The 2025 Audi Q8 carries forward with minor refinements while maintaining its position as Audi's stylish flagship SUV. Starting at $74,400, the Q8 delivers a turbocharged V6 with mild hybrid assistance, standard adaptive cruise control, and an interior that rivals vehicles costing considerably more[1]. After extended testing, the Q8 continues to excel for buyers who prioritize design and cabin quality over maximum practicality—though the "Marginal" IIHS moderate overlap rating warrants attention.
The luxury mid-size SUV segment remains intensely competitive, with capable options from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Genesis vying for attention. The 2025 Q8 competes directly with coupe-styled rivals like the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe[2]. Understanding where Audi's flagship succeeds—and where it falls short—can help buyers decide whether the Q8 deserves a spot on their shortlist or whether alternatives make more sense.
| Category | 2025 Audi Q8 55 TFSI |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L Turbocharged V6 + 48V Mild Hybrid[3] |
| Horsepower | 335 hp[3] |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft[3] |
| 0-60 mph | ~5.7 seconds[2] |
| Fuel Economy | 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG[3] |
| Drivetrain | quattro AWD (standard)[3] |
| Seating Capacity | 5[3] |
| Cargo Volume | 33.7 cu ft (behind rear seats) / 60.7 cu ft (seats folded)[3] |
| Towing Capacity | 7,700 lbs (with package)[3] |
| Curb Weight | 5,027 lbs[3] |
| MSRP Range | $74,400 – $82,700[1] |
The mild hybrid system assists the turbocharged V6 during acceleration and enables smoother stop-start functionality[3]. In practice, the 48-volt system adds responsiveness off the line without fundamentally changing the driving character.
Audi derived the Q8 from the Q7 platform but gave it dramatically different proportions. The roofline slopes aggressively toward the rear, creating visual drama that distinguishes this SUV from boxier competitors[4]. At 196 inches long and 79 inches wide (86 inches with mirrors), the Q8 commands attention in parking lots[3].
That coupe-inspired styling comes with meaningful trade-offs. Where the Q7 offers three rows and maximum cargo utility, the Q8 limits occupants to five seats. Interior dimensions tell a more nuanced story: front legroom measures 41.6 inches while rear passengers enjoy 40.2 inches—spacious enough for adults on multi-hour drives[3]. Rear headroom at 38.1 inches exceeds the front row's 37.1 inches despite the sloping glass[3].
Inside, Audi's craftmanship continues to impress. J.D. Power reviewers noted the Q8 offers a modern and refined interior that makes daily commutes and long road trips genuinely pleasurable[2]. During a week with the Q8, the cabin proved it could rival vehicles costing substantially more.
Under the hood sits a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system[3]. Working through an eight-speed automatic and Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system, the powertrain delivers confident acceleration in most driving situations.
U.S. News rates the Q8's drive and performance at 7.6 out of 10, noting smooth and effortless steering alongside a tranquil, comfortable ride[5]. Some body roll appears during cornering, and the Q8 doesn't match the sportiness of Audi's dedicated performance models. Engaging Dynamic or Sport modes enhances responsiveness noticeably[5]. The braking system halts the SUV effectively, though some sensitivity exists at lower speeds[5].
Consumer reviews consistently mention one quirk: the gearing and synchronization with the stop-start system can create sluggish behavior at very low speeds in the regular drive setting[6]. Switching to Sport mode eliminates this issue but increases fuel consumption.
Car and Driver's highway fuel economy testing returned 28 mpg—greatly exceeding the EPA's 23 mpg highway rating[4]. For reference, a similarly equipped BMW X6 achieved 29 mpg in the same test[4]. Premium fuel is required for optimal performance.
Audi offers the 2025 Q8 in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige[3]. Every Q8 includes:
The dual-touchscreen MMI system handles most controls. J.D. Power praised the surround-view camera as especially helpful for tight parking spots, eliminating guesswork and reducing the chance of minor scrapes[2]. The adaptive cruise control deserves recognition for smooth brake and throttle inputs when maintaining distance from vehicles ahead[2].
The Premium Plus trim ($77,800) adds front seat ventilation, four-zone climate control, and the 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system[3]. Prestige models ($82,700) gain comfort adaptive air suspension, laser headlights, massaging front seats, head-up display, and soft-close doors[3].
For buyers wanting more performance, Audi produces the SQ8 starting at $97,600 with a 500-horsepower twin-turbo V8[1]. The RS Q8 pushes output to 631 horsepower for $136,200[1]. If electric vehicles interest you, consider the Q8 e-tron—though it shares only the name, not the platform.
The 2025 Q8 receives NHTSA's maximum five-star overall safety rating[2]. IIHS testing reveals a more nuanced picture.
| IIHS Test | 2025 Audi Q8 Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front (Driver) | Good[7] |
| Small Overlap Front (Passenger) | Good[7] |
| Moderate Overlap (Updated Test) | Marginal[7] |
| Side Impact (Updated Test) | Good[7] |
| Roof Strength | Good[7] |
| Headlights (Prestige) | Good[7] |
| Headlights (Premium Plus) | Acceptable[7] |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | Advanced[7] |
| Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) | Poor[7] |
| Seat Belt Reminders | Good[7] |
| Child Seat Anchors | Good[7] |
The "Marginal" rating on the updated moderate overlap test deserves attention. While driver injury measures earned "Good" ratings across all categories, rear passenger restraint performance showed weakness—the lap belt moved from the pelvis onto the abdomen during the crash, increasing abdominal injury risk[7]. This represents IIHS's more stringent testing protocol.
The "Poor" rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention reflects mixed automatic braking performance. The Q8 avoided collisions at lower speeds (31-37 mph) but only reduced impact speed partially in 43 mph tests[7]. Notably, the system struggled with motorcycle targets[7].
Edmunds estimates the five-year True Cost to Own for a 2025 Q8 Premium at $95,935, breaking down to approximately $1.28 per mile[3]. The Premium Plus increases to $98,758 ($1.32/mile), while the Prestige reaches $106,140 ($1.42/mile)[3].
| Cost Category | Premium | Premium Plus | Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|
| Depreciation (5 yr) | $37,945 | $39,100 | $44,222[3] |
| Financing | $13,843 | $14,718 | $16,153[3] |
| Fuel | $15,624 | $15,624 | $15,624[3] |
| Insurance | $5,953 | $6,134 | $5,953[3] |
| Maintenance | $9,175 | $9,175 | $9,175[3] |
| Repairs | $2,975 | $2,975 | $2,975[3] |
Independent service options exist for routine maintenance, though complex repairs typically require dealer expertise. The 3.0T engine has demonstrated reasonable durability across the Q7 and Q8 platforms, and long-term reliability data continues to improve.
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
The 2025 Audi Q8 delivers on its promise of flagship luxury with distinctive styling. The combination of a refined cabin, adequate powertrain performance, and real-world efficiency exceeding EPA estimates makes it a compelling choice for style-conscious buyers. Edmunds recommends the Prestige trim for those committed to Audi's flagship—the modest price increase delivers nearly every available feature[3].
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