2020 Audi Q8

Among all, the base Premium trim makes the most sense as it is equivalent in terms of power performance and safety integrity as that of the other siblings. The parallel driving pursuit and adaptive dynamics also expand its dimensions. However, adding the Convenience package at a cost of $850 and the Cold Weather Package at a price of $600 is recommended. Opting for these two brings on heated rear seats & steering wheels along with Audi Side Assist and other safety techs. So, it seems a more fair deal than spending an extra $4,000 on the Premium Plus.

Like most of the Audi, the 2020 Q8 also has three standard trims namely the Premium, the Premium Plus, and the Prestige. The standard list entails the power-heated 8-way front seats along with MMI Navigation unit right from the Premium configuration pricing at $67,400. Along with that, the Audi Virtual Cockpit and inspiring leather upholstery make up for the ambiance inside the cabin. However, the transition of the 20-inch wheels into 21-inch wheels is pretty evident as we move up to the Premium Plus class. Further, it has a few upgraded features as well such as Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium sound system and 12-way adjustable front seats at $71,400. 

On the other hand, the Prestige is the most expensive in the trim strata which comes at an MSRP of $76,550. It harnasses all the features that are subjected to the Premium Plus with an additional array of assets. The same includes Audi adaptive cruise assist, Audi active lane assist with an Emergency assist, Intersection Assist, and many more in the Driver Assistance Package. In addition, the Head-up display and 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System have been kept exclusively for the range-topping Prestige.   

The 2020 Audi Q8 offers a combined 18 mpg fuel economy. A 22.5-gallon fuel tank has also been fitted with it which allows it to travel a range of more than 470 miles at the max. Furthermore, the expected fuel charge as per 5-year operation comes  out to be around $12,000. 

In terms of comparison, the BMW X5 yet again brings the best cost-effectiveness on the table with better performance and miles count. The 569 miles meter of the former is closely followed by the Porsche Cayenne peak tapping of 545 miles.

"The Q8 is a range-topping model for the brand's crossover is packed with luxury and technology." Motor1

The interior of the Audi Q8 has been deluged with 4 leather seat accents in 2020 such as Okapi Brown and Saiga Beige. The comfort, bestowed with the 8-way adjustable front seats in the Premium configuration, is in conjunction with residual heat recirculation. It can further be upgraded to 12-way flex in the Premium Plus. The Piano Black Instrument Panels and Wood Inlays further propound the stature.

The power tilt/telescopic steering wheel with high tech-ends such as voice activation and subscription-based Audi Connect Care, Prime, & Plus is another add-on. The capacity to seat 5, though, might be generic but it gets more practical with a cargo space of 30.5 cu-ft. The space management is flexible too, which can be varied from 30.5 cu-ft to 60.7 cu-ft once all rear seats are folded.    

"The Audi looks immeasurably better than the garish Lambo and the gawky Bentley."- Car and Driver

The 2020 Q8 is an SUV coupe that rides on the 20-inch wheels in its Premium class that are ousted by the 21-inch in the Prestige trim. Those sleek automatic HighBeam LED headlights encompass the metallic-accented grille on the front fascia with a power sunshade on top. The 11 exterior colors including the standard Night Black and additional Samurai Gray Mettalic at a cost of $595 can be cladded as well.  

The S Line can also be availed of which entails the S Line based body kits and badges with body-colored panels. The S Line Plus, on the other hand, features a number of black accent attachments such as the 22-inch wheels and grille inserts & background. However, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Class is one worthy luxury focus with its 9-trim interior coloring and 7-variant exterior finish availablilties.        

Though heaviest among all the rivals, the Audi Q8 still feels nimble in its drive. The dimensions of the Q8 are also at par with others, except for the ground clearance. The margin of 2.2 inches in the ground clearance can give Levante an edge over the former when laden at the maximum payload. Some of the features have been listed below:

• Rear Defrost
• Privacy Glass
• Power Windows
• Sun/Moon Roof
• Panoramic Roof
• Rear Spoiler
• Tires - Front Performance
• Tires - Rear Performance
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Aluminum Wheels

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The Audi has come up with an impressive 2020 Q8 frame that marks a 5-star rating in the NHTSA crash tests and a "Good" rating in the IIHS parameters. Not just that, the Q8 shares the same platform as that of the Lamborghini Urus. The structural integrity is maintained by a high crumple zone both in the front and rear. The same MLB EVO platform is used for the 2020 Audi RS Q8 and 2020 Audi Q7 as well.     

The Audi Q8 sports a host of safety features such as the Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, and Collision Mitigation System. The likes of the Audi Pre Sense and Lane Departure Warning also make it to the list. The level of sophistication further goes on a step further with its Driver Assistance Package with which Adaptive Cruise Control and Intersection Assist can also be availed of in the Prestige trim. Some of the features are: 

• Brake Assist
• Electronic Stability Control
• Daytime Running Lights
• Child Safety Locks
• Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors
• Traction Control
• Blind Spot Monitor
• Auto-Leveling Headlights
• 4-Wheel ABS
• 6 Airbags

2020 Audi Q8 vs 2020 Porsche Cayenne

Both the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q8 are competitive on and off the field. Be it price tag or performance the thrill remains the same. Even the exterior appeal goes hand in hand for the two. In terms of handling as well, no clear favorite can be spelled out. The safety dynamics and tech-ends are also parallel to a large extent. However, it is those extra miles where Porsche highlights the margin and takes the lead in the favorite index.   

2020 Audi Q8 vs 2020 Maserati Levante

Attractively exhilarating and better drag prowess might put the Maserati Levante in lead but with a lower cost and parallel acceleration the Audi Q8 catches up with the former. The ambiance and exterior styling for both are more on the subjective sides where anyone can be preferred. If there has to be one between the two luxuries then it has to be the Audi for its overall stand-out stance and that too after spending a lesser dollar on the line.    

2020 Audi Q8 vs BMW X5

The BMW X5 has been around in the market for quite some time and hence knows the game too well. With quite a similar power, the BMW stands out to be a better performer. Moreover, it is as technologically armed as the Audi Q8, with a better and spacious interior. Moreover, all these are available at a far more economical price. Thus it looks like the X5 stands as one tough competitor for the Audi Q8 to take down.

The Q8 is a fresh entrant in the market, but the Audi has built it in such a way that it has given tough time to most of its rivals. It is quite technologically advanced, filled up with luxurious interiors and is quite a performer in the class. But still, it falls back due to the long-standing rivals which offer the same or in some cases a better option at a more economical price.