The Audi Q8 line-up continues as a four-strong family into 2022, including the SQ8 and RSQ8 performance models.

    Headline changes for the 2022 model year include the SQ8’s switch from TDI diesel to TFSI petrol power, while prices are up across the board compared to last year.

    As reported by CarExpert in February, the company’s local division cited “rising material costs and continued supply challenges” as the reason for its pricing adjustments.

    The range kicks off at $135,300 plus on-road costs for the entry-level Q8 50 TDI quattro S line, and climbs to $221,300 before on-roads for the manic RSQ8 flagship.

    Pricing

    • 2022 Audi Q8 50 TDI quattro S line: $135,300 (+$4900)
    • 2022 Audi Q8 55 TFSI quattro S line: $135,900 (+$4900)
    • 2022 Audi SQ8 TFSI quattro: $169,600 (+$3100)
    • 2022 Audi RSQ8 quattro: $221,300 (+$7400)

    Prices exclude on-road costs

    Engines

    The Q8 50 TDI quattro features a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel with 48V mild-hybrid technology, quoting outputs of 210kW (3500-4000rpm) and 600Nm (1750-3250rpm).

    The 55 TFSI quattro, meanwhile, gets a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol also with 48V MHEV tech, producing 250kW (5000rpm) and 500Nm (1370-4500rpm).

    Both versions team their engines with an eight-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.

    The 50 TDI claims to sprint from 0-100 in 6.3 seconds, while the 55 TFSI is slightly quicker at 5.9 seconds.

    Under the bonnet of the new SQ8 TFSI quattro is a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine featuring Cylinder on Demand (CoD) technology, good for 373kW (5500rpm) an 770Nm (2000-4000rpm). For reference, the petrol SQ8 has is up 53kW but down 130Nm on the old SQ8 TDI.

    Audi claims a 4.1-second sprint from 0-100 in the SQ8 TFSI, which is a 0.7-second gain on the outgoing diesel.

    Finally, the RSQ8 gets a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol shared with the likes of the Audi RS6 super wagon and Lamborghini Urus, tuned to deliver a massive 441kW (6000rpm) and 800Nm (2200-4500rpm). It also features a 48V MHEV system unlike the SQ8 TFSI.

    Again, the RSQ8’s powertrain is teamed to an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. According to Audi, 0-100 takes just 3.8 seconds.

    Fuel Economy

    • Audi Q8 50 TDI: 6.9L/100km*
    • Audi Q8 55 TFSI: 9.2L/100km*
    • Audi SQ8 TFSI: 12.0L/100km**
    • Audi RSQ8: 12.1L/100km***

    *Based on 21-inch wheel specification
    **Based on 22-inch wheel specification
    ***Based on 23-inch wheel specification

    Dimensions

    The Audi Q8 measures 4986mm long, 1995mm wide and 1705mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2995mm.

    It offers 605L of luggage space with five seats in use, expanding to 1755L with the rear bench folded.

    All models are rated to tow 3500kg (braked) with a maximum towball weight of 350kg.

    Servicing and Warranty

    All new Audi models delivered in Australia from January 1, 2022 are covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty – including Audi Sport (S and RS) as well as e-tron (EV) models.

    The recent change aligns Audi with the wider Volkswagen Group in Australia (VW, Skoda, Cupra) as well as rival luxury brands including Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Jaguar Land Rover, Volvo and Genesis.

    Scheduled maintenance for all engine variants is required every 12 months or 15,000 kilometres – whichever comes first.

    Audi’s five-year Genuine Care Service Plan costs $3180 upfront for the 50 TDI and 55 TFSI, and $4180 for the RSQ8. Service pricing for the new SQ8 TFSI hasn’t been confirmed yet, though the previous SQ8 TDI’s plan was $4100.

    Safety

    The Audi Q8 wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating with 2019 datestamp, based on tests conducted by Euro NCAP. However, the rating doesn’t apply to SQ8 or RSQ8 models, which remain unrated.

    Category scores included 93 per cent for adult occupant protection, 88 per cent for child occupant protection, 71 per cent for vulnerable road user protection, and 75 per cent for safety assist.

    Standard safety equipment includes:

    • Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
      • City and Interurban speeds
      • Pedestrian and Cyclist detection
      • Junction assist
    • Lane departure warning
    • Lane-keep assist
    • Blind-spot monitoring
    • Rear cross-traffic assist
    • Adaptive drive assist
      • Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
      • Distance indicator
      • Traffic jam assist
      • Lane guidance assist
    • Collision avoidance assist (evasive steer)
    • High-beam assist
    • 360-degree camera system
    • Front and rear parking sensors
    • Exit warning system
    • 8 airbags incl. rear-side for 2nd row

    Standard Equipment

    Q8 50 TDI and 55 TFSI highlights:

