The Q8's future looked unclear after Gernot Döllner took over as Audi CEO.
Audi leaders have now approved plans for a follow-up generation.
The rival to the BMW X6 should reach showrooms before 2030.

Online discussions often criticize coupe-like SUVs, yet sales figures show strong buyer interest in this style. The trend began with the 2007 BMW X6 and has grown into a profitable niche for premium and volume brands alike.

Audi offers several Sportback SUV variants, with the Q8 positioned as a distinct offering. Though coverage of this Mercedes GLE Coupe competitor has been quiet, it remains active. Audi's top executive has now confirmed a second generation is in motion.

Gernot Döllner became CEO in September 2023 at a time when Audi had not settled on continuing the Q8. In discussions with Edmunds, he noted the shift under new leadership: "When I joined Audi, to my surprise, there was no decision for a successor, but we changed that."

The Updated Audi Q8 Arrives in Coming Years

No spy images of the next Q8 have surfaced yet, but the CEO indicates a launch in the nearer term. This points to a debut before 2030, likely no earlier than 2028. It remains to be seen if the vehicle adopts the fresh styling from the Concept C and Nuvolari, since design decisions are finalized well in advance.

Otherwise, it will mirror the Q7 with a lowered roofline and offer a more accessible option compared to the Porsche Cayenne Coupe or Lamborghini Urus. The Volkswagen Touareg once shared the MLB Evo platform as a lower-cost sibling, but that model has ended production. Assembly of the new Q8 is expected in Bratislava, Slovakia, with its related models.

Audi has already applied S versions to the new Q7 and the Q9, making an SQ8 with a V8 engine a reasonable expectation. An RS Q8 variant cannot be ruled out either, given strong examples from the Cayenne and Urus lines.

Motor1 Analysis: The confirmation of a new Q8 generation is notable, as Audi has trimmed several models recently. The A1, Q2, A5 Coupe and Convertible, TT, and R8 have been phased out to streamline offerings. The A8 sedan ends this year without a direct replacement, leaving the Q9 as the flagship SUV.

Still, the Q8 fits Audi's strategy because it shares much with the 2027 Q7 under a different body style. The current Q8 stands out favorably among similar SUVs for its appearance. It will be worth watching how the model interprets the brand's updated design direction versus the approach used on the refreshed Q7.

Source: Edmunds