Best Audi Q8 Bike Racks: A Buyer’s Guide

The Audi Q8 is a premium SUV that offers an elegant and luxurious experience. The exterior design of the car is sleek, stylish and elegant. It has a height of 67.1 inch which makes it one of the tallest cars in its class. The interior design is equally luxurious with high-quality leather seats, stainless steel trimming and wood accents which make it feel like you are driving in a luxury hotel suite on wheels.

There are three bike rack types: hitch, roof and trunk. All these racks can be installed on your Audi Q8.

Consider these before buying an Audi Q8 bike rack:

  • Hitch and roof racks cost more than trunk racks,
  • Partly, it takes place because all hitch racks require a trailer hitch and all roof racks require crossbars,
  • Zero frame contact racks are the best choice for carrying carbon frame bikes. This mounting system won’t damage your bikes,
  • You will have to remove bikes each time you would like to open the trunk when it comes to trunk racks. Roof and hitch racks do not have such a problem (most hitch racks come with the tilt away function),
  • Need to carry 4 bikes or more? Then you will have to buy either a hitch rack or 4+ roof racks. Most trunk racks can carry no more than 3 bikes,
  • Make sure that the rack is capable of carrying non-standard bikes (rounded frame, etc.), if you have one of those,
  • Not all racks fit Audi Q8 so the compatibility must not be neglected. All racks in my rating are Q8 compatible.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases if you click on my links (I would really appreciate it). Anyway, all ratings are not paid directly or not and are based on my personal experience. I hope you will enjoy the products. Thank you!

Best Audi Q8 hitch bike racks

In my experience, hitch racks provide the best user experience since it will be very easy to load bikes on. Moreover, all models from my rating include the tilt function for easy trunk access with bikes mounted.

Yakima HoldUp EVO (2+2) – Zero frame contact universal hitch rack

  • Audi Q8 compatible: Yes
  • Max number of bikes: 2 (+2 with add-on)
  • Max bike weight: 50 lb (22.7 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 100 lb (45.4 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 4.8″ (fat-tire compatible)
  • Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
  • Empty rack weight: 51 lb (23 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ versions (class 2-4)
  • Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
  • No frame contact

The revolutionary HoldUp EVO from Yakima gives you the freedom to go on any adventure with your bike, without worrying about how to transport it. The HoldUp EVO is the lightest in its class, making it easy to carry and store. With a variety of wheel sizes and hitch sizes, it’s perfect for any bike type and fits most bikes up to 50 lb each.

Key Takeaways

  • Very well-made premium bike rack that is worth the money spent,
  • Both rack and bikes on the rack are very sturdy, very easy to install and load bikes on,
  • Easy trunk access with bikes mounted,
  • Excellent choice if you are planning to use it rather often,
  • This bike rack is truly universal in terms of diversity of bikes it can carry,
  • It is especially good for expensive bikes because of zero frame contact.

PROS

  • Premium materials
  • Super straightforward installation
  • Easy to mount bikes
  • No wobbling (both rack and bikes)
  • Can carry most bikes (fat-tire, e-bikes, women’s and so on)
  • Easy trunk access with bikes loaded
  • Rack-to-vehicle and bikes-to-rack locks
  • Enough clearance between bikes
  • No frame contact mounting system
  • Can’t damage your car
  • Comes in two hitch sizes (1.25″ and 2″)
  • Very compact when not in use

CONS

  • A bit pricey
  • Can’t carry really heavy bikes (up to 50 lb)
  • To carry more than 2 bikes you have to buy an add-on

Saris SuperClamp EX (2 or 4) – Hitch rack for heavy bikes

  • Audi Q8 compatible: Yes
  • Max number of bikes: 2 or 4 bikes versions
  • Max bike weight: 60 lb (27.2 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 190 lb (54.4 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 4″ (fat-tire compatible)
  • Max wheelbase: 50″ (127 cm)
  • Empty rack weight: 63 lb (28.6 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ versions (class 2-4)
  • Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
  • No frame contact

Saris SuperClamp EX is a hitch-mount bike carrier that holds securely, is easy to use, and won’t scratch your car. It’s made from durable aluminum with a black plastic cover and is perfect for couples or small families on the go. It’s easy to assemble, it can be mounted on either the 2″ or 1 1/4″ hitch receiver, and it installs in minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • It is worth the money due to overall quality and features,
  • This rack is sturdy in general but some wobbling has been reported,
  • This rack is easy to install and load bikes on,
  • This bike rack can carry very heavy bikes (up to 60lb),
  • Also, due to zero frame mounting your expensive bikes won’t get scratched so it is recommended for such bikes.

