Without as much as a peep, Audi has dropped a new model derivative into our laps, sliding in under the radar and unbeknownst to most. While we were all running around, stocking up on liquor and cigarettes as a hard lockdown loomed, Audi added a new member to the Q8 lineup. This brings the models to two... um, yeah. Either or then, I guess.
The latest addition is fuelled by an oil-burner, a diesel, and I for one am rather surprised that this isn't the model that spearheaded the launch of the range; it's rather good! It joins the potent Audi Q8 55 TFSI quattro in the stable, a model that was presented to us in April last year.
Related: 2019 Audi Q8: Far more than just a Q7 in sportswear
With the likes of the BMW X5/X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport all fighting for their slice of the pie, the Q8 45 TDI has its work cut out for it. We've taken a look at the Audi Q8 in 55 TSI guise (link above) and were quite keen to see if the addition of a diesel powerplant did anything to change our opinion.
Styling
There's little to differentiate the diesel from the petrol model and it's only the tailgate and the badges that will really divulge this information. The 45 TDI retains the same coupe-like design language that sees it aimed at the buyer who is more interested in a BMW X6 than an X5, a GLE Coupe rather than a regular GLE and the customer who is swaying towards the Range Rover Velar instead of the Sport - once again reiterating that this is a flooded market segment.
Sharp creases and acute angles are the order of the day with the Q8 and there's no way that you will mistake it for anything but. I've lamented the lazy design of some of the recent Audi offerings but for the Q8 I have to bite my tongue. While I didn't care too much for the styling originally, it has, over the past year, grown on me - much like the first-generation Audi TT did. If the designers are as forward-thinking as they were then, then the Q8 will age well.
Our test model was treated to a few optional extras with the most evident being the inclusion of a set of gargantuan 22-inch alloy wheels. These striking numbers thankfully didn't seem to hamper the ride quality, but we'll address that in a bit.
Interior & Space
While some of the opposition comes to the party with 7-seats the Q8 does not. It's not even an option. The Audi Q8 is a strict 5-seater - unless you're ok with chucking a kid in the boot - but we're not. That said though, there's no shortage of space and legroom for both front and rear passengers is generous, as is the head and shoulder room. Front passengers are split by a large centre console and the centre-rear passenger will have to straddle a transmission tunnel. That won't be a concern on a short trip, but a cross-country jaunt may see this get a little tiresome.
You won't however, tire of the finish of the cabin. Each and every time you climb on board you will be taken aback by the level of quality presented. The Q8 is an expensive vehicle and Audi made sure that it feels every bit the part. The interior is a stylish place as well, with numerous horizontal design elements to add to the impression of space and width. It's finished off in high-gloss black and brushed aluminium-look trimmings, offset by the leather and Alcantara fabrics of the seats and door cars.
The boot of the Q8 provides you with 605-litres of space with the rear seats in the upright position and 1755-litres with them folded flat. Our model was equipped with the air suspension package which includes an easy access button in the rear to lower the back of the vehicle, making loading and unloading easier. It also comes with hands-free tailgate operation, great for when your arms are full.
Comfort & Convenience
The tailgate isn't the only convenience item on the Q8. It offers a host of creature comforts including multi-zone climate control with digital controls for the rear passengers. They will be able to set their own temperatures and control the airflow to their liking.
Driver convenience comes in the form of the comprehensive Audi MMI Navigation Plus infotainment system. One saving grace is that Audi is now including more equipment as standard, especially on their higher-end vehicles and as a result, the Q8 has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as a standard part of their included smartphone preparation along with the MMI Navigation Plus system - no additional charge for that.
The audio system is a standard Bang & Olufsen affair from their Premium range. It includes 3D sound but if you're wanting more you can opt for the Advanced system which further improves the fidelity.
Speaking of options, customers do get a choice of upholstery trims and seats, but our model was fitted with the Cricket leather and standard seats. You can choose from the Sport or Comfort seats but at no point in time did I think to myself; "What I need here is more comfort". No, the Q8 has more than enough of that.
