2020 Audi Q8 50 TDI quattro price and specs

The diesel variant arrived in Australian showrooms this month, joining the petrol-powered Audi Q8 55 TFSI quattro variant as the second available option in the large luxury SUV range.

The 50 TDI will be priced from $129,900 plus on-road costs – the same starting price as its 55 TFSI sister car.

The new arrival scores the same mild-hybrid powertrain as the more family-friendly Audi Q7 50 TDI already on sale here, with a 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 producing 210kW and 600Nm of torque and capable of a 0-100km/h sprint in 6.3 seconds.

Comparatively, the 55 TFSI's 3.0-litre turbo petrol V6 engine outputs 250kW and 500Nm.

The 50 TDI's engine is paired to an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive, while fuel economy and efficiency is enhanced by the addition of 48 volt mild-hybrid technology.

Audi claims this mild-hybrid assistance can deliver fuel savings of up to 0.7L per 100km, bringing the 50 TDI's claimed combined fuel consumption figure to 6.9L/100km.

Both models in the Q8 range have been awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating, with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality and traffic jam assist, lane departure warning, pre-sense front and rear, lane change warning, cross traffic assist rear and 360-degree camera as standard.

The standard equipment list on both Q8 offerings includes 21-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with high beam assist, adaptive suspension with camper control, an electric tailgate and electrically adjustable leather seats with front heating and ventilation.

Audi's virtual cockpit is also standard, as is Audi's Connect Plus interface, plus wireless phone charging and smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Q8 50 TDI buyers also have the option of adding an $11,100 Premium Plus package which includes 22-inch alloy wheels, adaptive air suspension, HD Matrix LED headlights, Privacy glass, 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, 4-zone air conditioning with rear touch control panel and the colour interior lighting package.

Another optional addition is the Full Leather package, which adds Nappa leather finishes for an extra $8900.

The Q8 50 TDI will receive Audi's three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and buyers have the option of an Audi service plan package, priced at $2040 for three years or $2960 for five years.

In the third quarter of this year, the two existing Q8 variants will be joined by a performance RS Q8 offering with a twin-turbo 4.0-litre petrol V8, while a twin-turbo diesel V8-powered SQ8 TDI is also expected in May this year.

2020 Audi Q8 price and specs

Q8 50 TDI quattro – $129,900

Q8 55 TFSI quattro – $129,900

All prices listed exclude on-road costs.