Audi’s flagship combustion-powered SUV has been spied wearing camouflage, indicating a mid-life update is around the corner.

    Spy photographs show the 2024 Audi Q8 will receive subtle changes to its front and rear ends.

    Up front, there are revised headlight graphics and a restyled front bumper.

    The grille also now features an octagonal patterned insert.

    Down back, the taillights see a mild update with new LED graphics as well, though the rear bumper looks to be the same as the current model.

    Our spy photographers noted there appear to be no changes to the interior.

    With stricter CO2 emissions restrictions in Europe, it’s possible Audi may update the Q8’s powertrains, though most models already offer a 48V mild-hybrid system.

    In Australia, Audi offers a pair of V6-powered Q8s, plus the V8-powered SQ8 and RSQ8.

    The Q8 50 TDI quattro features a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel with 48V mild-hybrid technology, quoting outputs of 210kW of power and 600Nm of torque.

    The 55 TFSI quattro, meanwhile, gets a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol also with 48V MHEV tech, producing 250kW and 500Nm.

    Both versions team their engines with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

    The SQ8 quattro features a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged petrol engine quoting outputs of 373kW and 770Nm of torque. It’s the only member of the wider Q8 family in Australia to lack a mild-hybrid system.

    Lastly, the flagship RSQ8 gets a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 mild-hybrid petrol with 48V tech, producing 441kW and 800Nm.

    In Europe, a pair of plug-in hybrid petrol V6 models are also available. Audi hasn’t offered a PHEV in Australia for several years, but will introduce a plug-in version of its popular Q5 this year even as a new generation is just around the corner.

    The current Audi Q8 was introduced for 2019, slotting in above the more practical, three-row Q7.

    For 2023, the automaker renamed its e-tron electric SUV to Q8 e-tron in a move it claimed would reduce confusion.

    Both the Q8 and Q8 e-tron use the same basic MLB evo platform, but feature different styling inside and out. A more powerful SQ8 e-tron is available, but Audi has ruled out introducing a hi-po RSQ8 e-tron in the vehicle’s current generation.

    Audi is set to cease production of combustion-powered vehicles in 2033 with the exception of the Chinese market.

    It has previously confirmed it will launch its last global vehicle with a combustion engine in 2025.

    MORE: Everything Audi Q8

    Jade Credentino

    Jade Credentino is an automotive journalist currently based in Melbourne, Australia. Jade has had a chance to review a variety of vehicles and particularly enjoys SUVs. She enjoys traveling and going on road trips exploring Australia.

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