Try GOLD - Free

Audi Q8

Auto Express

|

August 30, 2018

FIRST UK DRIVE New flagship coupé-SUV hits British roads. Is it just as impressive?

- James Brodie

Audi Q8

AUDI is the latest premium brand to be bitten by the coupé-SUV bug. The Q8 is the maker’s new flagship 4x4 (this S line model carries a premium of around £7,200 over the equivalent Q7 on which it’s strongly based) and is now in Audi dealers up and down the land.

With a rakish design and new interior, it stands out at the very top end of the line-up. It also means Audi now fields a true rival for the BMW X6 and Mercedes GLE Coupé, two models that have come to define the coupé-SUV niche.

So what exactly separates this car from the Q7 with which it shares a platform? Plenty has changed at Audi in the past two years and the Q8 proves it.

The firm’s latest design language is carved into the coupé shape, with a larger grille and sportier, more angular front apron. New headlamps, plus a full width LED lighting strip on the tailgate, complete the look, while frameless windows inject a premium sense of occasion and make it immediately feel more than just a rakish Q7.

MORE STORIES FROM Auto Express

Auto Express

Auto Express

...and electric Super-N set to steal hearts in the UK in 2026

HONDA is back in the small EV game with the funky Super-N hatch, an affordable but fun-to-drive electric city car that will go on sale in the UK next year.

time to read

1 mins

November 05, 2025

Auto Express

Auto Express

3 CAR GARAGE

Genesis G80, Infiniti Q30 and DS 7 for the price of a DS No.8

time to read

2 mins

November 05, 2025

Auto Express

MIKE RUTHERFORD

I'VE just served a 30-day stretch in North East Asia, doing my digital nomad bit.

time to read

2 mins

November 05, 2025

Auto Express

Auto Express

Six-wheel Lexus LS may replace flagship saloon

NO, your eyes aren't deceiving you. Lexus has actually revealed a six-wheeled van concept at the Japan Mobility Show as a possible replacement for its flagship LS saloon. But look beyond the apparent madness and you realise there's actually some sense behind this move.

time to read

1 mins

November 05, 2025

Auto Express

Auto Express

E-Class shapes up for electric future

Replacement for EQE will wear more familiar badge and sell alongside combustion-engine models

time to read

2 mins

November 05, 2025

Auto Express

Auto Express

NEXT MAZDA 2 REVEALED

EX MAZDA surprised visitors to the Japan Mobility Show with a unexpected concept car called the Vision X-Compact. This superminisized model previews a new Mazda 2, which should arrive some time in 2026 or early 2027 with a choice of hybrid and ICE powertrains.

time to read

2 mins

November 05, 2025

Auto Express

Auto Express

Honda's O Alpha SUV ready to challenge Elroq

HONDA has surprised Japan Mobility Show goers with a brand-new Series O SUV prototype that's only a year or so away from series production. This new model, the O Alpha, will be based on the same architecture as the larger SUV and saloon, and rival similarly sized EVs such as the Skoda Elroq, Kia EV3 and forthcoming Toyota C-HR+.

time to read

1 mins

November 05, 2025

Auto Express

Auto Express

Alfa Romeo Tonale

THREE years after it launched, the Alfa Romeo Tonale has been given a little midlife refresh, including an updated interior and a sharper look that draws from the brand’s glorious history, showcasing its strong sense of style.

time to read

3 mins

November 05, 2025

Auto Express

Auto Express

New Corsa GSE hot hatch will go on sale next year

Performance EV will inspire sportier trim levels in supermini line-up

time to read

2 mins

November 05, 2025

Auto Express

Auto Express

USED BUYER'S GUIDE Cupra Ateca Mk1

FROM £20,000 The model that launched SEAT's sporting offshoot is now a great-value family car that offers performance and handling to match its purposeful looks

time to read

5 mins

November 05, 2025

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size