2023 Audi Q8, SQ8 Prices: MSRP vs Dealer Invoice vs True Dealer Cost w/Holdback

Is the 2022 Audi Q8 a practical vehicle? Uh, nope. That's a role relegated to its sibling, the Q7. Its interior storage is somewhat restricted, and, as is the case with Audis in general, the infotainment touchscreen can be really tricky and distracting to use while driving. However, the Q8 has a lot of character. It is exceedingly well-equipped with standard features, even on the base Premium trim level. The cabin is decked to the nines with high-quality materials, and the ride has the comfortable feel you expect from a luxury vehicle. Comfort abounds in the seats. But is that enough to compel you to buy the new Q8? Let's find out.

What's New For 2022?

Only a few changes were made to the 2022 Audi Q8 line-up. A few formerly optional features are now standard. Also, there is an upgraded infotainment system equipped across the line on the Q8. Other than that, though, everything carries over from the 2021 Q8's line-up.

The 2022 Audi Q8's Exterior Styling

The 2022 Audi Q8 is undeniably sporty. The available color options are eye-catching, especially that bright orange hue shown in promotional pictures. There are a lot of chrome details on the exterior, giving you the impression of opulence. The hood shows Audi's signature quadruple sloping lines that end at the front grille, which is large and athletic in its design. The base Premium trim level equips 21-inch wheels and has standard LED headlights. There are also some heated, power-folding, and auto-dimming exterior mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate. Adding the Executive Package to the Premium Plus gives the vehicle Matrix-design LED headlights and dynamic front and rear turn-signal animations. Upgrading to the Prestige gets you soft-close doors.

The 2022 Audi Q8's Interior Features

Where the Q8 really shines is on the inside. Starting on the base trim, you get a digital gauge cluster that is formally known as Audi's Virtual Cockpit Plus. Tri-zone automatic climate control heats or cools the cabin to each zone's desired temperature and does a thorough job of keeping it there. There is genuine wood trim throughout the cabin as well as leather upholstery on the seats. The front seats have a heating function. The Premium is outfitted with a dual-touchscreen infotainment system, Audi connect services, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Convenience package adds a wireless charging pad and smartphone signal booster, a heated steering wheel, and a surround-view camera system. The Premium Plus adds more LED ambient lighting, ventilation for the front seats, four-zone climate control, and a premium 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Adding the Executive package gets you heated rear outboard seats, some rear side window sunshades, and leather armrest trim. In addition to the standard head-up display, the Prestige's Luxury package equips massaging front seats that come wrapped in premium leather, even more leather trim throughout the cabin, a simulated suede headliner, and dual-pane acoustic windows. A night vision camera, all-wheel steering, and a 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system remain as stand-alone options.

Performance Specs

How does the Q8 perform? As it turns out, the Q8 can get from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a swift enough 5.6 seconds, but this is not quite enough to outpace some of the Q8's top rivals in this segment. When you have the default drive mode engaged, the throttle response feels somewhat lackluster given how much power the engine has on tap. At least throwing it into Sport mode produces a more pleasing response. The Q8 is able to handle tight turns and corners with ease, with the vehicle's weight only ever becoming apparent at higher rates of speed. The steering feels well weighted and provides enough feedback to the driver.

Comfort and Build Quality

Audi crafts its vehicles with comfort in droves, and the Q8 is no exception to this rule. Up front, there are some cozy armrests available, and the seats have plenty of adjustability to them. While the seats have firm padding, it is also quite comfy. The suspension isn't exactly the cushiest, but it has an acceptable degree of comfort to it. Ambient noise remains fairly well controlled until you get up to speed on the highway.

Safety Ratings and Features

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration gave the 2022 Audi Q8 high marks on almost all of its tests, but the rollover test slated at 4/5 stars. Meanwhile, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety assigned mostly "Good" marks to the Q8. Driver aids on the Premium trim level include forward collision mitigation, blind spot monitoring with a rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors for the front and rear, and lane departure warning. The Premium Plus adds emergency stop assist, adaptive cruise control, and the lane keep system.

Fuel Economy

Even though it has a mild hybrid powertrain system, the Q8 falls short. Its EPA estimate of 20 mpg combined (from 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway) is about 2 mpg below most of its competitors. With real-world numbers matching these estimates, it is safe to say that fuel economy is not the Q8's forte.

Although the 2022 Audi Q8 is a comfortable vehicle with a decent driving performance, there are things holding it back from riding at the top of its pack. Fuel economy is subpar, and the standard drive mode feels really bland when it comes to launching the vehicle. This luxury SUV is a mixed bag, but not necessarily skewing toward the negative side.

Note: All Audi Q8 MSRP, invoice and dealer cost dollar figures above are subject to change without notice.

A note about rebates: Most rebates are subtracted from the "on the road" figure. In most cases, you can have the rebate if you are arranging your own financing or you are paying cash. If you decide to use the manufacturer’s low interest financing, you do not usually get the rebate. Ask your dealer for details.