Alright folks, buckle up because we’re talking about the Audi Q8 – a car that’s got more presence than your boss at a Monday morning meeting and more features than your smartphone (that you still haven’t figured out completely).
Launched in 2018 and now rocking a 2024 facelift, the Q8 is what happens when German engineers sip too much coffee and say, “Let’s make an SUV coupe, but make it fancy and fast.”
The Basics (If You Can Call “INR 1.17 Crore Ex-Showroom” Basic): Under the hood, it’s got a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-petrol engine with 335 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. That means 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds – faster than your neighbor’s Maruti starting on a winter morning. It tops out at 250 km/h, which is great because you’ll need that speed to outrun your EMI reminders.
Also, it gives around 8 km/l. So basically, you’ll bond with your petrol pump attendant like family.
Exterior Looks – Darth Vader, But Make It Luxury: The facelifted Q8 gets that droplet-shaped grille with vertical inlays – like Audi’s way of saying, “I’m fancy, but I lift.” The 2D Audi rings look slick, like they went on a diet.
The laser HD Matrix LED headlights are so advanced they probably know your ex’s address. You can change the DRL styles from the infotainment system because why not?
21-inch grey alloys with red brake calipers – because nothing says “subtle” like bright red brakes. Wrapped in 285/45 R21 Continental SportContact tyres, these will hold on to the road better than you hold on to your salary after buying the Q8.
It’s 5 meters long, 2 meters wide, and weighs 2200 kg – basically a moving mansion. Ground clearance? 254 mm – you can tackle potholes like a boss while sipping your latte.
Interior – Feels Like Sitting Inside an Expensive Watch: Leather, leather everywhere – black, beige, brown, grey, whatever your posh heart desires. The dashboard is leatherette too because plastic is so mainstream.
40/20/40 split rear seats with recline, 4-zone climate control with an air quality package – because your air should be as premium as your car. Power-adjustable seats with memory and lumbar support will hug you tighter than your grandma.
A Bang & Olufsen 17-speaker 730W sound system – because your playlist deserves a stadium experience. Ambient lighting sets the mood – romantic or rave, your call.
Sunroof? Of course – a panoramic one that’s bigger than some 1BHK apartments.
Tech Overload – Buttons? Who Needs Buttons? The 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit is your personal command center. The 10-inch infotainment screen supports 3D navigation, Bluetooth, voice control, and even character recognition (though it won’t read your doctor’s handwriting).
8.6-inch MMI touch response screen below it for climate control – because knobs are so last century. There’s also a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror that looks like it was designed by Iron Man.
Safety – Built Like a Tank: Euro NCAP gave it 5 stars, which is basically a Michelin star in the car world. 8 airbags, 360-degree camera, park assist plus (because parking is hard), loose wheel detection (for when you forget to tighten your bolts), tire pressure indicator, ISOFIX child seat mounts, ESP, pre-sense safety sensors, and hold assist.
Power Doors and a boot so big (605L, expandable to 1755L), you could pack your entire house.
Ride & Handling – Magic Carpet, but Sporty: Adaptive damping suspension – soft when you want comfort, firm when you want to pretend you’re in an RS Q8. Electromechanical progressive steering – sharp enough to dodge potholes like a pro.
Quattro all-wheel drive with a self-locking center differential – you can take it off-road, but let’s be real, it’ll mostly see the valet parking at 5-star hotels.
ZF 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox – shifts so smoothly you’d think it’s whispering sweet nothings to you.
Mild Hybrid System – It saves fuel (a bit), but mostly it’s there to say, “I’m eco-friendly.”
Verdict: The Audi Q8 is for those who want luxury, power, and road presence. It’s fast, it’s fancy, and it’s packed with tech. Just be ready for envious stares and petrol pump visits that feel like a weekly ritual.
INR 1.17 Crore Ex-showroom – It’s not just a car; it’s a lifestyle. And an EMI plan.
Also, if you’re feeling extra spicy, there’s the RS Q8 (INR 2.22 Crore) and the electric Q8 e-tron (from INR 1.14 Crore). Choices, choices!
Final thought? It’s like wearing a designer suit to a gym – elegant, but can bench press a house if needed.
