2025 Audi Q8: A true embodiment of “vorsprung durch technik”

Yes, it’s no surprise that Audi’s flagship SUV is loaded with all the cool toys one can think of and then some and you wouldn’t even have to dig deep in your pocket for the RS version. In this National Technology Day special feature, we dive deep into the sophisticated tech that the 2025 Audi Q8 offers to its customers.

With each passing model year, Audi keeps evolving their line-up in all the facets of their philosophy of “vorsprung durch technik”, which translates to “progress through technology”. An insightful advertising exec, John Hegarty, chanced upon the catchphrase on a wan poster on the wall of a factory in Ingolstadt, Germany some 30 years after it had been pasted there. He saw it as the perfect vessel which could carry the brand's ethos and driving force for years to come. The once abandoned quote in the postwar landscape, snowballed to become not only Audi’s but became the direction Germany took to move past its dark history.

Audi’s fascination with AWD began with learnings in the mid-70s, during the early developmental stages of Volkswagen Type 183, a tactical military vehicle codenamed ‘Iltis’ meaning ‘European polecat’. VW’s proposal to the German military was extensively tested on snow and ice as it was meant to mimic its namesake. In theory, the system was to power all four-wheels of the vehicle with a combination of mechanical differentials, a self-locking diff in the centre and an open diff on the rear axle. The distribution of torque was tuned in a ratio of 40:60, making the setup rear-biased, as nearly 60 per cent of the torque was to be channelled through the rear diff to the rear wheels. Unlike the typical 4x4 systems where driver input is needed to switch to low-range mode for additional grip, the all-wheel drive system works independently, without the need for the driver’s input as far as the transfer of torque between front and rear is concerned. The objective of all this mechanical voodoo was to enable the vehicle to have ample grip and momentum on diverse terrains, even on snow and ice and to ensure that the vehicle is able to mitigate slippage in harsh driving conditions thus, making it stable and secure for its occupants.

The clever engineers at Audi, in a sudden fit of amazement and inspiration from Type 183’s capabilities, initiated development of their own permanent all-wheel drive system and were ready to go rallying from the get go. That very system came to be known as the ‘quattro’ system and made its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show in the form of ‘Ur Quattro’ (German-speak for -– the very first quattro) in 1980. Of course, it found its way to rally stages and images of Group B Audi Quattros screaming through the forests in the Group B era still send shivers down enthusiast’s spines. The quattro system was a massive hit as it helped Audi dominate the rallying scene. So much so, that AWD soon became a mainstay in rally and has been so since. Audi took its motto so seriously that they have since devoted the brand to the perpetual pursuit of excellence through structure, design and technological development.

Audi Q8: Lighting

Audi has always been the flag-bearer in terms of innovative lighting tech. Let’s not forget that it was Audi that had pioneered the white LED DRLs look all the way back in 2004 with the Audi A8. They continue to push the limits to this day with their latest and greatest lighting solution, HD Matrix LED headlights with the Audi laser beam with an X-shaped design which comes as the default setup on the Q8. These lights are home to 24 LEDs and a high-power laser diode each which is enough to amply bathe with light, even the dark side of the moon. A blue ambient light is baked within the headlight clusters purely for the aesthetics. Do note that the laser light is only active once the Q8 hits 70kmph (43.5mph) which dramatically increases the high beam throw ahead.

The new Matrix lighting setup upfront fleshes out a distinct and confident fascia at night, while allowing further customisation to the customers from a selection of four unique DRL signatures via the infotainment screen. If you’ve ever fancied to alter or freshen the look of your headlights every day, then Audi’s got your back. Speaking of which, the Q8’s large taillight cluster is powered by LEDs all-around. Both front and rear lights also retain their ancillary functions of dynamic turn signals which has been a hallmark Audi trait for years and are also accompanied by various coming home and leaving home light dance protocols.

Audi Q8: Suspension and handling

Audis are ever so renowned for their dynamics orientated ride and handling, stands as a defining trait which cannot be muddled with anything else. As standard equipment, the Q8 gets a fairly compliant steel spring suspension and damper control, which works in unison with the six customisable driving modes to offer either comfort, dynamic or auto preset damper settings. This added degree of control ensures the consistent driving experience associated with Audi. Lastly, the Q8 retains its electromechanical steering rack that isn’t the most communicative steering in the world, but thanks to its variable ratios, it is able to go from being light as feather at low speeds to weighing up just enough to inspire confidence at triple digit speeds on the highways.