PROS

  • High quality overall
  • Easy to install and mount bikes
  • Bikes are secure on the rack
  • Can carry very heavy bikes
  • Can carry most bikes (at-tire, e-bikes, women’s, etc.)
  • Trunk access with bikes loaded
  • Rack-to-car and bikes-to-rack locks included
  • No frame contact mounting
  • Fits both receiver sizes (1.25″ and 2″) with an adapter
  • No risk of damaging your car
  • Reasonable mileage reduction

CONS

  • A bit expensive
  • Some wobbling of the rack has been reported
  • Bikes will be close to each other

Yakima FullSwing (4) – Premium hanging hitch rack

  • Audi Q8 compatible: Yes
  • Max number of bikes: 4
  • Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 150 lb (68 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): any
  • Max tire size (width): any
  • Max wheelbase: any
  • Empty rack weight: 56 lb (25.4 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • Hitch receiver size: 2″
  • Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes

The Yakima FullSwing is the perfect bike rack for your Audi Q8 thanks to its weight-carrying capacity, stability, and easy installation. Your bike will be secured in place by the frame and tires. This way, you can load & unload quickly and easily, without the hassle of removing the front wheel. Get the Yakima FullSwing today and enjoy a carefree biking experience.

Key Takeaways

  • This rack is rather pricey but it has innovative features and really well made,
  • The rack itself is very sturdy though bikes will be wobbling a bit,
  • Easy to load bikes and access the trunk with bikes mounted,
  • This bike rack can carry most bikes (except for heaviest models), but I would not recommend it for carrying expensive bikes because it will inevitably live scratches or even small dents.

PROS

  • High quality materials
  • Easy to assemble and install
  • The rack itself is very robust
  • Can carry fat-tire bikes
  • Easy trunk access with bikes mounted
  • Rack-to-vehicle and bikes-to-rack locks included
  • Can’t damage your car
  • Great aerodynamics (little mileage reduction)
  • Compact when not in use (folds up)

CONS

  • Quite expensive even though it is a premium brand
  • Bikes will be wobbling (tie them up)
  • Can’t carry really heavy bikes
  • Some mountain, women’s and kids’ bikes will require an adapter (sold separately)
  • No clearance between bikes (will be hitting each other)
  • Fits only 2″ receivers

Best Audi Q8 roof bike racks

keep in mind that Audi Q8 is a relatively tall car. As a result, it might be challenging to put heavy bikes on the roof of your Audi Q8. It will definitely require some mussles.

Yakima HighRoad – Best roof rack overall (especially for fat-tire bikes)

  • Audi Q8 compatible: Yes
  • Type of mount: wheel
  • Max bike weight: 45 lb (20.4 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 26” to 29” (66 to 74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 4″
  • Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
  • Crossbar spread: between 18″ and 36″
  • Empty rack weight: 18 lb (8.2 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • No frame contact

Yakima HighRoad is a roof-mounted bike rack that’s never been easier to install. Gone are the days of using complicated, confusing instructions to put your bike on the roof. With a simple push and click, you can carry up to 5 bikes with no frame contact, and it even fits relatively heavy bikes (up to 45 lbs) securely with its alloy steel construction.

Key Takeaways

  • Definitely worth the money because of premium quality and useful features,
  • No wobbling at all as the whole construction is extremely sturdy,
  • Lifting a bike up might be challenging or impossible for some people,
  • This bike rack is highly recommended for expensive bikes because of no frame contact. As a result, your bikes won’t get scratches,
  • The best choice for fat-tire bikes (in comparison with other roof racks).

PROS

  • Premium quality overall
  • Straightforward installation
  • Both rack and bike are very robust
  • Can carry quite heavy bikes
  • Can carry most bikes (including fat-tire)
  • Does not block trunk access
  • Does not cover license frame and taillights
  • Locks are included
  • Won’t scratch your bikes (no frame mounting)
  • Won’t damage your car
  • Universal (compatible with most crossbars)
  • You don’t have to remove the wheel

CONS

  • The whole system is expensive (since it requires crossbars)
  • Keep in mind that loading a bike requires some muscles
  • 10-20% mileage reduction

Thule TopRide – Premium roof rack, super sturdy

  • Audi Q8 compatible: Yes
  • Type of mount: fork
  • Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 29” (74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 3″
  • Max wheelbase: 49.2″ (125 cm)
  • Empty rack weight: 7.7 lb (3.5 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • No frame contact

The Thule TopRide bike rack takes your ride to the next level with a sleek, low profile design and the ability to haul up to 40 pounds. With a unique, fork-mounting system that won’t scratch your bike’s frame and an aluminum construction to keep it lightweight, this bike rack is top-of-the-line when it comes to style and performance.

