As Audi’s biggest and most expensive crossover, the 2020 Q8’s loaded with tech that you’d expect in a luxury, flagship SUV.
Not much has changed inside since the car was new last year, except “base” models get more of the standard good stuff. (Base, by the way, in a crossover that starts at nearly $70,000 is entirely relative.)
We give the Q8 points above average for good standard equipment, a good infotainment system, and some compelling options. Others in the class pile high the options list, while Audi’s baked in the popular features as standard equipment. It’s an 8 here.
Like last year, the Q8 is available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim levels. The base 2020 Q8 Premium costs $69,195, including mandatory destination charges. Fully loaded, a top-end Q8 Prestige can run up to nearly $80,000—where the SQ8 and RS Q8 start. The SQ8 costs at least $90,000 for Premium Plus models.
Every Q8 gets heated front seats, 20-inch wheels, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment with smartphone-compatibility software, Bluetooth connectivity, panoramic sunroof, active safety features (that we cover above), leather upholstery, wood trim inside, navigation, a panoramic sunroof, and an 8.6-inch touchscreen for vehicle functions and climate controls.
At the top, the Q8 Prestige costs $78,695 and includes 21-inch wheels, a head-up display, premium audio, a surround-view camera system, four-zone climate control, uprated headlights, and a suite of driver-assistance features.
We’d hit the goldilocks spot in the middle at the Premium Plus trim level that costs $5,500 less than the top-dollar model and only skips the head-up display, leather dashboard, and matrix headlights. All three trim levels are luxury-grade crossovers, but the money saved on the top-dollar version is better spent on an air suspension that’s optional on Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels and costs $2,750. We’d also add Audi’s active driving assistants for $1,750 that can help keep the Q8 centered in its lane, stop and go in heavy traffic, and includes a stoplight timer compatible in some cities that will display how long the car will sit in an intersection. It’s particularly handy for busy parents or multi-tasking drivers to know how long they can anticipate staying stationary while reaching for objects in other seats.
Other popular upgrades include a $600 cold weather package that adds heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.
All Audis get a 4-year/50,000-mile comprehensive warranty.
Review continues below