Audi Q8: Powertrain

What we get in the standard Q8 is the perfectly capable 55 TFSI, a V6 engine with 3 litres of displacement and direct fuel injection that delivers a respectable 335bhp. It delivers a maximum torque of 500Nm which is available from 1,370 to 4,500rpm and is always eager to shove you in the seats. 0-100kmph comes up in 5.6 seconds, so the regular Q8 is definitely no slouch. The Audi Q8’s petrol V6 engine is accompanied by an 8-speed tiptronic which provides smooth, quick shifts both in automatic as well as manual mode via the paddle shifters. There are six customisable driving modes including an individual mode which enables keen drivers to cherry-pick the settings and tailor a personalised driving mode.

It also comes equipped with quattro permanent all-wheel drive system which ensures that there’s always optimal traction, irrespective of the wet and dry road conditions. Having high-levels of grip translates to a greater driving feel which in turn adds to the thrill of driving.

Audi Q8: Infotainment and comfort

The cabin of the Q8 is a tech-fest venue in and of itself. Your eyes are drawn to the purposeful looking multifunction steering wheel, behind which sits the 12.2-inch virtual cockpit screen (digital instrument cluster) that displays things like engine stats (speed, rpm etc.) maps, radio and multimedia info and more in full HD resolution. Audi has also embedded an individual ‘classic’ design layout for the digital cluster, that mimics the traditional instrument dials reminding you of the olden days.  

Then there’s the imposing dual-screen MMI setup in the centre that houses the main 10-inch infotainment screen, that runs the navigation plus (proprietary navigation system) and the second 8.5-inch screen that sits below is dedicated to the climate control toggles. These displays also come equipped with MMI touch response, which produces haptic and acoustic feedback in-sync with every touch interaction with screens, which helps a great deal in the absence of tactile, physical controls to use the screens without looking at them. The MMI also features advanced handwriting recognition that works on both the displays to quickly input shortcuts corresponding to the desired menus. Apart from touch inputs, the Q8 also has what Audi calls voice dialogue system, which is a voice recognition system that allows customers to control a vast array of vehicle functions verbally. The key takeaway here is that it works well, as Audi has been able to give its voice assistant a natural sounding tone. There’s wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity as well.

The Q8 also comes loaded with the new Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium sound system that surprisingly comes as part of standard equipment in the 2025 Q8. This system boasts of featuring 17 speakers and a total output of 730W, delivering an immersive 3D sound experience, which is only made richer by use of Audi's advanced aero-acoustics, which refer to the numerous ways in which the wind resistance and drag of the vehicle has been reduced to achieve minimal wind noise and buffeting for a quieter cabin, making the overall audio experience more impactful.

Other creature-comfort highlights are power latching (soft-close) doors, an electrically opening and closing tailgate, a 4-zone climate control system; so that all four occupants can enjoy their individual temperature settings and create the proverbial “bower of their own” within Q8’s luxuriant cabin, Audi phone box; a front storage space in the centre console that has a light and a wireless charging pad for your compatible smartphone, electrically adjustable front seats with driver seat memory function; (I wish Audi had given memory function in the co-driver seat as well, especially at its price).

Audi Q8: Safety

Audi doesn’t compromise with its customer’s safety and to back their words, the Q8 comes with a suite of comprehensive safety and driving aid systems which include Audi pre-sense basic; an emergency protocol that swoops in to mitigate loss of vehicle control during an emergency manoeuvre either while braking or harsh cornering, 8 airbags, electronic stabilization program (ESP), park assist plus system; steps-in to detect amicable parking spaces and utilises the four wide-angle cameras to provide a surround view around the Q8 along with multiple POVs.

This German marque has a technologically rich heritage which they proudly cherish, particularly when they celebrated 40 years of the Audi quattro in 2020. The 2025 Audi Q8 wields striking looks, going toe-to-toe with its brethren such as Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Cayenne and even the Bentley Bentayga. However, this new model’s strengths run deeper than its skin. It is the long list of quality-of-life updates in tech and equipment, majority of which actually add value in everyday life instead of flashy but ultimately futile gimmicks. At the starting price of ₹1.17 crore (ex-showroom), Audi has a formidable yet desirable package in their portfolio in the form of the Q8 for the folks who want all the opulence and the flash.