Much of the comfort does come down to the air suspension that will raise or lower the vehicle depending on the Drive Select mode which includes an Off-Road option, as most Audi SUVs with the system do.
Performance
Here is the biggest change to the Q8 lineup, the addition of the diesel engine to the range. Both the 55 TFSI and the 45 TDI employ a 3.0-litre V6 with turbochargers, but they have different preferences when it comes to their tipple.
The 3.0-litre V6 in the 45 TDI sips away at diesel to produce 183 kW and a stout 600 Nm torque. Audi says that this is good for a 0 - 100 km/h sprint time of 7.0-seconds, which isn't half bad for the 2145 kg behemoth. It will top out at 220 km/h, undoubtedly due to the diesel engine's lack of revs.
By contrast, for those wondering, the 55 TFSI produces 250 kW and 500 Nm and will do the standard sprint in a mere 5.9-seconds before topping out at 250 km/h. This clearly shows that if performance is your bag, then the 55 is the one for you. If you want effortless, the 45 TDI is your vehicle.
The low-down torque delivery and smooth 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox makes traffic situations an absolute breeze in the 45 TDI and the programming on the gearbox could not be faulted. No matter which gear you are in, the TDI engine has enough shove to get the Q8 moving at a pace that is more than just agreeable - it's rather quick too!
Fuel Economy
The Q8 TDI may drink diesel, but it has a significant thirst. You will have to accept that a vehicle this size is never going to return award-winning fuel consumption figures unless it's mated to a hybrid system.
Audi claims that the Q8 45 TDI is able to return figures of 7.8 l/100km on the combined cycle but our figures hovered around the low-12 mark, admittedly with mostly urban driving and the Drive Select in Auto or Comfort.
Another slight difference between the 55 TFSI and 45 TDI is the size of the fuel tank. The 55 TFSI has an 85-litre tank while the 45 TDI has to make do with a 75-litre one. Audi claims that both will yield a range of over 900 km on either.
Safety
There's no shortage of safety systems in the Audi Q8 range and most if not all of the vital safety systems are standard. 6 airbags are standard and an 8 airbag system is optional. Audi Pre Sense basic is standard fitment buy buyer may want to spring for the optional night vision assistant or Adaptive cruise control and Lane Keep Assist package.
Those with small children will benefit from the ISOFIX mountings for child seats.
A 360-degree surround camera system with parking assist helps one navigate tight spaces and parking lots. A slight criticism here comes in that the camera seemed to only remember my last selected camera view and often wouldn't select the rearview camera when reversing. Small niggles and nothing worth bemoaning.
Price
The Audi Q8 45 TDI quattro is now the flagbearer of the Q8 range and carries the highest price tag. Without options, the Audi Q8 TDI quattro retails for R1 573 500. This makes it R56 000 more expensive than the 55 TFSI quattro.
You do get an extendable 1-year/Unlimited km warranty and 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan for your money.
Competitors
If you're dead-set on the coupe-like styling that is the trend, and you have the Q8 in your sights, you'll be wanting to consider the likes of the BMW X6, Range Rover Velar, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and possibly even the Jaguar F-Pace or Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The Porsche Cayenne Coupe, believe it or not, is in your price range as is the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace if you absolutely have to have all the torque.
Do consider the Land Rover Range Rover Velar D240 HSE, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE400d 4Matic. The BMW X6 M50d offers a lot more in the way of performance, but it comes at a stiffer price as well.
Verdict
I found the Q8 45 TDI to be a more agreeable companion than the 55 TFSI. I was always going to draw comparisons to the BMW X5 and still believe that the quad-turbo X5 M50d with a few tasty options is where I'd place my money. The Q8 has very few shortcomings and at this price point, with the competition so evenly matched, it would come down to personal prefence.
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