The Audi Q8 Review: A return to quiet luxury

There is something refreshing about a luxury car that doesn’t need to announce itself. The Q8 sits with the kind of understated presence that suggests good breeding rather than new wealth. No aggressive chrome, no shouty styling lines—just clean proportions and a sense that it belongs wherever it parks.

Those laser headlights can cycle through four different signature patterns, but even that party trick feels restrained. It’s luxury that whispers rather than screams out loud.

First Day Out

Delhi traffic is where you really test a car’s manners, and the Q8 navigates it all with easy confidence. Despite its size, it never feels unwieldy or intimidating to drive. The visibility is excellent, the steering weights up just right, and you’re always aware of exactly where the corners are.

What strikes you immediately is how naturally everything works. The doors close with a solid, bank-vault thunk. The seats adjust with quiet precision. Even the way the indicator stalks click feels considered and substantial. These are the details that separate real luxury from the flashy stuff.

Interior Refinement

Step inside and you’re surrounded by materials that feel expensive without trying to prove it. The leather is soft but not ostentatious, the metal trim catches light subtly, and everything operates with that satisfying German precision. It’s the automotive equivalent of a well-tailored suit—quality that’s immediately apparent but never showy.

The rear seats deserve special mention. While most coupe SUVs treat rear passengers as an afterthought, the Q8 provides genuine space and comfort. Adults can stretch out back there, and the flat roofline means no awkward ducking. It’s thoughtful design that prioritises substance over pure style.

On the Move

The 340hp V6 embodies the same philosophy as the rest of the car. It’s smooth, refined, and delivers its power without drama. No theatrical exhaust notes or aggressive turbo whooshes—just clean, linear acceleration that gets you where you’re going without fuss.

The suspension setup strikes an interesting balance. It’s firm enough to feel connected to the road while remaining comfortable for daily driving. On highways, it settles into a composed cruise that eats up miles effortlessly. Even on Delhi’s challenging surfaces, it maintains its composure while keeping you informed about what’s happening beneath.

The handling surprised me. For something this substantial, it changes direction with real precision and stays remarkably flat through corners. There’s genuine driving enjoyment here, but it’s delivered with a sophisticated touch rather than boy-racer dramatics.

Second Day Appreciation

Living with the Q8 for another day reinforced that first impression of thoughtful luxury. The Bang & Olufsen sound system delivers music with clarity and depth. The panoramic sunroof adds genuine airiness to the cabin. Four-zone climate control works silently and effectively.

These aren’t flashy features that grab headlines, but they’re the kind of details that make daily life more pleasant. The wireless charging works reliably, the 360-degree cameras provide genuinely useful views, and the infotainment covers all the basics without unnecessary complexity.

Understated Luxury

What becomes clear over time is how the Q8 prioritises substance over spectacle. The build quality is excellent—panel gaps are tight, materials feel premium, and everything operates with mechanical precision. It’s the kind of solidity that suggests the car will age gracefully rather than feeling dated in a few years.

The 605-litre boot is properly practical, easily swallowing weekend luggage without complaint. The coupe styling doesn’t compromise functionality the way it often does in rivals. It’s a rare example of having your cake and eating it too.

The Value of Restraint

At ₹1.17 crore, the Q8 positions itself as a thinking person’s luxury SUV. You’re not paying for the latest gimmicks or the most aggressive styling. Instead, you get well-executed fundamentals and quality that feels built to last.

It’s not trying to be the fastest or the most tech-heavy option in its class. But in an era of increasingly complex and flashy luxury cars, there’s real appeal in something that just focuses on doing the important things really well.

Lasting Impression

After a few days, the Q8 feels like a car that would wear well over time. It’s not the kind of vehicle that impresses through shock value or cutting-edge features. Instead, it wins through solid engineering, thoughtful design, and that increasingly rare quality in luxury cars: restraint.