Audi Q7 vs. Audi Q8: which is better?
Audi’s Q7 and Q8 are spacious models offering plenty of bootspace and roomy interiors – but which is better for you?
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The Q7 and Q8 are two of Audi’s flagship large SUVs, and they might seem very similar at first.
Designed for luxurious family life, both cars are powerful and stylish, and there are plenty of these used Audi options to choose from at a lower price – but which one is right for your lifestyle?
Styling
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True to Audi form, both the Q7 and Q8 are understated yet imposing to look at. They’re also sophisticated without being flashy and carry their size well.
The Q7 is the bigger car and is higher off the ground. In 2019, the Q7 had a facelift that made it sharper, more elegant and better proportioned for a seven-seater SUV.
The Audi Q8, on the other hand, is the sportier-looking SUV when compared to the Q7. It’s a coupé-style SUV, with a sloping roof and big muscular haunches.
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The huge Audi grille takes most of the attention, while Audi decided to make the Q8 more angular and bolder than the softer-edged Q7 or smaller Q5.
The Q7 is very much designed to accommodate seven people in refined style, while the Audi Q8 seats five with a bit more attitude.
Either way, both cars are very good-looking, it just depends on which one combines your tastes and needs.
What are they like to drive?
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Both the Q7 and Q8 Audi models are big vehicles, with the high driving position you’d expect from an SUV.
They’re great if you’re after a family car that commands the road and makes you feel safe and protected.
The Q7 is surprisingly punchy off the mark, and amazingly comfortable, gliding over rough road surfaces.
The diesel engines have better mpg figures than the petrol options but there’s little in it when it comes to performance.
It’s also a very stable towing car and with all-wheel drive it’s suited to all UK weather conditions.
The Q8 drives similarly to the Q7 as it shares the same platform and drivetrains. You get seven different driving modes, and it handles corners impressively well.
If you want more of a “driver’s car” then the RS Q8 comes with bigger 4-litre V8 and that true Audi Sport feeling.
The Q8 comes in two electric forms: The Q8 e-tron and the Q8 e-tron Sportback. Both claim over 300 miles on a single charge.
The Q7 isn’t available in a fully electric form but there is a plug-in hybrid TFSI e option with 25-30 miles of claimed range, which is great for ferrying the family around urban streets.
Interior and technology
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Inside the Q7 and Q8 are, as you’d expect, very alike. Both are well-equipped and luxurious and come with advanced tech. The interiors are sleek and contemporary but not too minimalistic.
You buy an Audi with the knowledge you’re getting beautiful quality. This is true for both the Q7 and Q8, with leather seats, brushed metals and wood trims.
With both SUVs you’ll feel cosseted in luxury but still at home – a bit like a five-star hotel that keeps the wow factor perfectly complimented with down-to-earth simplicity.
The Q7 and Q8 come with impressive tech. All the latest trims have a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 8.6-inch climate control screen as standard as well as a virtual cockpit digital driver’s display.
It’s all configurable and customisable so it’s easy to set it to your favourites for quick scrolling on the go.
All models come with 4G LTE Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Music to your ears, they also have a Bang & Olufsen 23-speaker 3D audio system.
If you want to splash more cash, higher trims have some truly sumptuous extras like massage seats.
Choosing a used Audi Q7 or Q8 model can also help you make savings, especially when opting for higher-specification trim levels that would be more expensive when brand-new.
Boot space and practicality
The obvious difference in terms of practicality between the Q7 and Q8 are the number of seats: the Q7 has seven, while the Q8 only has five.
The seven seats in the Q7 are flexible – the third row can be folded down and the second row slides back and forth on runners to maximise space.
Both the Q7 and Q8 have loads of legroom and can easily fit three adults in the second row.
With the Q7’s third row up, there’s only enough bootspace for a few small bags or a bit of shopping. Fold that down, however, and you’ve got 770 litres to play with. With all the seats down, you have a whopping 1,950 litres.
The Audi Q8 is slighter smaller when it comes to bootspace, with 605 litres, but that’s still more than in rivals like the BMW X6.
Just bear in mind that the sloping coupé roof makes headroom and moving large items like furniture a bit harder than in the Q7.
It’s really a question of whether you have a larger family that needs seven seats or not, as both cars are very practical.
Read our in-depth car reviews:
Safety and reliability
Audi is no stranger to making safe cars for family life. Both cars scored a full five stars in their most recent Euro NCAP crash tests and have impressive onboard safety features and are solidly built.
If you’re after the most reliable Audi Q7 or Q8 cars, then opting for a PHEV or electric version actually means you’ll spend less on maintenance costs.
Electric cars have fewer moving parts so fewer repairs and maintenance are needed.
It's worth noting that premium cars like Audis can be more expensive when it comes to repair costs. The high-quality parts are often pricier, but this does mean that you'll likely won't have to replace them again.
Dimensions:
Audi Q7
Length: 5063mm
Width: 1970mm
Height: 1741mm
Boot space: 770 litres
Audi Q8
Length: 4986mm
Width: 1995mm
Height: 1705mm
Boot space: 650 litres
Verdict: Audi Q7 vs. Audi Q8: which should you buy?
If you’re still struggling to make a call, then hopefully our quick verdict will cement your winner.
If you’re wanting ultimate space and you have a large family, or you often do the school run carpool, the Q7 edges it by a nose.
If you just want a very spacious five-seater but you’re ready to take your first step into the electric world, then we’d seriously suggest the Q8 Sportback.
It’s a brilliant electric SUV that combines driving pleasure and practicality and with the e-tron or e-tron Sportback you can also benefit from EV savings.
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