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As of March 28, 2025, Audi has officially committed to a new generation of the Q8, the brand’s sporty, fastback-styled SUV that sits between the Q7 and the all-new Q9. CEO Gernot Döllner confirmed to Edmunds that a successor is in the works, though it won’t arrive for at least a couple of years. The news ends speculation that the Q8 might be phased out after the introduction of the larger Q9 for the 2027 model year.
The Q8 first launched in 2019 as a more dynamic alternative to the Q7, trading third-row seating for a sloping roofline and a standard V-6 engine. It received a mild refresh in 2024, but the recent upgrades to the Q7—which now packs a 429-hp turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6—left the Q8’s 335-hp V-6 feeling dated. The arrival of the full-size Q9 further crowded Audi’s SUV lineup, making the Q8 look like a middle child.
Döllner told Edmunds that when he first joined Audi, there were no plans to overhaul the Q8. However, the brand has since decided to keep the model in its lineup, and a new generation is coming soon. The next Q8 is expected to offer both a V-6 and a V-8, with the latter reserved for the sportier SQ8 and possibly the RS Q8. The V-8 will likely be the same 591-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo unit that powers the new SQ7 and SQ9, giving the SQ8 a significant power boost over the current 500-hp model.
Industry analysts note that the decision to retain a V-8 aligns with Audi’s strategy to keep high-performance ICE models alive while electrifying the mainstream lineup. The next-gen Q8 will continue to compete with the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, both of which offer similar powertrain choices. Audi’s move also signals that the Q8 badge will remain a halo for the SUV range, even as the Q9 takes the top spot in size.
No official timeline has been given, but sources suggest the next Q8 could debut as a 2028 or 2029 model. The RS Q8, which currently produces 631 hp, is expected to return about a year after the standard Q8 launches, likely with an even more potent version of the twin-turbo V-8. Audi is also reportedly exploring a plug-in hybrid variant for some markets, though no confirmation has been made.
For now, Audi is positioning the next-gen Q8 as a powerful, stylish alternative within its growing SUV family. With the Q7 and Q9 both getting major updates, the Q8’s revival ensures that the brand’s “sportier” sibling will remain a compelling choice for buyers who want performance without sacrificing utility.
