Audi has slightly tweaked the Q8, its flagship SUV. The 2024 facelift is more subtle touch-up than revolutionary overhaul. It has the same broad-shouldered design, just with a bit more sparkle and a few new toys: A bolder grille, refined lighting and Audi’s latest 2D badge. It’s all about keeping the Q8 front and centre in a competitive luxury SUV market.

So, what’s actually new? The grille now sports a sleeker teardrop pattern, adding a touch of elegance. The front bumper has been subtly reshaped for a more assertive stance. Perhaps the most noticeable update is that Audi’s HD Matrix LEDs now come with laser tech, creating a modern, almost futuristic look that boosts night visibility. At the rear, the Q8 debuts Audi’s customisable OLED taillights, which allows drivers to select different lighting patterns. It ensures that the Q8 leaves a memorable impression both day and night.

Inside, it’s the familiar, high-quality Audi design. The three-screen setup: A sharp 10.1-inch main display above, an 8.8-inch lower screen for climate control, and the Virtual Cockpit digital driver’s display. Surprisingly, it still lacks wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which is quite a miss in 2024.

Audi has upped the ante with new decor choices, though. There’s wood, carbon-fibre, and aluminium trims. Features? Plenty. A Bang & Olufsen sound system, panoramic sunroof, soft-close doors, four-zone climate control, and ambient lighting. But, surprisingly, there’s no seat ventilation, and the steering adjust is still manual.

Rear passengers, though, get VIP treatment, with plush seats and plenty of leg room, all of which make the Q8 as practical as it is posh. Boot space is abundant too. Owners have ample room for road trip essentials or city shopping hauls.

Under the hood, Audi has wisely retained the 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, which delivers 340 horsepower and a healthy 500 Nm of torque. It delivers smooth, effortless power rather than sportscar-like aggressiveness. Acceleration is brisk, with the Q8 reaching 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds. However, the power delivery leans more toward relaxed, luxurious cruising than adrenaline-packed driving.

One of the more notable changes in the 2024 model is Audi’s decision to swap out the previous air suspension for a more traditional steel setup. On paper, this might raise concerns about ride quality, particularly over rough surfaces or with lower-profile tyres. However, the Q8 glides comfortably over city streets. It’s not quite as supple or floaty, but it handles itself admirably.

The 2024 Q8 is, without a doubt, still a head-turner, but the few missed opportunities are hard to ignore. The lack of seat ventilation and some infotainment updates might make it feel a bit less cutting-edge than competitors. However, for die-hard Audi fans and Q8 loyalists, it’s a worthy facelift. The Q8 remains a strong contender in the luxury SUV arena, even if newcomers to the brand might find its ₹1.17 crore price tag hard to fully justify.

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