Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Audi Q8 – MPG and running costs

Economy is so-so, even in the plug-in hybrid. That’s the price for shifting the Q8’s bulk

Evo rating
RRP
from £73,825
  • Well built; refined; painless to drive
  • Forgettable dynamics; cabin is no longer cutting edge

We’ve only sampled the plug-in hybrid Q8 so far, which Audi claims can achieve 217mpg. Unsurprisingly, we got absolutely nowhere near that figure on a long run. Depending on the state of battery charge somewhere around 35mpg is more realistic, dropping down to 30mpg if you haven’t topped it up. With that said, the e TFSI’s 50-mile claimed electric range means that short journeys can be extremely cost-effective if you have access to home charging. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Claimed figures for the 50 TDI and 55 TFSI are much more realistic. The diesel is said to achieve up to 35mpg on the WLTP cycle (we got a similar figure from the pre-facelift model), with the petrol dropping to 27mpg.

The Q8’s large wheels mean that tyre bills will sting when it’s time to replace. Expect to pay around £1000 or more for a full set of 21-inch items, with the bigger 22s costing a little extra.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Kia K4 2026 review – can it fill the gap left by the Ford Focus?
Kia K4 – front
Reviews

Kia K4 2026 review – can it fill the gap left by the Ford Focus?

With Ford killing the Focus, there’s space in the market for a semi-premium family hatch to take on the Volkswagen Golf. Kia hopes to fill it with the…
23 Mar 2026
The Land Rover Defender's toughest test: how the D7X-R triumphed at the Dakar Rally
Defender D7XR
Features

The Land Rover Defender's toughest test: how the D7X-R triumphed at the Dakar Rally

The Defender D7X-R is tackling the world’s most gruelling off-road race, and unlike many competition cars, this one has strong ties to a car we know w…
24 Mar 2026
Best German cars – performance greats from BMW M, Porsche, AMG and more
Best German cars
Best cars

Best German cars – performance greats from BMW M, Porsche, AMG and more

From Audi to Volkswagen and all in between, Germany has created some outstanding performance cars over the years, and these are some the best
27 Mar 2026