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Body

class: full-size luxury coupe-suv body style: 5-door fastback suv seating: 5 layout: front-engine, all-wheel drive (quattro)

Engine

engine: 3.0l twin-turbo v6 tfsi (48v mild hybrid) power: 340hp (250kw) @ 5,000–6,400rpm torque: 500nm @ 1,370–4,500rpm 0-62mph: 5.9 seconds top speed: 155mph (limited)

Transmission

transmission: 8-speed tiptronic automatic drive: quattro all-wheel drive

Dimensions

wheelbase: 2,995mm length: 4,986mm width (excl. mirrors): 1,995mm height: 1,705mm kerb weight: 2,065kg

Hire an Audi Q8 in the UK

The Audi Q8 is the flagship SUV in the standard Audi range, positioned above the Q7 in price and specification and below the RSQ8 in performance. It sits on the same MLB Evo platform as the Q7 and shares the same 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6 TFSI engine producing 340HP, the same S tronic gearbox and the same quattro all wheel drive. The fundamental difference between the Q8 and the Q7 is the body. Where the Q7 has an upright roofline designed to maximise interior space across three rows, the Q8 has a fastback roofline that slopes from the B-pillar to the tailgate in a single continuous arc. This gives the Q8 a more distinctive exterior profile at the cost of rear headroom and the third row of seating. The Q8 seats five passengers across two rows. With the rear seats up, the boot holds 605 litres. With the rear seats folded, capacity rises to 1,755 litres. The car is 77mm shorter than the Q7 overall but shares an almost identical wheelbase of 2,995mm, which means the cabin length between the front seats and the rear seats is comparable. Most of the length difference is in the shorter rear overhang that the fastback roofline creates. Adaptive air suspension is standard on S line specification and adjusts ride height across a 90mm range depending on driving mode and speed.

Q8 vs Q7 – which one?

The Q8 and the Audi Q7 use the same engine, the same platform and the same drivetrain. For a group requiring seven seats the Q7 is the only option. For five passengers the Q8 provides comparable cabin length with a more distinctive exterior design and a slightly sportier driving character the lower roofline lowers the centre of gravity marginally and the Q8 sits on a slightly lower suspension tune as standard. For luggage capacity the Q8 has 605 litres to the Q7’s 770 litres with rear seats in use, so the Q7 has more practical boot space. The choice between the two comes down to passenger numbers and whether exterior design matters: the Q7 is the practical family choice, the Q8 is the design led choice for five.

The Q8 on UK roads

The Q8 behaves on UK roads in a very similar way to the Q7. The same 340HP V6 provides relaxed motorway pace, the 48-volt mild hybrid system enables cylinder deactivation at cruise speeds, and the air suspension in comfort mode absorbs UK road surfaces well. The fastback roofline creates a slightly more aerodynamically efficient shape than the Q7 at motorway speeds, and wind noise suppression is marginally better as a result. The car is 1mm wider than the Q7 at 1,995mm excluding mirrors, which is a negligible difference in practice. For urban use the 8 speed automatic gearbox and the progressive steering make the Q8 easy to manage despite its 4,986mm length. For motorway journeys, family trips across the UK, or group airport transfers with five passengers, the Q8 covers all requirements at a level of interior quality that puts it clearly in the premium SUV category.

Audi Q8 self-drive hire requirements

To hire the Audi Q8 with Starr Luxury Cars you will need a full UK or EU driving licence held for a minimum of 3 years, no more than 6 penalty points, and be at least 25 years of age. A refundable security deposit is required at the time of booking. Standard packages include 100 miles per day. Additional mileage can be pre purchased at the time of booking.

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