Hello, Guest!
 
 

 
 
  Objects Tiiips Categories
Audi Q8: pros, cons, costs and common fixes
"Descrizione"
by Al222 (23249 pt)
2025-May-21 18:44

Audi Q8 / Q8 Sportback (4M “second facelift” — Model-Year 2025)

Audi’s flagship coupé-SUV—more style-led than the Q7—undergoes a final combustion-era refresh before the next, fully-electric generation arrives. Updates: reshaped “3-D” Singleframe grille, L-shaped air-intake bumpers, optional HD-Matrix LED with laser spot, new rear OLED light signatures, and the quicker MIB 3.5 infotainment on an 11.6-inch touch display. The MLB-evo platform, adaptive air suspension (standard in Italy) and optional all-wheel steering carry over.

Engine (EU 6e)Output / Torque48 V M-HEVDriveGearbox0-100 km/hWLTP
45 TDI 3.0 V6231 hp • 500 Nmyesquattro8-AT7.1 s8.2 L/100 km
50 TDI 3.0 V6286 hp • 600 Nmyesquattro8-AT6.1 s8.4 L/100 km
55 TFSI 3.0 V6340 hp • 500 Nmyesquattro8-AT5.4 s10.1 L/100 km
SQ8 4.0 V8 TFSI507 hp • 770 Nmyesquattro sport diff8-AT4.1 s12.4 L/100 km
RS Q8 4.0 V8 TFSI600 hp • 800 Nmyesquattro sport diff8-AT3.8 s13.5 L/100 km

Boot: 605 L (Q8) / 530 L (Sportback) — up to 1 755 L seats-down. Towing: 3 500 kg (V6) / 3 300 kg (V8).


Strengths

PROWhy it matters
Commanding yet tasteful designCoupé silhouette without excess; OLED tails give a distinctive night signature.
Lounge-grade interiorTriple-screen black-panel dash, Valcona or Dinamica trim, open-pore wood, 30-colour ambient lighting.
Plush ride & hushed cabinAir suspension + rear-steer soak bumps; 65 dB at 130 km/h on porous tarmac.
Efficient V6 diesels50 TDI returns ~8 L/100 km at 140 km/h and >900 km range.
Thrilling yet civil V8SQ8’s 507 hp delivered with refined bass, sport diff tames body roll.
Comprehensive ADASPedestrian AEB, stop-and-go ACC, lane-centring, lane-change and trailer assist all standard in “Tour” pack.
Practical boot605 L with a load-height-lowering “Easy-load” mode (-55 mm).

Weaknesses

CONTypical remark
Hefty mass (2 290 kg, 55 TFSI)Higher tyre wear and inertia; needs braking room in tight bends.
Costly extrasLaser lights, B&O 3D Advanced, 23-inch wheels, Dynamic-Plus pack can add €15 k+.
Smaller Sportback boot–75 L and a narrower opening hinder bulky suit-cases.
Oil thirst (55 TFSI V6 petrol)About 0.4 L every 4 000 km judged “within spec.”
No incentives above €70 kHigh registration tax; hefty super-tax on V8s in Italy.
Mild regen onlyMax −0.3 g; full stop still needs the brake pedal.

Typical maintenance 

JobPartsLabourInterval
LongLife 0W-30 oil + filter€220€13030 000 km / 24 mo
Tiptronic oil + filter€370€23080 000 km
Brake fluid + Haldex€130€150every 3 yr
Iridium plugs (55 TFSI)€140€9060 000 km
Front discs + pads (50 TDI)€380€180≈ 65 000 km
285/40-22 tyres€1 650 / set35 000 km

Price list (OTR)

ModelEnginePrice
Q8 45 TDI quattro Business231 hp€90 600
Q8 50 TDI quattro S-line286 hp€97 900
Q8 55 TFSI quattro S-line340 hp€101 800
SQ8 quattro507 hp€129 900
RS Q8600 hp€155 700

Sportback +€1 900.


Known issues & fixes

IssueFix
NOx sensor faults (TDI)ECU update + sensor replacement.
Passenger-side dash creaksFelt-strip kit (TPI 206 8372).
Steering shimmy 120-150 km/hWheel balance + front-arm bush check (TPI 207 0458).
Head-lamp condensationNew vents from MY 25; lamp swap if moisture >24 h.
MIB 3.5 OTA loop12-s reset + SW 2860_12 patch; head-unit replaced if needed.

Extended verdict

Luxury & presence – The Q8 remains a rolling lounge: whisper-quiet, supremely cushioned and trimmed to near-A8 standards, yet with coupé swagger enhanced by animated OLED rears.

Powertrains – The 50 TDI is the mile-muncher, covering 900 km on a tank at around 8 L/100 km. The 55 TFSI adds V6 zest but needs oil top-ups and attracts Italy’s power tax. Performance seekers get a cultured yet potent V8 in the SQ8, or outright Urus-level pace in the RS Q8—bring wallet and tyres.

Tech & ADAS – MIB 3.5 feels as snappy as BMW’s new iDrive or Mercedes MBUX, although Audi still shuns a flashy AR head-up. Level-2+ assistance is smooth and confidence-inspiring, but full L3 autonomy awaits regulation.

Practicality & costs – Lower and sleeker than a Q7 yet still five-adult capable, the Q8 sacrifices some boot height—more so in the Sportback. Running costs mirror rival big SUVs; a 5-year/150 000 km extended warranty is wise, especially for V8s. Used-car demand stays strong for diesel S-lines and SQ8s; petrol V6s are softer because of tax.

Bottom line: choose the 2025 Q8 if you want a prestige SUV that blends near-limousine comfort, quattro security and understated style, while still towing 3.5 t and shrugging off winter roads. If ultimate efficiency, IMAX-style screens or hyper-SUV drama top your list, alternatives such as Mercedes EQE SUV, BMW iX, or Lamborghini Urus might beckon—but for holistic luxury with daily usability, the Q8 remains a benchmark in the premium maxi-SUV class.

Evaluate