Audi’s flagship SUV recently entered the fourth production year and that clearly indicates that the bigger changes could occur in the near future. According to some reports, that could happen already in the next year, with the 2023 Audi Q8. This model is expected to receive a facelift, mainly with cosmetic changes. Novelties on the inside are possible too, while some sources also speculate about modifications to the high-performance RS Q8 model.
In any case, this update will keep the mid-size SUV competitive for another few years. It is a pretty impressive vehicle, which has a lot of great things to offer. We like its interior design very much, as well as a pretty long list of standard and available equipment. Furthermore, the handling is composed, while the powertrain lineup is wide. On the other hand, the biggest complaints go to things like poor fuel economy and high starting price.
Considering the updates, the 2023 Audi Q8 could arrive a little bit earlier than usual, but still within the second half of the year.
2023 Audi Q8 Design
As we’ve just mentioned, the 2023 Audi Q8 will receive a mid-cycle refresh if we can trust the latest rumors. According to these reports, the updates will come in Audi’s typical fashions, which means we won’t be seeing any radical changes. Instead, we will see subtle styling changes, with minor tweaks in certain areas, particularly at the front. The rear end could come with a few tweaks as well, while we also count on typical updates, such as new color options, new wheels and similar things.
On the other hand, we don’t expect changes in terms of mechanics. The current model already features a pretty refined setup, which includes a standard air suspension. This SUV offers a very smooth and comfortable ride but the handling is quite good too.
Interior
Audi’s vehicles are known for excellent interior designs and the Q8 is no exception. It features one of the nicest cabins in the class, characterize by high-quality materials and excellent build quality, with lots of attention to detail. Furthermore, the amount of tech features is impressive, which makes this cabin looks even better. Therefore, it’s hard to believe that the 2023 Audi Q8 could bring more important updates on the inside. We expect to see a familiar layout, though there is always room for minor tweaks in terms of new color schemes, new trim and similar things.
When it comes to practicality and overall functionality, there is nothing to complain about. The front seats are massive and supportive, with plenty of passenger space. The second row also accommodates adults with a high level of comfort and offers plenty of headroom, despite the sloping roof design. When it comes to the cargo area, you may count on about 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats and 60.7 cubic feet with these seats folded, which is about average for the segment.
Features
We presume that this update would bring some novelties regarding the standard and available equipment. Still, keep in mind that the current model is already very generous in this aspect, so we don’t expect to see too many changes.
For reference, the current model already comes standard with goodies like a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.1- and 8.6-inch touch screens, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, two USB ports, HD Radio, a 10-speaker stereo, a Wi-Fi hot spot, keyless entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. Among upgrades, you can find available features like four-zone climate control, ambient lighting, 17- and 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound systems, and a smartphone charging pad.
The same is expected with safety features. The current model already comes standard with goodies like a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert etc.
2023 Audi Q8 Engines
This aspect shouldn’t bring changes, though we won’t exclude the possibility to see some of the engines with a slight power boost. Base models will continue with a 3.0-liter turbo V6, which puts out around 335 horsepower. It offers decent driving dynamics, which will satisfy most drivers. For those who prefer something more capable, the SQ8 will continue with the same 4.0-liter V8 with 500 horsepower. The same engine powers the high-performance RS Q8, where the max output goes up to 591 pound-feet of torque.
All units come coupled with 8-speed automatic transmission. What we don’t like is the fuel economy. Even the base engine features very low ratings for the class. You may count on no more than 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
2023 Audi Q8 Release Date and Price
We expect to see 2023 Audi Q8 in the second half of the year, with a starting price of around 71.000 dollars. Of course, models like BMW X6, BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE will remain key competitors.
