Quick answer: The 2024 Audi Q8 starts at $73,700 for the base Premium trim and goes up to $81,800 for the top Prestige trim, before options and destination fees. The luxury mid-size SUV delivers 335 horsepower from its mild-hybrid V6 engine, offering standard quattro AWD and an EPA combined fuel economy of 19 mpg. While it excels in cabin luxury, a Marginal IIHS rating in the updated moderate overlap front crash test is a key safety consideration.
Key takeaways:
- MSRP prices range from $73,700 to $81,800 across three trims, with adaptive cruise control now included as standard equipment.
- Powered by a 3.0L turbocharged V6 with a 48V mild-hybrid system, providing 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
- Sacrifices third-row seating and cargo space for coupe styling, providing 30.5 cubic feet behind the second row.
- Earned a Marginal overall rating from the IIHS in the updated moderate overlap front crash test due to rear-passenger lap belt performance.
- Subject to two airbag-related safety recalls issued by the NHTSA for passenger and driver protection.
Specifications Overview: 2024 Audi Q8 Specs
The 2024 Audi Q8 features a standardized powertrain across all U.S. trims: a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine producing 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and standard quattro all-wheel drive. According to official specifications from Audi USA, this mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) setup integrates a 48-volt electrical system to recover energy during deceleration and smooth out the engine stop-start transitions.
To give you a complete picture of the base vehicle, the key technical specifications are summarized in the table below:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 3.0-liter Turbocharged V6 with 48V MHEV |
| Horsepower | 335 hp @ 5,000 to 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft @ 1,370 to 4,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed Tiptronic Automatic |
| Drivetrain | quattro All-Wheel Drive |
| Seating Capacity | 5 Passengers (Two Rows) |
| Cargo Volume (Seats Up) | 30.5 Cubic Feet |
| Cargo Volume (Seats Folded) | 60.7 Cubic Feet |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 7,700 Pounds (with Towing Package) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22.5 Gallons |
The 48-volt system utilizes a belt alternator starter connected to a lithium-ion battery. This allows the Q8 to coast with the combustion engine deactivated at highway speeds under low-load conditions. While the mild-hybrid system improves refinement, it does not allow the vehicle to drive solely on electric power. For drivers who want to tow, the standard towing package provides a trailer hitch receiver and seven-pin connector wiring harness, making it easy to utilize the full 7,700-pound capacity.
What is New for the 2024 Audi Q8?
For the 2024 model year, the gasoline-powered Audi Q8 receives a mid-cycle refresh that focuses on exterior styling and standard safety technology. The updates are designed to bring the vehicle in line with the brand’s electric flagship models.
The primary updates for the 2024 model year include:
- Redesigned Front Fascia: A new Singleframe grille featuring octagonal design elements and enlarged air intakes on the front bumper.
- Updated Light Signatures: Thinner Matrix-design LED headlights are now standard, while the rear taillight bar gets dynamic indicators and customizable OLED patterns on the Prestige trim.
- Standardized Safety Equipment: Adaptive cruise control with active lane centering, traffic sign recognition, and a predictive efficiency assist system are now standard on all models.
- Revised Exhaust Tips: New exhaust designs are integrated directly into the rear bumper diffuser for a cleaner look.
Previously, U.S. buyers had to purchase expensive optional equipment groups to get active lane-keeping and adaptive cruise. By standardizing these features, every model in the Audi Q8 lineup now offers standard level-2 driver assistance capabilities, improving long-distance highway comfort.
Performance, Fuel Economy, and Real-World Range
The 2024 Audi Q8 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds according to official manufacturer estimates. Power delivery is linear and immediate, with peak torque arriving at a low 1,370 rpm, minimizing turbo lag during city acceleration. The standard steel-spring suspension delivers a balanced, comfortable ride, while the optional adaptive air suspension allows the driver to adjust the ride height by up to 3.5 inches for off-road clearance or highway aerodynamics.
However, fuel efficiency remains a notable drawback for this heavy SUV. According to the EPA, the Q8 returns fuel economy ratings of 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. Real-world testing conducted by MotorTrend confirms these numbers, averaging 19 mpg in mixed driving conditions.
With a large 22.5-gallon fuel tank, the Q8 offers an estimated highway range of 517 miles. It is important to note that premium unleaded gasoline is required, which increases long-term ownership costs compared to mid-size SUVs that run on regular fuel. When compared to the older 2022 Audi Q8 specs or the older 2023 Audi Q8 predecessor, the EPA fuel economy ratings have remained unchanged, reflecting the carryover nature of the V6 powertrain.
Technology and Cabin Features
The interior of the 2024 Audi Q8 utilizes Audi’s signature MMI touch response system. This layout features a 10.1-inch upper display for navigation and audio controls, and an 8.6-inch lower display dedicated to climate control and text input. Both screens feature haptic and acoustic feedback, which vibrates slightly when clicked to confirm selections. While this setup looks modern, it can require more visual attention from the driver than traditional physical buttons.
Standard cabin amenities include leather seating surfaces, wood trim, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The cargo area provides 30.5 cubic feet of space behind the second-row seats, which expands to 60.7 cubic feet when the rear seatbacks are folded flat. While this is plenty of room for luggage, it is significantly less than traditional mid-size luxury SUVs due to the sloping rear roofline.
