Audi Q8 SUV - Interior & comfort

When we tested the Audi Q8 before its UK launch, the only machines available to drive were fitted with a standard air-suspension system. It's impressive: able to soak up road imperfections comfortably, despite the enormous wheels and unyieldingly low-profile tyres fitted across the Q8 range. The default for UK cars, though, is a sports air-suspension system, and we fear it might be less soothing on long journeys than the standard setup. It's possible, though, that the latter could be offered as an option for those who want smoothness rather than sportiness.

Audi Q8 dashboard

Wisely, Audi hasn't given the Q8 an inappropriately sporty interior. Instead, it's a place of relaxing serenity, with a real upmarket air thanks to a very strong flavour of Audi's prestigious A8 executive saloon. It shares that car's central control system, which looks after infotainment and convenience settings through a pair of glossy touchscreens.

The top, 10.1-inch screen is focused on infotainment, while the lower 8.6-inch panel is dedicated heating, ventilation and drive settings. It's through this panel that Audi's handwriting recognition and text input features are handled – its low position puts it within easy reach of your spare hand, although right-handed drivers might struggle with the handwriting recognition feature.

Similarly hi-tech is Audi's Virtual Cockpit instrument panel, which places a full-colour information display in your line of sight in place of conventional dials. The display is fully configurable and can display an array of information, including high-resolution 3D maps.

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Equipment

The Q8 is offered in a choice of three trim levels. The default is S line – a designation familiar from elsewhere in the Audi range – while the high-end Vorsprung (a German word that means 'taking the lead') acts as flagship, bookending a Black Edition trim.

All the usual niceties – sat nav, climate control, all-round parking sensors, reversing camera and endless other handy features – are standard, along with 21-inch alloy wheels, upholstery in soft Nappa leather and Alcantara suede and full smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Black Edition cars get bigger wheels, a black styling pack and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. The Vorsprung heaps in yet more equipment, including a heads-up display, Bang & Olufsen stereo and a panoramic roof, as well as 'super sport' seats and a four-wheel steering system. 

Options

S line and Black Edition cars can be ordered with a Comfort & Sound package, which bundles the B&O sound system with additional ambient lighting, a 360-degree parking camera and an electric luggage compartment cover. You can add bigger wheels to the S line trim for £1,500, plus a heated steering wheel (£250).

Another option is the 'Tour Package'. This is a suite of semi-autonomous driving assistance features, including an advanced active cruise control that not only matches the speed of traffic ahead, but can also interpret approaching hazards – such as corners and roundabouts – and adjust the car's speed accordingly.

Vorsprung cars come with the full equipment list so the only options are roof rails, carbon-fibre door mirror caps and extended leather upholstery, plus a choice of £750 paint colours.