Audi Q8 SUV S Line (Comfort and Sound Pack) 55 TFSI 340PS Quattro Tiptronic auto 5d Owner Review

I decided to purchase a new Q8 55 TFSI after many months and many alternative car tests. It was a car to replace my much loved and admired VW Phaeton that I bought new and was 10 years old with 120,000 miles. Although I am a committed big diesel fan.....my Phaeton was a V6 TDI, I rather reluctantly went for the petrol engined 55TFSI as it seems that the diesel engine is unfairly now doomed. I drive to Deutschland several times a year and there is a feeling there that diesel engines of whatever Euro spec and however clean will soon be banned from many city centres.

After 15 months and 15,000 miles my impression of the Q8 is that it is quite superb and I have chosen well. Plus points.....and there are many.....are, superb design, superalative engineering and unmatched build quality. The Q8 is comfortable.....the air suspension is superb.... and just about fast enough. It is almost 2 and a half tons and the well known glitch in Audi's auto gearbox sometimes makes the car seem a littke slow witted at junctions or roundabouts. Putting the car into " dynamic " mode helps a bit. Once you recognise the character of the car you do somewhat get used to it.

My only caveat to my choice of car is to anybody looking at a Q8.....think carefully about model and spec. My car is an S line with 21 inch wheels and Comfort and Sound pack. I think the wheels look good and being an old guy now, think the chrome effect around the windows work well. I do understand that some folk will prefer the " Black version " with 22 " wheels. As I have always preferred black cars I think this can be just too overwhelming. Just my opinion you understand ! If tou do go for the Black edition, I actually think it looks better in Daytona Grey to provide a contrast.

So in summary, the Q8 is big and impressive on the road. It certainly makes a staement. Add in that it is quite unique on British roads....as was my VW Phaeton.....I couldn't be more pleased.