Re: 2024 Audi Q8 Facelift Review A beautiful looking car with some stupid omissions and a not-so-exciting engine. While I was shopping around for a full size SUV a couple of months ago, the Q8 was on the top of my list as I love the understated and clean look of the car. I was eagerly looking forward to the facelift launch in India, and was hoping it would specced well this time around, since the Q8 facelift can barely be called a facelift. However, I was thoroughly disappointed after launch and the X5 40i seems to offer way more around that price point. Some of my observations compared to the X5 (as Karan has also pointed out in the review): - Audi decided to launch a single variant of their flagship SUV without air suspension. I had to cross check with another source to make sure it wasn't a mistake. What was Audi thinking? On the other hand, the X5 m sport comes with comfy air suspension, which isn't only height adjustable, but also has a damping range that adjustable shocks can never match.
- The seats look more suitable in something like a VW Vento rather than a Q8. Disappointing under thigh support and side bolstering. Very few ways of adjustment. They just look sad in such a good looking car. The X5 seats look good, are comfy, and have a host of adjustments that can actually leave you confused.
- Decade old interiors that are shared with the A6, A7 and Q7. While they are okay in something like the A6, the flagship needs to feel a bit more special. Offering sports seats in the facelift could've uplifted these interiors.
- Powertrain - 335 hp isn't exciting in such a big car. Had driven a Q7 with the same engine in the past and was pretty underwhelmed. X5 40i comes with 375 hp engine which is explosive and capable of putting a wide grin on your face.
Apart from what's mentioned above, the X5 offers more (spare tyre, better infotainment, etc.) at a lower price point, which honestly seems like a no brainer if you're looking for a sporty full-size SUV. Coming to what Q8 does better than the X5, I would say it's only the lights, body shape, and maybe a few inches more of rear legroom. Unfortunately, looks alone weren't enough to convince me. Went with the X5 40i and I couldn't be happier. |