When it comes to luxury and performance, there are very few brands that can execute the brief well. Audi has consistently been a benchmark in creating under-the-radar, performance-oriented luxury vehicles. The latest that I’ve gotten my hands on is the big daddy SUV, the Q8 S Line, and as usual, I’m in awe once again.
Audi Q8 S Line Exterior
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In the local setting, we’re used to looking at Audi’s as expensive cars and are generally imposed by them but if you take a good look at the Q8 it is actually understated. Its most distinguishing lines are the bulges and sculpted panels found around the car as well as the enormous size that it takes up.
I kid you not, it still remains one of the biggest vehicles I have ever driven. I remember parking the vehicle in multiple car parks only to render most slots tight and too small. The size doesn’t surprise me though because the Q8 is basically a Q7 without the 3rd row seats.
Lookswise I really appreciate the Audi philosophy of modern restraint, it isn’t beautiful in a stylish way but it certainly is a looker nonetheless.
Interior
Inside is once again typical Audi, it has clean lines with the modern touches of black and silver trimmings all over the interior. You’d be mistaken though in thinking it’s not luxurious the leather used is supple and fragrant, plus it has all the luxury bits like heated and cooled seats, massage seat functions, and other convenience features.
What I like about the Q8s interior is the proper blend of modernity without being in your face, the fact that the instrument cluster, infotainment, and climate control are all digital touchscreens says a lot. What is amazing about these screens is that they blend well into the interior, and one would be hard-pressed to say they don’t belong.
The interior party piece though is the space, the Q8 has a ton of interior space despite only being a 5-seater it gives each individual passenger a sense of own space which of course is a plus for anybody.
Performance
Powering this beast is a 3.0-liter mild-hybrid turbocharged V6 that makes 335 HP and 500 Nm of torque, the transmission is an 8-speed automatic unit sending power to all 4 wheels via the patented Audi Quattro system.
Driving Impressions
This is where Audi’s usually shine, on the road. Some might say that the Q8 looks muted and unexciting but driving it even just for a few minutes shows the Q8’s abilities.
In normal driving the air suspension very much does its part in muting the Metro Manila road conditions, with bumps and undulations hidden well. The powertrain also enables the driver to provide little input with the throttle to get this hulking beast moving in slow traffic, the experience in normal conditions is relaxing, to say the least. The NVH levels are very good, and the vehicle remains quiet and serene even in heavy traffic, it almost feels like one is cocooned from the outside world very well.
Even if the Q8 is a massive vehicle it can move at a brisk pace, and putting it into sport mode it becomes an athletic and eager beast but it has the deft touch to still be manageable under hard acceleration, braking, and cornering. It boggles the mind how something with this much weight can hustle through when pushed.
Overall the Q8 is the quintessential Audi, with amazing driving dynamics hidden beneath a quiet and subtle body.
Verdict
The Q8 costs a pretty penny, and I can’t disclose the full amount because, in this class of vehicle, there are a lot of customization options that dictate the final price.
However, if you’re in need of something special without the compromise of practicality then the Q8 serves you really well. I would describe it as an American Football Player dressed in avant-garde clothing and very much has the architectural and interior decorating tastes of Tony Stark. A modern, capable, and sporty utility vehicle in the true sense.
