GK12345EMAIL

And when doing a value comparison, most any luxury German vehicle will be highly overvalued compared to their American or Japanese counterparts.

But I would consider a loaded Q8 only comparable to a Cayenne if I am considering a non boxy SUV.

If I wasn't looking to pay the premium for the Q8 styling and needed the extra space, I would keep my 2017 Q7 or look at eventually getting a 2020 Q7 or the new X5 5.0 (my preferred choice). I had a MB SL550 before, and I wouldn't get another MB because of their horrible (to me) COMMAND interface. I'm not a big fan of their recent curvy interior styling either.

The Q8 isn't for everyone by any means, but its MSRP is about $5k more expensive than a comparably equipped Q7. Well worth it in my opinion, and hardly a reason to consider the Q8 will be a flop.

RJC 1

The Q8 will be a flop based upon its poor sales to date (sans YR1), ever building inventories and it being such a niche vehicle while offering less value than the Q7, and many prospective Q8 buyers getting the 7 instead. In addition, when the Q7 get the shiny and new tech stuff this year it will further erode Q8 sales. The Q8 is the better looking of what 's out there now BMW X6 etc, but we'll see what the new 2020 GLE/GLE coupe offers etc. which will have more power, a 9 speed and an ultra-smooth inline 6.

SammyH

It will be a 'sales flop' in that it will sell in low #s...as is intended and expected by Audi. This is an expensive, niche SUV and thus should not become popular like a Q7 or X5...that's part of the appeal. I live in a wealthy metro-area and I barely see an X6 once in a blue moon, same with the GLE coupe. Most people will opt for a more practical, more affordable, station wagon on heels like a Q7 and X5, and that's why they sell in high volume. This is a low volume car so saying that it won't sell in high #s is meaningless. By that definition every single exotic or expensive car would be a flop including the R8 and A8.

I was at a local Audi dealer today getting service on my current car. They had 5 Q8s on the lot, 2 Year-1s and 3 non Year-1s. One of the Year-1s had a sold tag on it and my salesperson/friend there told me he was trying to close on a non-Year-1 today. When I asked him about the sales of Q8s, he said they were doing well and were going faster than the SQ5s, which I also asked about. While I didn't count, there were about 20 Q7s on the lot. Perhaps this whole inventory 'problem' is being blown out of proportion.

SammyH

One other thing, according to CARSALESBASE.com Audi sold 943 Q8s in November (1st EVER month of sales) while BMW sold 696 X6s and Mercedes sold 484 GLE Coupes (October: November not yet available). Most people don't even know this car has been released and have never seen one and there was barely any inventory in November. Those #s don't look like a flop to me lol

ems4ohio

I've been trying to decide between a Cayenne and Q8; one deciding factor may be that the dealers here in NE Ohio seem to have plenty of 2019 Cayennes and NO Q8's with Y1, Prestige, Cold Weather, Adaptive and Luxury packages, which is what I want. Lucky for me, my Q7 lease has 3 more months to go, so I'm hoping the shortage will clear up by then.

CipherKeys

Here in Mass, I noticed that all the dealer inventory Cayennes are lightly optioned. Tiny wheels, no leather dash, no air suspension or HUD. A Cayenne 3.0T on par with a loaded Q8 Prestige is nearly $105k. If you want a loaded Cayenne S, it was almost $120k. Eye-watering prices.

tomk

RJC 1

Not a great comp as the X6 is hideous (Q8 looks MUCH better), and now that the newness has thoroughly worn off even fewer want one.

GK12345EMAIL

My experience as well on Cayenne pricing, plus they don't look as nice as the Q8.

RJC 1

Just a thought, ever consider the fl'd 2020 Q7? Audi will extend your lease by +/- 6mos so on top of the 3 to go, the timing might work out for you.