Audi's CEO has confirmed that a second-generation Q8 is in the works, though it may still be several years from hitting showrooms.
The confirmation comes from Gernot Döllner, who took the helm in 2023. Speaking to Edmunds, he revealed that the model's future was uncertain when he arrived.
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“To my surprise, there was no decision for a successor, but we changed that,” Döllner said. He added that the redesigned crossover will arrive in the “nearer future.”
Following the Q7's Lead
The new Q8 is expected to continue its relationship with the Q7, just as the current generation does.
That means a sportier roofline and likely the same powertrain options.
Under the hood, the standard Q8 could feature a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 producing 429 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque.
This setup allows the larger three-row Q7 to sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds.
An SQ8 variant is also likely, possibly borrowing the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 from the SQ7, which delivers 591 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.
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The SQ7 achieves 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and tops out at 155 mph.
There's also a chance for another RS Q8, though details remain scarce.
The current RS Q8 packs 631 hp and 627 lb-ft, hitting 60 mph in 3.4 seconds.
While Audi recently unveiled the redesigned Q7 and the all-new Q9, the Q8 had been conspicuously absent.
Rumors even suggested it could be axed as part of cost-cutting measures across the VW Group.
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Now, with the CEO's confirmation, enthusiasts can look forward to a new Q8, even if it's still a ways off.
