Audi Q8 SUV - Practicality & boot space

The Q8 takes up just as much space on the road as its less rakishly styled Q7 sister, but is far less of a family holdall. In fact, its inevitable SUV categorisation is a bit of a misnomer – not only is the Q8 not especially sporty, but it falls rather short on utility, too. It's most certainly a vehicle, though, and one that offers a commanding view from the driving seat, which is the big draw of this kind of car.

Audi Q8 interior space & storage

Like the Q7, the high-riding Q8 requires a bit of physical exertion to climb into, but once you're behind the wheel, it's a very relaxing place to be. Front-seat occupants are well catered for – you sit a little lower than in a Q7, but visibility is still good through the front and side windows. The front seat mechanism offers a huge range of adjustment, as does that for the steering wheel.

Despite the curvaceous roofline, rear-seat passengers aren't too hard done by, either. Most will find headroom adequate and the wide interior allows plenty of space for elbows. Nor will many complain about a lack of legroom – a tall adult can still sit behind a tall driver without a serious need to splay knees. The Q8's sculpted form rules out a third row of seats, though – this is a strict five-seater.

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Boot space

A five-seater with a big boot, though. The Q8 can't match its seven-seat sister for load space – that car offers 770 litres for your luggage in five-seat mode – but it trumps the BMW X6 for baggage capacity. In fact, the Q8 offers 605 litres – 25 more than its rival. The boot doesn't lend itself to heavy-duty work, though – the svelte lines of the bodywork mean you'd struggle to fit a washing machine in the boot, and bicycles may need to travel on the roof.

Due to where the battery is placed, plug-in hybrid versions get a 505-litre boot.