{"id":3749,"date":"2021-03-03T03:12:42","date_gmt":"2021-03-03T08:12:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/?p=3749"},"modified":"2021-03-03T03:12:42","modified_gmt":"2021-03-03T08:12:42","slug":"2020-audi-q8-technik-55-tfsi-quattro-road-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/2020-audi-q8-technik-55-tfsi-quattro-road-test\/","title":{"rendered":"2020 Audi Q8 Technik 55 TFSI Quattro Road Test"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"2020
Audi’s Q8 Technik 55 TFSI Quattro looks fabulous, even with a utilitarian roof rack on top.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Style. Some have it, and others just don\u2019t. A small handful, on the other hand, are not only in style, but in fact set the trends. Audi has long been one such brand, often lauded for its leadership in design and execution, while the new Q8<\/a> has become one of the automaker\u2019s key style-setters.<\/p>\n

While hardly an initiator in the SUV coupe category, the Q8\u2019s edgy lines and sleek, low-slung profile has certainly made up for lost time. As you may already know, it shares hard points with a number of other Volkswagen group crossover utilities, namely Porsche\u2019s Cayenne Coupe<\/a> and Lamborghini\u2019s Urus, while its MLB platform underpinnings can be found in Audi\u2019s own Q7<\/a>, plus the regular Cayenne<\/a>, Volkswagen\u2019s Touareg (in other markets) and at the other end of the spectrum, Bentley\u2019s Bentayga.<\/p>\n

\"2020
The Q8’s rear design is easily as attractive as its front end.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This means that along with its dashing good looks it\u2019s an SUV that can run with the best in the industry, and believe me the Q8 can hold its own on a curving backroad. The Q8 plays alongside BMW\u2019s X6<\/a> and Mercedes\u2019 GLE Coupe<\/a>, the former being the first-ever SUV coupe, while most others in this sector are much higher priced alternatives such as Maserati\u2019s Levante (which is more of a regular crossover SUV despite being very sleek), Aston Martin\u2019s DBX, and soon Ferrari\u2019s Purosangue.<\/p>\n

The Q8 is not only more affordable than the exotics just mentioned, but my tester\u2019s Technik 55 TFSI Quattro trim line is considerably more approachable than the mid-range SQ8 or top-line RS Q8. Our 2021 Audi Q8 Canada Prices page<\/a> shows suggested pricing of $91,200 plus freight and fees, which adds $8,650 to the price of a base Q8 Progressiv model, while Audi is currently offering up to $4,000 in additional incentives on both 2021<\/a> and 2020<\/a> models, and average CarCostCanada member savings are $3,875.<\/p>\n

\"2020
The standard LED headlamps are stunning.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Q8 arrived for 2019, by the way, and other than an assortment of tech features that have been added to the base Progressiv trim since its initial year, 2019<\/a>, 2020<\/a> and 2021<\/a> versions are mostly the same. The Q8 Technik shown on this page is pretty well fully loaded, so it\u2019s pretty well the same vehicle as a 2021.<\/p>\n

Obviously the Q8\u2019s base price makes its placement within Audi\u2019s SUV hierarchy clear, the sporty mid-sizer positioned above the Q7<\/a>, the two Q5 models, and of course the Q3, at least as far as non-electrics go. Audi has a lineup of EVs now, including the E-Tron and new E-Tron Sportback (Audi-speak for an SUV Coupe), while the second Q5 I just mentioned is another Sportback, making a total of three SUV coupes in the Ingolstadt brand\u2019s lineup.<\/p>\n

\"2020
These painted alloys help this all-black Q8 look particularly menacing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SUV coupes are arguably better looking, unless you\u2019re more of a traditionalist, but there is a trade-off. It comes in the way of rear headroom and cargo capacity, the second row more than adequately sized for most adults, but the Q8\u2019s dedicated luggage space down significantly from the Q7<\/a> and even some of the regularly proportioned five-passenger SUVs it might be up against. Even the GLE Coupe<\/a> offers more room behind its rear seats, but the Q8 edges out the X6<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"2020
The Q8’s cabin is impeccably finished.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Now that we\u2019re talking about practical issues, the base Q8 powertrain delivers decent fuel economy. Driven with a tempered right foot you\u2019ll be able to eke out 13.8 L\/100km in the city, 11.7 on the highway and 12.7 combined, but that\u2019s probably not how you\u2019re going to want to drive it.<\/p>\n

