Audi’s main combustion-powered SUV has been spied wearing camouflage, suggesting a mid-life update is imminent.
Spy pictures show Audi Q8 2024 will receive subtle changes to its front and rear ends.
Up front, there are revised headlight graphics and a modified front bumper.
The grille also now features octagonal patterned inserts.
At the rear, the taillights see a mild update with new LED graphics as well, although the rear bumper looks the same as the current model.
Our spy photographer noted that there appears to be no change to the interior.
With tighter CO2 emission restrictions in Europe, it’s possible Audi could update the Q8’s powertrain, although most models already offer a 48V mild hybrid system.
In Australia, Audi offers a pair of V6-powered Q8s, as well as a V8-powered SQ8 and RSQ8.
The Quattro Q8 50 TDI features a 3.0 liter V6 turbo-diesel with 48V mild hybrid technology, quoting a power output of 210kW and 600Nm of torque.
The Quattro 55 TFSI also gets a 3.0 liter turbocharged V6 petrol with 48V MHEV technology, producing 250kW and 500Nm.
Both versions combine their engines with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
The Quattro SQ8 features a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged petrol engine that cites an output of 373kW and 770Nm of torque. It’s the only member of the wider Q8 family in Australia that doesn’t have a mild hybrid system.
Finally, the flagship RSQ8 gets a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 mild hybrid petrol with 48V technology, producing 441kW and 800Nm.
In Europe, a pair of plug-in hybrid petrol V6 models are also available. Audi hasn’t offered a PHEV in Australia for several years, but will introduce a plug-in version of its popular Q5 this year even as a new generation approaches.
The current Audi Q8 has been introduced for 2019, positioned above the more practical three-row Q7.
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The current Audi SQ8 -
Audi SQ8 e-tron
For 2023, the automaker is renaming its e-tron electric SUV to the Q8 e-tron in a move it claims will reduce confusion.
Both the Q8 and Q8 e-tron use the same basic MLB evo platform, but feature different interior and exterior styling. A more powerful e-tron SQ8 is available, but Audi has declined to introduce the hi-po e-tron RSQ8 in the current generation of the vehicle.
Audi is set to stop production of combustion-powered vehicles in 2033 with the exception of the Chinese market.
It previously confirmed it would launch its last global vehicle with a combustion engine in 2025.
MORE: It’s all Audi Q8