Slightly smaller than the Q7 and two rows only, the 2022 Audi Q8 SUV serves up similar luxury and technology features, albeit in a form more pleasing to the eye. The sleek Q8 follows the standard Audi trim roster: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige.
While the Q8’s $69,300 starting price is on the high side, a top-line Prestige model increases the price by about $10,000, which in the big scheme of things isn’t all that much more to pay for the trim’s added luxury.
With its standard turbocharged V6 engine and 48-volt mild-hybrid system, the Q8 delivers impressive performance and fuel economy. The Q8’s 335-horsepower engine can rocket it to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, aided by an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and Audi’s famous quattro all-wheel-drive technology.
However, if you’re looking for something more akin to BMW’s M SUVs or Mercedes-Benz’s AMG line, consider the SQ8 or RS Q8. The SQ8 gets a sport-tuned adaptive suspension and all-wheel steering but roughly follows the same features and options as the Q8 Premium Plus and Prestige.
The SQ8’s 500-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8 engine achieves a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds. The RS Q8’s 591-horsepower version of the same engine drops that time to a scant 3.4 seconds. Find an Audi Q8 for sale
2022 Audi Q8 Premium (Starting at $69,300)
The 2022 Audi Q8 Premium comes loaded with Audi’s best high-tech and luxury offerings, which may explain why the next trim up, the Premium Plus, only adds $4,000 to the price tag.
Expected luxury features include leather upholstery, auto-dimming and power-folding heated side mirrors, Advanced Key keyless entry, cruise control, and a direct tire-pressure monitoring system that reads each wheel individually.
A quick walk around the Premium trim reveals 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-season tires, LED lighting for the headlights with automatic high beams, and taillights with stylized dynamic turn signal indicators. The hands-free power rear liftgate opens using the fob or a kicking gesture under the rear bumper and concealed exhaust outlets. Aluminum roof rails, heat-insulating side glass, and a panoramic sunroof are all standard.
An adaptive damping suspension helps keep the Q8 riding smoothly over rough pavement and sure-footed in high-speed curves.
Inside the Q8, luxury and technology combine to form an interior that both coddles and delights. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit looks amazing, replacing analog gauges with a digital duplicate. The 12.3-inch LCD screen offers various modes, including an impressive 3D navigation map using Google Earth that nearly fills the entire screen.
A 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen plays host to Audi’s MMI navigation, Audi Connect services, the audio and satellite radio controls, and Audi’s Drive Select screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay is standard, as is wired Android Auto. The 10-speaker Audi sound system is surprisingly good, but the Premium Plus has an even better setup.
Audi Connect services are included with a limited trial to Connect Care emergency and car assist, Connect Prime, and Prime Plus with access to Wi-Fi, traffic conditions, and parking information. The Google Earth view in the Virtual Cockpit is also part of the subscription-based Connect services package.
Below the infotainment screen is an 8-inch touchscreen controlling the 3-zone automatic climate control and heated seats. The screen pulls double duty as a keypad for the navigation system and can even interpret handwritten names and addresses.
The Q8’s driver enjoys an 8-way power seat with 4-way power lumbar and memory for the mirrors and steering column, while rear-seat passengers have their own air vents and USB ports. The rear seat is a 40/20/40 split-folding design with recline feature for the outboard positions.
When it comes to passenger safety and driver assists, the Q8 doesn’t disappoint. It includes rear-seat side-impact airbags and Audi pre-sense basic. The pre-sense system anticipates when an accident is unavoidable, tightening the seat belts and closing the windows and sunroof.
Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning are also standard, as are front and rear parking sensors and a rearview monitor.
Options for the Q8 Premium include the Black Optic package (black window trim, roof rails, grille, bumper inserts, plus 21-inch alloy wheels) and the Convenience package that adds a heated steering wheel, Top View 360-degree camera, and wireless phone charging.