Sorry for the yawn-fest, but I needed to get the mundanities out of the way before talking performance. Fortunately for enthusiasts like us, Audi chose not to go all pragmatic with its Q8 powertrains, leaving the Q7\u2019s 248 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder off the menu and instead opting for its 335 horsepower V6 in base models. That\u2019s a healthy dose of energy for any SUV, but even more for a lighter weight five-passenger ute like the Q8. It pushes out 369 lb-ft of torque as well, all from a 3.0-litre V6-powered with a single turbo, so off-the-line acceleration is strong and highway passing manoeuvres are effortless.<\/p>\n

\"2020
The Q8’s driving environment is amongst the best in its class.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Not as effortless as passing would be in a 500 horsepower SQ8, mind you, or for that matter the near Urus levels of straight-line power offered up by the 591 horsepower RS Q8. These two put 568 and 590 lb-ft of torque down to the tarmac respectively, so launching from standstill would be exhilarating to say the least. Is 3.8 seconds to 100 km\/h good enough for you? That\u2019s as quick as Bentley\u2019s W12-powered Bentayga, and only 0.2 seconds off the Urus\u2019 3.6-second sprint. The mid-range SQ8 is fast too, but 4.3 seconds from zero to 100 km\/h is not quite as awe-inspiring, while the 55 TFSI Quattro\u2019s 6.0-second run is definitely quick enough to leave most traffic behind when the light goes green.<\/p>\n

\"2020
The digital gauge cluster’s multi-info display can be enlarged to take up most o the area.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Speaking of fast, the Q8\u2019s ZF-sourced eight-speed auto is both silky smooth and wonderfully quick-shifting when pushing hard, while Quattro continues Audi\u2019s advanced tradition in all-wheel drive, delivering superb traction in all conditions. Adding to the experience, Audi provides Comfort, Auto, Dynamic (sport), Individual and Off Road \u201cdrive select\u201d modes, the sportiest enhancing the Q8\u2019s direct electromechanical steering design and nicely-tuned five-link front and rear suspension setup, resulting in a luxury SUV that\u2019s comfortable when needed, and plenty of fun through the curves.<\/p>\n

\"2020
The Q8’s centre display will impress.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Comfort is the Q8 55 TFSI Quattro\u2019s primary purpose, however, and one look inside makes this immediately known. Its interior design typifies Audi\u2019s contemporary minimalism, while the quality of materials is second to none. My test model\u2019s cabin was mostly done out in a subdued charcoal grey, other than the large sections of piano black lacquered trim running across the instrument panel and lower console. These perfectly bled into the numerous electronic displays, while Audi added some stylish brown details to visually warm up what could come across as a cold grey motif. Yes, even the open-pore hardwood inlays were stained grey, although ample brushed aluminum trim and the big panoramic sunroof overhead helped to lighten the mood.<\/p>\n

\"2020
A separate display for the HVAC system frees up space on the infotainment screen.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The aforementioned displays brightened the gauge cluster and centre stack too, with attractive graphics and brilliantly clear high-definition resolution. The former, dubbed\u00a0\u201cAudi Virtual Cockpit,\u201d is 100-percent digital and wonderfully customizable, plus can be modded so that the centre-mounted multi-information display takes over the entire screen via a \u201cVIEW\u201d button located on the steering wheel spoke. My favourite choice of multi-info functions for this full-size view is the navigation map, which looks fabulous and frees the centre display for other duties, like scrolling through satellite radio stations, while multi-zone heating and ventilation controls can be found on a separate touchscreen just below.<\/p>\n

\"2020
This is one smooth eight-speed operator.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The previously noted \u201cdrive select\u201d modes can be found on a thin strip of touch-sensitive interface just under the HVAC display. Also included is a button for cancelling traction and stability control, turning on the hazard lights, and selecting defog\/defrost settings. This switchgear, plus all others in the Q8\u2019s well laid out interior, is impressively made.<\/p>\n

