2021 Audi Q8

Pricing starts around $68,500 for the Premium trim. Audi prioritizes technology more than most, which shows with its comprehensive suite of driver safety features. Those include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, front/rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Q8 automates many internal systems to streamline the driving experience, like the LED headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, power-folding mirrors, and motion-activated liftgate. Need an all-weather vehicle? The Q8 comes with heated front seats, all-wheel-drive, three climate control zones, and a user-friendly navigation system. The leather cabin also comes with wood trim, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a 10-speaker audio system. A dual-screen infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability, plus a wireless internet hotspot. The driver gauges are digital and configurable. Stepping up to the Premium Plus brings the MSRP to about $72,500. Its surround-view camera takes the guesswork out of tight parking scenarios. Four-season driving is less of an issue with ventilated front seats and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. Audi gives the Premium Plus a top-of-the-line Bang & Olufsen sound system and wireless smartphone charging. For around $78,000, shoppers can opt for the Prestige model. This trim has all of Audi's cutting-edge amenities, adding matrix-design LED headlights, animated turn signals, a head-up display, a leather dashboard, and touch-sensitive cabin controls. The Prestige also gets lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and other technologies that imbue it with semi-autonomous driving capabilities, making any drive more relaxing. Notable options include an adjustable-height suspension for managing different driving situations, and a night vision system is available for drivers wanting extra visibility in low-light conditions.

The Audi Q8 is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine producing 335 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque that provides excellent acceleration. An integrated mild-hybrid system recaptures energy while driving and uses it to power some onboard electronics, saving gas. The powertrain uses a sporty eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and rapidly. All-wheel-drive is standard. The Q8 has a 7,700-lb. maximum towing capacity when properly equipped. The Q8's sophisticated technology makes it heavy for a midsize SUV, and the EPA estimates fuel economy at 18/23/20 mpg city/highway/combined. Those aren't particularly competitive numbers for the class.

The interior is elegantly styled, with subdued colors and top-notch attention to detail. The material quality, fit, and finish match or surpass pricier luxury SUVs. Along with being nicely integrated into the cabin, the Q8's technology is user-friendly. Dual haptic-touch screens manage most of the vehicle settings. Leather upholstery is standard, and shoppers can choose from black, gray, or brown color choices. The Prestige trim adds a stitched leather dashboard. The Q8's wood trim is genuine, with eucalyptus, oak, or ash available. The cabin's height and design give it excellent outward visibility. Though it lacks a third-row seat like the Q7, the Q8 makes up for it with more rear-seat space and a larger cargo capacity. The back seat is just as roomy as the front -- a rare feat for a midsize SUV. Press the liftgate release, and it opens automatically to present 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the 40/20/40-split rear seat increases that area to 60.7 cubic feet.