With the $1,095 destination charge included, the 2022 Audi Q8 Premium sells for $70,395. On a 60-month loan at 3%, the monthly payment comes to $1,265. Find an Audi Q8 Premium for sale
2022 Audi Q8 Premium includes:
- Virtual Cockpit – Provides a brilliant digital simulation of traditional analog gauges and includes three modes: Classic, Sport, and Infotainment. The display also doubles as a navigation screen using either maps or Google Earth.
- Advanced Key – Proximity key fob allows unlocking the car simply by touching the door handle.
- Rear-seat side airbags – Work in conjunction with the side-curtain airbags to protect rear seat occupants.
- Power-folding auto-dimming side mirror – Work just like the auto-dimming rearview mirror, dimming automatically when bright headlights approach from behind.
2022 Audi Q8 Premium Plus ($73,200)
The Premium Plus includes the Premium’s Convenience package contents, then ups the ante with adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, Active Lane Assist, and multi-color ambient lighting.
The Premium Plus enables passengers to regulate their environment courtesy of a 4-zone automatic climate control system. Music enhancement comes from a 730-watt, 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system.
Of course, the Premium Plus opens the door to more options, such as the bevy of goods found in the Executive package. Check this box and you’ll get heated and ventilated front seats, rear sunshades, and leather armrests. Also included are heated rear seats, Matrix LED headlights, plus LED DRL and taillight animation.
The Black Optic and S line packages enhance the Q8’s exterior, while the Adaptive Chassis package adds an adaptive air suspension and all-wheel steering. The tow package increases the Q8’s tow rating to 7,700-pounds.
With destination, the 2022 Audi Q8 Premium Plus comes to $74,295. In our example, that brings the monthly payment to $1,335, or $70 more each month over the Premium trim. Find an Audi Q8 Premium Plus for sale
2022 Audi Q8 Premium Plus includes:
- Heated steering wheel – Heating elements inside the steering wheel rim keep hands warm when the temperature outside gets cold.
- Top View camera – Projects a 360-degree image of what’s around the Q8, helping the driver see obstacles in all directions.
- Bang & Olufsen audio – With 730 watts powering 17 speakers, this impressive audio system includes 3D spatial sound reproduction for truly vibrant listening.
- Adaptive cruise control – Allows the Q8 to maintain a safe distance from the traffic ahead. Traffic Jam Assist automatically regulates the speed to move with traffic, slowing and even stopping the vehicle, then resuming when the coast is clear.
2022 Audi Q8 Prestige ($79,400)
As expected, the Prestige includes all the equipment found on the Premium Plus and the contents of the Executive package. The adaptive air suspension comes standard, but all-wheel steering becomes a standalone option.
The Prestige includes a head-up display, Intersection Assist (forward cross-traffic alert), traffic sign recognition, rear sunshades, and power soft-close doors.
Options for the Prestige include the Luxury package that brings massaging front seats in Valcona leather, passenger seat memory, additional leather on the dash and armrest, an Alcantara headliner, headlight washers, and dual-pane acoustic glass.
The S line and Black Optic packages remain options.
The Night Vision Assistant brings thermal imaging of large animals and pedestrians, helping drivers see at night what the naked eye can’t.
Finally, buyers can choose an upgraded Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced sound system with 23 speakers powered by a 1,920-watt amp.
With the $1,095 destination charge, the 2022 Audi Q8 Prestige comes to $80,495. On a 60-month loan at 3%, the monthly payment is $1,446. That’s about $110 more than the Premium Plus, before adding options. Find a 2022 Audi Q8 Prestige for sale
2022 Audi Q8 Prestige includes:
- Head-up display – Projects an image onto the windshield’s base, helping the driver see vital information while keeping their eyes on the road.
- Intersection Assist – Works the same way as rear cross-traffic alert only for vehicles crossing in front of the car. The system operates at speeds up to 18 mph.
- Adaptive air suspension – Employs air springs at all four corners that actively adjust ride height and ride comfort, such as when increased vehicle speed requires a lower center of gravity.
- Massaging front seats – Help alleviate stress and fatigue with a gentle massage feature.