    • 21-inch alloy wheels
    • S line exterior package
    • LED headlights
    • High-beam assist
    • Adaptive air suspension
    • Power tailgate
    • Exterior mirrors, heated with kerb-side function
    • Heated washer jets
    • Rear privacy glass
    • Keyless entry with push-button start
    • 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus
    • MMI navigation plus with MMI touch response
      • 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display
      • 8.6-inch touchscreen for climate, navigation handwriting
      • Apple CarPlay (wireless) and Android Auto (wired)
      • DAB+ radio
      • Voice control
    • Audi connect plus Navigation & Infotainment services*
      • Online traffic info with hazard alert
      • Destination entry via myAudi or Google Maps
      • Parking information
      • Weather
      • Fuel prices
      • Google Services
    • Audi connect plus Security & Assistance services**
      • Car finder with remote signal
      • Remote lock and unlock
      • Emergency call
      • Online roadside assistance
    • Audi phone box light (wireless phone charger)***
    • 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, 730W
    • Head-up display
    • Auto-dimming rear view mirror
    • Sport leather steering wheel
    • Electric steering column adjustment***
    • Sport front seats
    • Valcona leather upholstery with embossed S logo
    • Electric front seats with memory
    • Heated front seats
    • Inlays in matte brushed aluminium
    • LED colour interior lighting package (30 colour)
    • Tri-zone climate control
    • Electric luggage compartment cover***

    The Premium plus package ($5600) adds:

    • 22-inch alloy wheels (choice of 2 designs)
    • Adaptive air suspension sport (15mm lower ride height)
    • HD Matrix LED headlights w/ front and rear dynamic indicators
    • 4-zone climate control

    The Full leather package ($3300) adds:

    • Extended fine Nappa leather upholstery
      • Centre console
      • Door armrests
      • Upper instrument panel
      • Lower instrument panel
      • Door rails incl. door pockets
    • Electric sunblinds for rear side windows
    • Manual sunblind for rear window

    SQ8 TFSI adds:

    • 22-inch alloy wheels
    • Red brake calipers
    • Dynamic steering package
      • All-wheel steer
      • Variable ratio steering
    • Adaptive air suspension sport
    • HD Matrix LED headlights w/ front and rear dynamic indicators
    • S body styling
    • Power-assisted door closure
    • S sport front seats with integrated front headrests
    • Ventilated front seats
    • 4-zone climate control
    • Anti-theft alarm
    • Control button in black gloss with haptic feedback
    • Extended aluminium look for control buttons
    • Lower elements in leather
      • Door armrests
      • Centre console
      • Contrast stitching

    The Sensory package ($13,900) adds:

    • Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced audio, 1920W, 23 speakers
    • Alcantara headliner in black
    • Front seat massage function
    • Front and rear heated seats
    • Full leather package
    • Electric sunblinds for rear side windows
    • Manual sunblind for rear window
    • Air quality package
      • incl. ioniser and perfume
      • 2 perfumes available in 4 intensities

    RSQ8 adds:

    • 23-inch alloy wheels (3 designs $NCO)
    • Active roll stabilisation
    • Quattro sport differential (rear LSD)
    • RS sport adaptive air suspension
    • RS high-performance braking system
    • RS sport exhaust in black
    • Black exterior styling package
    • RS body styling
    • RS sport front seats with integrated headrests
    • Full leather package
    • Inlays in matte aluminium race, anthracite
    • Air quality package
      • incl. ioniser and perfume
      • 2 perfumes available in 4 intensities
    • Electric steering column adjustment
      • Entry and exit function
      • Memory function
    • Electric luggage compartment cover
    • Audi phone box light (wireless charger)

    The Sensory package ($9700) adds:

    • Alcantara headliner in black
    • Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced audio, 1920W, 23 speakers
    • Front seats with massage function

    The RS dynamic plus package ($19,500) adds:

    • RS ceramic brake system
    • Red brake calipers
    • Also available with blue and grey calipers
    • Top speed increased to 305km/h

    The RSQ8 is also available with matte aluminium ($NCO) or carbon and black ($9100) exterior styling packages, as well as RS design packages ($2900) for the interior in Red or Grey themes.

    *Audi connect plus Navigation & Infotainment services are provided through a SIM card installed in the vehicle. The costs of calls and data connections are included in the price of the services. Audi connect plus services are valid for three years after vehicle delivery. Emergency call and Audi Service Request are valid for 10 years after vehicle delivery

    **Audi connect plus Security & Assistance are provided through a SIM card installed in the vehicle. The costs of calls and data connections are included in the price of the services. The services provided by Audi are only available within the coverage of the mobile phone network. The services are generally provided for at least one year and up to three years from vehicle delivery. The emergency call service is provided for up to 10 years from vehicle delivery

    ***Due to global component shortages, certain standard and optional equipment are not currently available to order

    MORE: Everything Audi Q8
    MORE: Everything Audi SQ8
    MORE: Everything Audi RSQ8

    James Wong

    James is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Before joining CarExpert.com.au in 2020, James has worked at leading auto media outlets including Carsales and CarAdvice, as well as at Pulse agency for Ford Australia's communications team. In 2019 James made Mumbrella's 'Top 20 most prolific web authors in Australia' list after publishing 1,360 articles between March 1, 2018 and February 28, 2019 for CarAdvice. James is also an Ambassador for Drive Against Depression – an Australian charity whose mission is to support mental wellness through the freedom of driving and a shared love of cars.

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