Upgrading through the trim levels alters the cabin’s audio and comfort features. The Premium trim comes with a standard ten-speaker sound system, while the Premium Plus adds a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium 3D audio system. The Prestige trim adds dual-pane acoustic glass for the side windows, which reduces wind and road noise to create a quiet highway cabin.
Safety Ratings and NHTSA Recalls
For safety evaluations, the 2024 Audi Q8 presents a mixed profile. The SUV performed well in traditional crashworthiness categories but received lower marks in updated testing protocols. Additionally, the vehicle has been subject to two safety recalls issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
IIHS Crash Test Results
According to the IIHS official crash test profile, the 2024 Audi Q8 earned Good ratings in the passenger-side small overlap front test, the driver-side small overlap front test, and the updated side-impact test. However, in the updated moderate overlap front crash test, the Q8 earned an overall rating of Marginal.
This updated IIHS test places a second dummy in the rear seat behind the driver. The evaluation revealed that during the crash impact, the rear passenger’s lap belt migrated upward from the pelvis onto the abdomen, which increases the risk of internal abdominal injuries. Furthermore, the shoulder belt tension registered high forces on the dummy’s chest, resulting in a Marginal rating for rear-passenger restraints.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
U.S. models of the 2024 Audi Q8 are subject to two active recalls related to safety systems:
- Passenger Occupant Detection System Recall (Campaign 24V251000): This recall affects certain 2023 and 2024 Q8 models. An electrical connection for the occupant detection system (ODS) control module in the front passenger seat can loosen over time. If this occurs, the front passenger airbag may be deactivated, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Dealers will replace the passenger seat ODS control module free of charge.
- Driver Seat Side Airbag Recall (Campaign 23V868000): Affecting certain 2023 and 2024 Q8, Q7, and SQ8 models, this recall is for a driver’s seat side airbag that may have been improperly mounted to the seatback frame. This improper mounting can prevent the airbag from deploying correctly during a side-impact collision. Dealers will inspect and reinstall the side airbag free of charge.
Trim Levels and Pricing of the 2024 Audi Q8
The 2024 Audi Q8 is offered in three primary trim levels for the U.S. market: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. All trims share the same V6 engine and quattro AWD system, with pricing and standard equipment details listed below:
- 55 TFSI Premium ($73,700): The entry-level model comes standard with 21-inch wheels, Matrix-design LED headlights, wood trim, leather upholstery, Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, three-zone automatic climate control, and standard adaptive cruise control.
- 55 TFSI Premium Plus ($77,800): This trim adds a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a 360-degree camera system, four-zone climate control, and ambient interior lighting.
- 55 TFSI Prestige ($81,800): The top-tier trim includes adaptive air suspension, dual-pane acoustic side windows, power soft-closing doors, a head-up display, and intersection assist safety features.
Note:
All listed prices are base MSRPs and exclude the mandatory $1,195 manufacturer destination charge, taxes, title, dealer fees, and optional equipment packages.
Original Value: 2024 Audi Q8 vs Competitors
The 2024 Audi Q8 positions itself as a style-focused luxury vehicle. Because it shares its chassis, V6 engine, and suspension design with the three-row Audi Q7, choosing the Q8 is primarily a design decision. You sacrifice 5.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity and the third-row seat of the Q7 to gain the coupe-like styling and wider stance of the Q8.
When compared to its direct luxury coupe-SUV competitors, the Q8 offers a balanced value:
- BMW X6: The BMW X6 offers sportier handling and quicker acceleration, but its faster-sloping rear roofline restricts rear-seat headroom and cargo space more than the Audi.
- Porsche Cayenne Coupe: The Porsche Cayenne Coupe offers sharper steering dynamics and extensive custom ordering options, but its starting MSRP is thousands of dollars higher than the Q8.
- Audi Q8: Represents a middle ground, offering a more spacious second row than the BMW and standard all-wheel drive at a lower base price than the Porsche.
For buyers looking at older model years, checking the 2021 Audi Q8 review or the 2019 Audi Q8 review can help compare used prices, which have depreciated significantly. Buyers seeking the latest updates can review the 2025 Audi Q8 successor review to determine if the newer model year upgrades are worth the price premium.
Expert view:
The Q8 is a solid choice for buyers who want the styling of a coupe-SUV but require comfortable rear-seat legroom for adults. However, buyers should check the vehicle’s history report to ensure that both NHTSA airbag recalls have been completed by an authorized dealer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2024 Audi Q8 reliable?
The 2024 Audi Q8 shares its platform and 3.0T V6 engine with the proven Q7, showing average long-term reliability. Audi provides a standard 4-year or 50,000-mile warranty.
What is new on the 2024 Audi Q8?
The 2024 Audi Q8 features updated exterior styling for the front grille and headlights, and adds standard adaptive cruise control with lane centering across all trim levels.
Which 2024 Q8 trim is best?
The Premium Plus trim is the best value, adding ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera system, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system for a $4,100 premium over the base model.
How does the 2024 Q8 compare to the Q7?
Both share the same platform and engine, but the Q7 offers three rows of seats and more cargo space, whereas the Q8 features a sportier sloping roofline and two rows.
What is the fuel economy of the 2024 Q8?
The EPA estimates the 2024 Q8 55 TFSI at 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. It requires premium unleaded fuel.
