V8 plays Black Metal

Audi Q8’s mid-range facelift doesn’t bring anything new or original, but it does come with some good news: on the top-of-the-range SQ8, the petrol V8 hasn’t disappeared and it still roars just as well. 507 hp, more than 2 tons? France’s tax chief promises to be ruthless. But due to the benefits of the plants, the penalty should be paid by social security. Our test.

First of all, we must clear up the confusion: remember that there are now two Q8s in the Audi range, since the redesign of the e-tron electric SUV named Q8 e-tron last year. This time, we are talking about the “open” Q8, launched at the end of 2018, the “coupe” variant of the Audi Q7. So the Q8 is to the Q7, to put it simply, what the BMW X6 is to the X5. Less common, especially in France, where customers of these giants in tracksuits prefer their BMW competitorsMercedes GLE Coupé or Porsche Cayenne Coupé… Outside of his preferred markets, especially the US, the Audi Q8 therefore remains a secret model.

Here, the fix serves more as a marketing reminder than a technical update. Fashion has changed a lot. Apart from the design of the front shield, more open work and less muscle (especially visible on the SQ8), the only known development (and even at night) concerns the optical units. : at the front, the headlights receive the latest evolution of Matrix Led lights, as well as lasers. In addition to the cosmetic aspect, the automatic lighting management is further improved and refined. Ditto on the back, with Oled lights.

The overall look of the Q8 therefore remains largely unchanged: a big, sensible car, all things considered. Hardly less outrageous, visually, than colleagues? Not less bulky in any case: 5 m long, 2 m wide (rear steering wheels are not a luxury when driving). On the other hand, about mechanics. the restructuring was accompanied by a major simplification of the range. The diesels disappear, and only the SQ8’s 462 hp PHEV (60 TFSIe) V6 hybrid and 4.0 TFSI V8 remain operational., an engine shared by its cousins ​​the Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus. The 435 hp V8 TDI, which once powered the SQ8 when it was launched, has been retired. As for fans of extreme SUVs, the 600 hp RSQ8 will basically be updated. If the 507 hp of our SQ8 is not enough …

Audi SQ8, behind the wheel: V8 is good for spirit

With music as a bonus, please. This familiar engine has not changed since its debut under the hood of the SQ8. Still 507 hp, and 770 Nm of peak torque, which is clearly enough to shake the mighty SQ8. Better than that, actually: 4.1 seconds to push from 0 to 100 km/h around 2.3 tons, it’s crazy. In fact, competitors post similar (sometimes more brutal) times. But the V8 of this lineage must attract a good following. Fascinating from the start, from a a stentorian whine that has become rare. It comes from the intestines, from the heart, as well as from the exhaust (for once). We move, well, with torque and without effort. There, we benefit from a large block with contained power, provided by a gearbox that is calibrated as needed (8-speed Tiptronic). Smooth, easy, and always with this big metallic bass sound, which waits between 1,500 and 2,000 revolutions.

Then, without half measures, it is correct to raise the volume: open track, fast curves, relatively hilly path (the correct area we will not say, it is not crazy), and gas. As expected, twin-turbo V8 clears its throat again and thunders, without weakening, up to 7,000 revs! The impulse is strong (from 2,000 revs, maximum torque), the acceleration is exciting (3.8 seconds from 80 to 120 km / h), but not so brutal as to make the big Q8 a “real” sports SUV. (really, does it exist?). Thinking of itself as a high-end supercar (not so much: in terms of Power, it seems to have gone down!), it is more work than the RSQ8 or the Cayenne Turbo … Moreover, there is a little restriction in this. SQ8, finally, including in Power mode. The gearbox is more responsive, but not enough to take full advantage of this V8’s incredible potential. As a reminder, the Tiptronic is not a two-speed gearbox.

We couldn’t expect anything else, however. Constantly controlled behavior, erasing any excess, is inevitable: a little generosity or a permissive start often ends up on the guard rail or in the ditch. In its management, Quattro always favors efficiency. In terms of chassis, active anti-roll bars and controlled air suspension reach a Attractive body support. Few movements, even when driving fast, as long as you avoid running it. Comfort becomes a little firmer in Dynamic, at lower speeds, but without affecting the feeling of the road, it is as stable as you like. This is also a limitation: we do not know what is happening under its large 23″ wheels, mounted on 285/35. The investigation also applies to the brakes, which are very painful … three times, maybe four times, if necessary. difficult to stop at a good level Not really made for! Still, a large SUV of this ilk, the feta GT, being fast and fast, is disturbing.

On board the Audi Q8: one of the last Audis of the great era?

It is still spacious (both for passengers and cargo, with 605 l of trunk), The interior of the Audi Q8 does not offer real evolution, like the exterior. This is not a criticism, rather. For once, there is no increase in screen size or digital devices… The Q8 is already equipped in this area! As a reminder, the dashboard layout, shown next to the two screens mounted on top (10.1″ and 8.6″), was introduced on the current A6 and A8. It is quite successful visually, it is not always easy in terms of ergonomics, but we get used to it. The haptic controls, on the lower screen dedicated to the climate, are a good compromise between the touch-everything buttons and the buttons… even if this would always be more practical.

We particularly remember the Q8 for its build quality, and fa precise, flawless start, in the form of models that have contributed to Audi’s image in this area. Unfortunately in a backward state, in terms of conventions and materials, on recent successes. But in Q8, nothing covers the economy. Especially for the SQ8, with extended leather and decorative inserts that are pleasant, and above all not flashy.

Audi SQ8, budget: violent, as expected

Is this really a problem? Audi SQ8 needs at least €135,000, sprinkled with our national penalty of a maximum of €60,000. Hey, let’s round it up to €200,000, car registration and a bit of insurance included. Then, maybe we can worry about the on-board computer that runs around 21 l / 100 km on average, it is true when we take advantage (on average) of the size of this fun V8. But in general, in these fields, there is no real concern of this register.