Al-Qalam 
By Imraan Buccus
The Audi Q8 has presence. There’s something effortlessly confident about it. It shows the confidence of an upper-end German SUV, and it remains poised, like it knows exactly what it’s doing. It’s not just another big SUV in the car park.
While the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe are great vehicles, the Q8 has a special charisma and presence.
You look at it from the front, and the single-frame grille stands out, enhanced by the LED headlamps. Standard 21-inch alloys give it presence, while available 22-inch wheels suggest you’re here to make more than just an entrance.
The Q8’s cabin is spacious with enough headroom even for your extra-tall cousin, and there’s sufficient space for four occupants to sit comfortably, even on the long drive from Durban to Johannesburg. The Q8 unapologetically prioritises luxury over practicality, but it can also work for the short school runs.
In many ways, the Q8 is a coupé in SUV disguise. It is refined and bold, with choices between the Platinum Edition and the Black Edition. Platinum includes adaptive air suspension and S Line finishes alongside 21-inch wheels. The Black Edition has 22-inch wheels, blacked-out detailing, and privacy glass to keep the world at bay.
A redesigned B-pillar subtly displays the model’s name, and Audi’s new digital headlamps are now customizable. At the rear, OLED tail lights glow, and yes — the tailpipes are real. That may seem like a small detail, but in a world of fake bumper cutouts, it’s a refreshing commitment to authenticity.
Under the bonnet, the 55 TFSI model brings a hybridised 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged petrol engine into play. It delivers 250 kW and 500 Nm of torque, aided by a mild-hybrid system designed not to propel the car on its own, but to enhance efficiency and smooth out the drive. Power is sent to all four wheels through Audi’s quattro system and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The result? A sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Audi claims fuel consumption figures of 9.9 L/100 km. This may not be exactly frugal, but it is respectable for something this powerful and poised.
Step inside and you’re greeted by Audi’s well-earned reputation for refinement. Material quality is excellent, especially with the optional Luxury Package, with abundant soft leather. The dashboard is clean and intuitive, though some may find the gloss-black finishes a little too prone to fingerprints and glare.
The seats are as comfortable as they look, with firm padding and contouring that supports you even on that Durban to Johannesburg trip. In the top Prestige trim, massaging front seats provide unexpected relief, particularly the stronger setting, which worked wonders after a long stretch of sitting. Rear passengers aren’t forgotten either, with ample legroom and a sense of space aided by large windows and a high roofline.
Storage space is practical, though not exceptional. The cupholders are average in size, the central bin is a bit shallow, and the door pockets don’t exactly swallow everything whole. The boot, however, impresses with over 860 litres of loading room, accessed via a standard power tailgate.
But what if you want more? More performance, more noise, more attitude.
Enter the RS Q8 Performance. With a mighty 471 kW and 850 Nm underfoot, this is Audi’s answer to those who believe too much is just enough. It’s a proper performance SUV with supercar statistics, and every drive is a pleasure.
Of course, it also turns every fuel stop into a reality check — but if you’re looking at an RS Q8, you’re likely not concerned about fuel consumption.
The standard Q8 strikes a perfect balance. Stylish without trying too hard, powerful without being intimidating, and comfortable without screaming for attention. It’s a car that carries serious weight in every sense, and as mentioned earlier, it has presence.
The Q8 is a key player in the luxury SUV coupe segment. It has technology that’s ahead of its time, mind-blowing performance and great style. This makes it a vehicle well worth considering if you want to stand out from the pack.
But, yes, the price tag is hefty and you need between R2m and 3,2m to have this beast parked in your garage.
