Audi Q8 50 TDI 2019 review: snapshot

The diesel option for buyers interested in the Audi Q8 2019 range is the 50 TDI model, which is due on sale before the middle of 2019.

The 50 TDI is priced and specified identically to the 55 TFSI petrol, with a list price of $128,900 before on-road costs. In terms of its direct rivals, there’s a more affordable X6 (xDrive30d - $119,900) and GLE Coupe (350d - $126,330) to choose from.

The 50 TDI version of the Q8 is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine producing 210kW of power and 620Nm of torque. It employs an eight-speed auto transmission, and has quattro all-wheel drive. This model, like the petrol, has a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that helps it save a little bit of fuel by allowing coasting at high speeds and engine shut off when decelerating. Claimed consumption is rated at 6.7L/100km. 

Explore the 2019 Audi Q8 range

• Audi Q8 2019 review
• Audi Q8 55 TFSI 2019 review: snapshot
• Audi Q8 50 TDI 2019 review: snapshot
• Audi Q8 55 e-tron 2024 review
• Audi Q8 2024 review: 60 TFSI e

Standard equipment includes 21-inch alloy wheels, the S line exterior styling pack, adaptive suspension with damper control, adaptive cruise control with lane change assist, a 360-degree camera with kerb view (so you don’t mark those huge rims, obviously!), Valcona leather upholstery, front seats with electric adjustment plus heating and ventilation, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddle shifters, LED headlights (with auto high beam) and daytime running lights, three-zone climate control, a head-up display, Audi’s 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, and the new MMI touch response control screen with 10.1- and 8.6-inch screens for media and car controls.

There’s the expected connectivity of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus you get sat nav GPS, DAB digital radio and a 10-speaker sound system.

Safety is covered with auto emergency braking (AEB) up to 250km/h, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist (including steering assist up to 60km/h), lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a forward cross-traffic alert system known as ‘Intersection Assist’. 

Plus there’s a 360-degree surround-view camera system with AI graphic interface and adjustable view system, front and rear parking sensors, and semi-autonomous park assist for those who are nervous about marking the huge rims. 

Of course there’s also the expected array of airbags (dual front, front-side, rear-side, full-length curtain) and the rear seat has dual ISOFIX and three top tether baby seat attachment points.