Are the Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q8 based on the same platform?

[AndresLynn]

The Audi Q8 and Volkswagen Touareg are models built on the same platform. Both the Audi Q8 and Volkswagen Touareg are mid-to-large luxury SUVs. The Audi Q8 measures 4986mm in length, 1995mm in width, and 1702mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2995mm. It is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 245 horsepower and a peak torque of 370 Nm, with the maximum power achieved between 5000 to 6000 rpm. The Volkswagen Touareg measures 4795mm in length, 1940mm in width, and 1709mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2893mm. It also features a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, producing a maximum power of 180 kW and a peak torque of 370 Nm, with the maximum power achieved between 5000 to 6500 rpm. Additionally, it incorporates hybrid injection technology and uses an aluminum cylinder head with a cast iron cylinder block.

[DanielMarie]

I recently researched these two vehicles, the Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q8, which indeed share the same platform called MLB Evo. Simply put, the Volkswagen Group developed a universal framework for different brands to customize. Interestingly, this platform also gave birth to the Porsche Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus, like siblings wearing different outfits. The Touareg leans more towards practicality, with a comfort-tuned chassis that makes long drives less tiring. The Q8 follows a sportier route, featuring stiffer suspension for better cornering stability. While both use a longitudinal engine layout, the Q8's powertrain is tuned more aggressively, whereas the Touareg clearly prioritizes fuel efficiency. Platform sharing does cut costs, but Audi invests noticeably more in sound insulation materials and interior finishes, reflecting their different brand positioning.

[BellaLee]

Having driven the Touareg and test-driven the Q8, these two indeed share the MLB Evo platform architecture. The most noticeable similarity is the nearly identical cockpit space layout, even the rear floor hump height is almost the same. The transmission logic, however, has its own characteristics—the Touareg shifts as composed as a German uncle, while the Q8 downshifts like it's on adrenaline. The most practical benefit of sharing a platform is hassle-free maintenance. Last time, when helping a colleague replace the air filter in their Touareg, I found the part number was interchangeable with the Q8. But in terms of luxury feel, there's no comparison—the Q8's virtual cockpit with its triple-screen setup makes the Touareg's physical button area feel like a design language from two generations apart.

[MacJaxon]

The Touareg and Q8 are siblings from the MLB Evo platform, with nearly identical wheelbase parameters. But when parked side by side, the differences become apparent: the Touareg features balanced and steady lines, while the Q8 adopts a fastback design for a coupe-style flair. The interior configurations are worlds apart—the Audi comes with matrix headlights featuring laser high beams, whereas the Touareg only offers dynamic lighting in its high-end trim. Although both share the same 3.0T powertrain base, the Q8's tuned program shaves over a second off its 0-100 km/h time. Sharing a platform but boasting distinct personalities, they're like the academic prodigy and the sports star born to the same mother.