the Bucket: Bucket Seat: Audi Q8 45 TDI Quattro Black Edition

The Audi Q8, also known as the "Baby Urus" is probably one of the most aesthetically pleasing SUV Coupes to look at in the motoring world. The design hasn't changed much from its introduction in 2018 and I don't see any reason for it since it looks so damn good,.There has been minor enhancements that saw the additions of the latest Audi tech into it and some facelifts to the exterior, while the interior remains mostly the same. The Black Edition package includes features to enhance the look of the car by giving it a darker look and feel.

DESIGN

The Q8 keeps Audi’s modern coupé-SUV silhouette: broad shoulders, a wide Singleframe grille that visually pulls the front into a single plane, and a sloping roofline that gives the car a sporty stance rather than an upright, boxy SUV look. The Black Edition pushes that theme further — black badging and a “black styling” package, darker trim pieces and Audi Sport wheel choices give the Q8 a stealthy, road-commanding presence that reads as premium and purposeful on South African roads. Audi’s facelifted Q8 also brings updated Matrix/HD Matrix LED headlight options and OLED rear-light graphics on higher spec cars, which both improve night visibility and add visual theatre when you lock/unlock the car.

PERFORMANCE

The 45 TDI uses Audi’s 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel in 45 TDI tune — about 183 kW and a hefty 600 N·m of torque sent through an 8-speed Tiptronic to quattro all-wheel drive. On paper that translates to a 0–100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and a limited top speed of 250 km/h — numbers that match the Q8’s size and mass while delivering real-world flexibility: strong mid-range pull and low-end shove make highway overtakes and hill climbs effortless. For buyers doing long runs (Joburg–Cape Town, or alternating city and freeway use), the diesel remains convincing thanks to that broad torque curve. Fuel consumption for the 45 TDI is competitive for a large premium SUV: Audi claim a combined fuel economy figure of 7.8 L/100 km range, which for many South African owners will be more economical than an equivalently powerful petrol variant — important when local fuel pricing and long distance travels are considered. On the move, the Q8 feels composed: steering is weighty and predictable, body control is good for a big SUV and adaptive suspension neatly balances comfort with roll control. If you prioritise sharp, sports-car handling you’ll prefer rivals with firmer chassis or an SQ/RS model, but for everyday driving the 45 TDI is refined and assured. Independent local test drives describe the diesel as “magnificent” and a sweet spot in the range.

COMFORT

Inside, the Q8 presents as a modern Audi flagship: layered dash, large touchscreen surfaces (MMI), full digital instrument cluster (Virtual Cockpit), premium leather/trim choices and a panoramic roof option that opens up the cabin. The Black Edition builds on the Platinum/Vorsprung mid/high trims with the darker styling details and typically larger alloy wheels; you’ll also find high-quality seat cushioning and good ergonomics for driver and front passenger. Rear seats are comfortably carpeting for two adults; the sloping roofline trims some headspace but legroom and seat comfort remain class competitive. The coupé-like roofline looks great but slightly reduces rear headroom compared with more upright seven-seat SUVs (Q8 is a five-seater), and larger wheel options common on Black Edition cars can make ride firmer over rough suburban roads. Tech and safety highlights in the Q8 that are worthwhile noting at the HD Matrix LED (laser high-beam available), extensive driver assistance suites, advanced infotainment with navigation and premium audio options, in this particular model it came fitted with Bang & Olufsen speaker system.

VERDICT

The Q8 remains the pinnacle of SUV Coupe's on the market, while other brands have more powerful offerings, I feel like this model hits the sweet spot in terms of performance, fuel efficiency and comfort. When it comes to diesel engines, no one does it better than Audi which is what makes this Q8 stand out more from the rest. The 3.0L V6 Diesel engine is sublime more than what you need, the interior is spacious and well laid out and as mentioned before, it does have the older layout but still feels modern. Driving on long distances or short trips are both pleasurable, while the car might be big and bulky, the aid of park distance controls and the surround camera view make parking this beast as simple as doing grade one mathematics.Overall — for South African buyers who value long-distance comfort, real-world torque and a premium image, the Q8 45 TDI Black Edition is a very strong contender: it blends presence, refined diesel performance and high-level tech/equipment. The main tradeoffs are price and the coupe-style practicality limits; if those are acceptable the Q8 is an excellent luxury SUV choice