 models portray a totally different, bold styling but in essence, the mild Q8 is a pretty extrovert looking car. The nose of the Q8 has been widened and the haunches have been sculpted a bit. It sports wide air intakes up front adds to the dynamic look.

The large, magnificent wheels coupled with a seductive sloping roofline imparts a lasting impression on anyone at first glance. The bold Black-Optic appearance package adds an exotic look to the Q8. But that's all for it and Audi doesn't seem to have invested more time on the Q8's external makeover.

Models	2021 Audi Q8 (Expected)*	2020 BMW X6	2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE	2020 Porsche Cayenne
Curb Weight (lbs)	5004	4687	4991	4582
Length (inches)	196.6	194.8	194.3	193.7
Width (inches)	78.5	78.9	76.7	78.1
Height (inches)	67.2	66.8	70.7	66.8
Ground Clearance (inches)	5.8	8.1	7.8	6.6
Wheelbase (inches)	117.9	117.1	114.8	114

Audi smartly conserves space with it's efficiently styled body and also maintains a clean look from outside. The rivals such as the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE have eye-catching exterior designs and a higher stance.

Exterior Features:

• Conservative but decent styling
• Wider nose and sculpted haunches
• Panoramic sunroof
• Bigger rims
• Excellent Black-Optic appearance package

None of the national safety agencies have tested the 2021 Audi Q8 yet, but the scores of the previous model year are commendable and pretty much reliable. The 2020 Q8 got an overall “five-star” rating from the NHTSA and was also named as “Top Safety Pick” by the IIHS.

The 2021 model brings more standard safety packages to the lineup. The base model is available with several driver-assistance features such as lane departure warning, forward collision alert, and low-speed automatic braking. The Premium Plus adds a surround-view camera and a Driver-assistance package consisting of cruise control and lane departure intervention. The Prestige adds adaptive cruise control and adaptive headlights. Every model comes equipped with a rearview camera and front/rear parking sensors. Other available safety features include a head-up display, traffic sign recognition, and night vision camera.

Though not crash tested, the 2021 Audi Q8 is a reliable and safe SUV as we can clearly see from the past year scores and the long list of safety features. Some key safety features are highlighted below

• Lane Departure Warning
• Forward Collision Alert
• Surround View Parking Camera
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Head-up Display

2021 Audi Q8 vs 2020 Porsche Cayenne

The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury crossover SUV that shares many things with the Q8. The Cayenne has a dazzling interior, comfy seating, and modern gizmos. It has the same V6 engine under the hood in its base model and which puts out a generous amount of power. Like the Q8, it is also offered in coupe styling.

The Cayenne is much more sporty than the Q8 and provides world-class agile handling from Porsche. It also has more engine flavors under its lineup. On the other hand, the Q8 drives smoothly on rough roads and its price doesn't hike up as high as Porsche's. So, if you want a sporty performance, choose Cayenne or opt for the Q8 for an all-round performance.

2021 Audi Q8 vs 2020 BMW X6

The BMW X6 is a great crossover SUV that flaunts its distinctive look and aggressive performance. It makes a decent amount of power from the available turbocharged I-6 and provides sharp, responsive handling. A twin-turbo V8 is also available for performance enthusiasts.

The X6 has a good overall exterior, but the interior room suffers. The rear seats have cramped headroom and can't accommodate taller adults. Also, the X6 becomes more expensive as you climb up the trim levels. So in all, if you want a better looking, performance-oriented SUV, go for the X6. Other than that, the Q8 is a great and affordable option.

2021 Audi Q8 vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes Benz GLE has a premium build quality, powerful engine, and extensive tech features but it is also more expensive than the Audi Q8. The Q8 has better cabin space and it feels luxurious too. It also has a larger trunk capacity than the GLE

Mercedes carries luxury badging and comfort but it is the Q8 that offers an exceptional value proposition. Between the two, Audi Q8 makes for a better choice.

The 2021 Q8 SUV is an all-round player that has been liked by all sorts of people. The handsome styling, opulent interior, soft ride quality, and exceptional performance prowess, not only makes it stand apart from the booming crossover SUV crowd. But also puts it up there alongside cars, which are not SUV at all.

Apart from all the top-notch gizmos, numerous standard safety features stand for protecting you at every step, the Q8 promises to deliver an experience that can come with a lot of money only. Is the 2021 Q8 worth the price? Yes. For all those short 200-300 miles trips this mid-size Sport Utility Vehicle is the perfect choice for your spoilt wallet.