2024 Audi Q8 facelift unveiled with SQ8 flagship

The facelifted 2024 Audi Q8 – the sportier-looking five-seat alternative to the seven-seat Q7 SUV – has been unveiled ahead of its European showroom arrival later this year.

The updated Q8 – a rival for the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe – gains a revised exterior design that brings it in line with its newly-renamed electric counterpart, the Q8 E-Tron, which is the fresh moniker applied to the facelift of the large E-Tron electric SUV.

It is due to reach local Audi showrooms mid next year.

For 2024 the Q8 adopts a restyled front end with a reshaped grille featuring a new insert, as well as a revised lower bumper, Audi's latest subtly-revised four-rings logo, and black trim on top-of-the-range models.

New 'HD Matrix LED' headlights are now available as an option – as an upgrade over the standard matrix LED lights with laser functions – while an OLED tail-light bar now features at the rear.

There are also new alloy wheel designs between 21 and 23 inches in diameter, as well as new Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red paint options.

Changes to the flagship Audi SQ8 performance variant include a reshaped front lip spoiler, a new underride guard, and a revised rear diffuser.

Inside, the infotainment system has been updated to support third-party apps such as Spotify and Amazon Music – in addition to the apps available through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto – as well as an app store in vehicles sold in certain markets.

The digital instrument cluster now shows a lane change warning, the distance from the car, truck, or motorcycle ahead and, in some markets, information on when the traffic light will go green.

The Audi Q8 engine line-up appears unchanged, with 55 TFSI petrol V6, 50 TDI diesel V6 and SQ8 TFSI petrol V8 options.

The 3.0-litre turbo petrol V6 in the Q8 55 TFSI produces 250kW/500Nm, the 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 in the 50 TDI develops 210kW and 600Nm, and the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 in the SQ8 quotes 373kW and 770Nm.

The SQ8 – which is now fitted with the petrol V8 as standard globally – claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.1 seconds.

The updated 2024 Audi Q8 range is due in European showrooms in the coming weeks.