Luxurious evolution: 2024 Audi Q8 & SQ8 illuminate the road (and your bank account)

Audi picked a somewhat unexpected venue for the launch of its 2024 Q8. Audi, the brand with four rings, hosted an event that was the first public debut of the new luxurious SUV at the Qatari edition of the Geneva Motor Show. If this is the first time you’ve heard about the show, this is happening soon, but we’re here to discuss Audi’s Q8 and the more sporty SQ8 that are currently making their debut in the US market. There aren’t any major modifications, but Audi provides the two with new lighting technologies and minor visual changes, but they have a price increase.

In 2024, the Q8 and SQ8 have a redesigned and attractive exterior design. One of the most distinctive external features is the Octagonal Singleframe grille, which is now decorated with fresh elements that expand into L-shaped designs on the SQ8 as well as the Q8 when fitted by the S Line Style package. The more sporty of the two models has bigger air intakes with honeycomb grilles on their entire length and a revamped bumper on the lip and rear diffuser.

Audi has also raised the bar regarding personalization in the new model year of the Q8. The standard equipment now includes high-intensity Matrix LED headlights and LED daytime running lights with digital technology positioned on the upper edge of the horizontal. Additionally, the Matrix LED headlights are readily available and are instantly identifiable through the distinct blue aluminium housing that has been anodized and incorporated into the headlight. The highest-end headlights come with digital daytime running-light signatures that allow users to choose between four different lighting signatures using the information menu.

For the first time, SQ8 Prestige offers OLED rear lights that can be added as an option. The lighting technology has four distinct digital light signatures aligned to the front headlights. A light strip of LEDs with a black high-gloss finish with integrated Audi rings stretches across the length of the rear bumper.

Nothing has changed on the car’s underside, and the Q8 is driven by the 3.0-litre turbocharged engine, which produces 335 horsepower and 369 pounds-feet of torque. This motor, paired with an automatic transmission of eight speeds and Quattro all-wheel drive, can propel the SUV from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.5 minutes. The SQ8 is fitted with a 4.0-liter turbocharged twin-turbo TFSI V8 engine that produces an impressive 500 horsepower and 568 pounds of torque. The 0-60 mph speed sprint is completed in 4.0 seconds.

Audi promises to offer the latest models in its US showrooms by next quarter. This Q8 model is priced at $74,895, including destination and handling charges, making it one hundred dollars more expensive than last year’s model. Choose the 2024 SQ8, and you’ll pay back at a minimum of $97,705, which is $1,100 higher than the model in 2023.