Audi Q8 55 TFSI 2019 review: snapshot

The Audi Q8 2019 range will kick off in Australia in January 2019 with the petrol-powered 55 TFSI model.

The list pricing for the Q8 petrol is $128,900 before on-road costs - the same as the 50 TDI diesel version, which is identically equipped. That pricing means the Q8 55 TFSI undercuts the closest BMW X6 (50i - $153,619) and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe (AMG 43 - $145,830) by $24,719 and $16,930 respectively. That’s good news in anyone’s book. 

The 55 TFSI model is powered by a 3.0-litre petrol V6 engine producing 250kW of power and 500Nm of torque. It uses an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive, and is backed by a 48-volt mild hybrid system that helps it save a little bit of fuel by allowing coasting at high speeds and engine shut off when decelerating. Claimed consumption is rated at 9.2L/100km. 

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Explore the 2019 Audi Q8 Range

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Standard gear includes 21-inch alloy wheels, the S line exterior styling pack, adaptive suspension with damper control, adaptive cruise control with lane change assist, a 360-degree camera with kerb view (so you don’t mark those huge rims, obviously!), Valcona leather upholstery, front seats with electric adjustment plus heating and ventilation, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddle shifters, LED headlights (with auto-high beam) and daytime running lights, three-zone climate control, a head-up display, Audi’s 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, and Audi’s new MMI touch response control screen with 10.1- and 8.6-inch screens for media and car controls.

There’s the expected connectivity of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus you get sat nav GPS, DAB digital radio and a 10-speaker sound system.

Safety is covered with auto emergency braking (AEB) up to 250km/h, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist (including steering assist up to 60km/h), lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a forward cross-traffic alert system known as ‘Intersection Assist’. 

Plus, there’s a 360-degree surround-view camera system with AI graphic interface and adjustable view system, front and rear parking sensors, and semi-autonomous park assist.

Of course there’s also the expected array of airbags (dual front, front-side, rear-side, full-length curtain) and the rear seat has dual ISOFIX and three top tether baby seat attachment points.