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

VW Golf GTI Edition 50 v Toyota GR Yaris Aero v Honda Civic Type R: hot hatch stars go head-to-head
Golf GTI v GR Yaris Aero v Civic Type R
Group tests

VW Golf GTI Edition 50 v Toyota GR Yaris Aero v Honda Civic Type R: hot hatch stars go head-to-head

Volkswagen and Toyota have just released the best versions yet of the GR Yaris and Mk8 Golf GTI. Does either have what it takes to overcome the brilli…
2 Aug 2026
I put budget tyres to the test in the wet, and the results were terrifying
Cheap tyres
Opinion

I put budget tyres to the test in the wet, and the results were terrifying

Skimping on tyres may save you a few pounds, but at what cost, ponders Barker
30 Jul 2026
Maserati Grecale Modena review – an SUV with a supercar engine to replace your Porsche Macan
Maserati Grecale Modena
Reviews

Maserati Grecale Modena review – an SUV with a supercar engine to replace your Porsche Macan

The MCPura supercar engine with 240bhp less in a Macan-sized SUV from £85k sounds pretty appealing. Is it?
31 Jul 2026