Of course, we\u2019ve all come to expect this level of detail from Audi, as is the case for cabin comfort. Of upmost importance to me is any vehicle\u2019s driving position, due to a torso that\u2019s not as long as my legs, therefore once my seat has been powered rearward enough to accommodate the latter, I often require more reach from the telescopic steering column than some models provide in order to achieve maximum control while comfortably holding the rim of the wheel. If that reach isn\u2019t there, I\u2019ve got to crank my seatback to a less than ideal vertical position, which is never a good first impression. In the Q8\u2019s case, nothing I just said was even necessary, other than to point out that its driving position is near perfect.<\/p>\n

\"2020
Ready for supreme comfort? Even including a massage?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Of course, the amply adjustable driver\u2019s seat had much to do with that. It includes an extendable lower cushion that nicely cups under the knees, a favourite feature, while together with the usual fore\/aft, up\/down, recline and four-way lumbar support functions was a wonderful massage feature that gently eased back pain via wave, pulse, stretch, relaxation, shoulder, and activation modes, not to mention three intensity levels. Industry norm three-temperature heatable cushions were combined with three-way cooling, making a very good thing just that much better.<\/p>\n

\"2020
An expansive panoramic sunroof opens up the world.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With my seat pushed back far enough to fit my long-legged albeit still short five-foot-eight frame, I still had more than enough space in all directions, while I could nearly stretch out fully when sitting behind the driver\u2019s seat in the second row. With only two seated in back, the Q8\u2019s wide, comfortable centre armrest can be folded down. It features the usual twin cupholders, plus controls for the power-operated side-window sunshades, which can be operated by someone seated on either side of the rear bench. A climate control interface allows adjustment of another two zones in back, for a total of four. This is where you\u2019ll find buttons for the rear outboard seat heaters.<\/p>\n

\"2020
Rear seat comfort and roominess is above par.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I\u2019ve already mentioned the Q8\u2019s cargo volume, so rather than going down this memory hole one more time I\u2019ll just reiterate that most should find it adequate. It\u2019s very well finished, as you might expect, with full carpeting and a stylish aluminum protective plate on the hatch sill, plus bright metal tie-down hooks at each corner, not to mention a useful webbed storage area to the side. I especially appreciation folding rear seatbacks split in the optimal 40\/20\/40 configuration, which allows for longer items like skis to be stored down the middle while rear occupants benefit from the more comfortable heatable window seats.<\/p>\n

\"2020
The Q8’s cargo compartment isn’t the largest in the class, but it’s not the smallest either.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I\u2019ve already mentioned pricing and likely discounts, but you\u2019ll need to go to CarCostCanada to find out how to access the deals. Their very affordable membership gives you money-saving info on available manufacturer rebates, factory financing and leasing deals, plus dealer invoice pricing that\u2019s like having insider information before negotiating your best deal. Find out how a CarCostCanada membership will save you money on your next new vehicle, and download their free app too, so you can access critical info when you need it most.<\/p>\n

All said, the Q8<\/a> would be a good way to apply all knowledge you\u2019ll gain from a CarCostCanada membership. While practical and fuel efficient, it\u2019s drop-dead gorgeous from the outside in, includes some of the best quality materials available, comes equipped with an impressive assortment of standard and optional features, is wonderfully comfortable in every seating position, and delivers strong performance no matter the road conditions.<\/p>\n

Story by Trevor Hofmann<\/p>\n

Photos by Karen Tuggay<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Style. Some have it, and others just don\u2019t. A small handful, on the other hand, are not only in style, but in fact set the trends. Audi has long been one such brand, often lauded for its leadership in design and execution, while the new Q8 has become one of the automaker\u2019s key style-setters. While […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":3750,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-container-style":"default","site-container-layout":"default","site-sidebar-layout":"default","disable-article-header":"default","disable-site-header":"default","disable-site-footer":"default","disable-content-area-spacing":"default","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[45,350,647,644,122,136,63,36,37,66,645,648,79,78,137,646],"class_list":["post-3749","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-carcostcanada","tag-45","tag-350","tag-55-tfsi","tag-audi","tag-coupe","tag-crossover","tag-luxury","tag-mid-size","tag-midsize","tag-premium","tag-q8","tag-quattro","tag-review","tag-road-test","tag-suv","tag-technik"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3749","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3749"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3749\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3772,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3749\/revisions\/3772"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3750"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3749"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3749"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3749"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}