The interior features the knob-less MMI system, three touch screens, and an enlarged virtual cockpit which has a fully digital instrument cluster, which would also be brought over to other Audi vehicles including the refreshed Q7 for the 2020 model year.

[15] Subtle in nature, the exterior changes included larger air inlets in the front bumper, and a new exhaust setup which is fitted across the lineup.

The design of the Matrix LED headlights has been changed, and the Q8 will be available with the high-tech laser lights that increase the range of the high beams.

The facelift adds three new metallic paints (Chili Red, Ascari Blue, Sakhir Gold) as well as five alloy wheel designs ranging from 21 to 23 inches.

Furthermore, new finishes such as fine grain ash, carbon twill, and aluminum linear silver grey are also available, depending on variant.

[16] The concept vehicle was unveiled on 9 January 2017, at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan.

[17][18] It included a 3.0 TFSI engine rated 333 PS (245 kW; 328 hp) and 500 N⋅m (368.8 lb⋅ft) torque, electric motor rated 100 kW (136 PS; 134 hp) and 330 N⋅m (243.4 lb⋅ft), 17.9 kWh lithium-ion battery, 11Jx23 wheels five intertwining Y spokes, 305/35-series tires 20 inch diameter ceramic brake discs, 12.3-inch TFT (1920 x 720 pixels) display.

An electric-powered compressor assists the turbocharger when starting and accelerating from lower speeds, compensating for the turbo's lack of boost at low revs by adding extra pressure to the intake to smooth out power delivery.

Comprising a belt-driven alternator starter and regenerative brake system, it can power the SQ8 at speeds of up to 23 km/h (14 mph) and recover up to 8kW of energy under deceleration.

The advanced suspension package is available as an optional extra, adding four-wheel steering, sport differential, and electromechanical active anti-roll bars.

Styling differences include 21-inch alloy wheels, a revised, more aggressive body kit, new rear diffuser with oval exhaust tips as standard.

The interior features leather and Alcantara-trimmed sports seats, stainless steel pedals, a digital instrument cluster, and center-mounted screens that control infotainment, heating, and air conditioning systems.

The interior features Audi's MMI dual-touchscreen setup with RS-specific displays, as well as RS-embossed sport seats in black pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara and an RS leather-covered flat-bottom steering wheel.

[25][26] For the 2021 model year, all Q8s will come with blind-spot monitoring, and the base Premium trim's Convenience package will include a heated steering wheel and a 360-degree parking camera.

The car made its first full appearance in the fifth episode, presented on a special microsite and shown to the public at the Audi China Brand Summit in Shenzhen.