Key Takeaways

  • Premium fork-mounted rack with nice design,
  • A bike will super sturdy on the rack since it will me secured by the fork,
  • Quite easy to load a bike on. The only thing you will ave to do is to remove the front wheel,
  • This rack is perfect for basically all bikes (fat-tire, women’s, kid’s, etc.). Expensive or carbon frame bikes won’t get scratched.

PROS

  • Very well made
  • Easy to assemble and install
  • A bike will be super sturdy on the rack
  • Universal (fits most bikes)
  • Does not block trunk access
  • Does not obscure license plate and taillights
  • Locks included
  • Won’t damage your car
  • Looks good
  • Won’t scratch your bikes (no frame mounting)

CONS

  • Quite pricey as it requires crossbars to be installed
  • You have to remove the front wheel each time
  • Can’t carry really heavy bikes
  • 10-20% mileage reduction

Best Audi Q8 trunk bike racks

Be careful with trunk racks, especially if you are an owner of such an expensive car as Audi Q8. Trunk racks can easily leave scratches. Though the racks you can find further are the safest options on the market.

Saris Bones EX (2 or 3) – Trunk rack that fits most cars

  • Audi Q8 compatible: Yes
  • Max number of bikes: 2 or 3 bikes versions
  • Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 105 lb (47.6 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): any
  • Max tire size (width): any
  • Max wheelbase: any
  • Empty rack weight: 11 lb (5 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
  • Bike-to-rack lock: No
  • Number of straps: 6

Saris Bones EX is an innovative bike carrier that mounts securely to your vehicle, so you never have to worry about loading your bike. The innovative Saris Bones EX eliminates the need for a hitch, crossbars, and straps. Best of all, it does not sacrifice performance for this convenience. The Saris Bones EX supports up to 3 bikes and can be installed on any vehicle with a rear hatchback opening or trunk.

Key Takeaways

  • Best-seller trunk rack with a good reason for that (fits most cars and decent quality overall),
  • Don’t expect it to be very sturdy (some wobbling is inevitable),
  • Quite easy to easy overall, but keep in mind that trunk access will be blocked,
  • Fits most bikes under 35 lb (an adapter will help with kid’s and women’s bikes),
  • I would not recommend it for carrying expensive bikes (especially carbon frame) since it will cause scratches.

PROS

  • Reasonable price
  • Easy to install
  • Fits most bikes (including fat-tire)
  • Compatible with most cars (universal)
  • Quite compact
  • Won’t affect mileage much

CONS

  • Don’t expect it to be super sturdy
  • Can’t carry heavy bikes
  • Blocks trunk access
  • Very easy to steal (both rack and bikes)
  • Bikes will be hitting each other (expect scratches)
  • There is some risk of damaging your car

Thule Outway Hanging (2 or 3) – Premium trunk rack for not heavy bikes

  • Audi Q8 compatible: Yes
  • Max number of bikes: 2 or 3 bikes versions
  • Max bike weight: 33 lb (15 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 99 lb (44.9 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): any
  • Max tire size (width): any
  • Max wheelbase: any
  • Empty rack weight: 19.6 lb (8.9 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
  • Bike-to-rack lock: No
  • Number of straps: 2

Get more adventures with Thule Outway Hanging. It is more than just a rack, it’s an all in one bike carrying solution for two or three bikes. The Outway Hanging suits the needs of everyone from the avid cyclist to the occasional bike rider and can be installed on your Audi Q8 without the need for a trailer hitch or crossbars.

Key Takeaways

  • Premium quality trunk rack that won’t break the bank,
  • The whole construction is quite sturdy though you should be prepared for some wobbling of bikes,
  • You won’t be able to open the trunk with bikes loaded. Other than that, it is quite easy to use,
  • This bike racks fits most bikes regardless of their frame shape. The only limit is that a bike must not exceed 33 lb,
  • Don’t transport expensive bikes on it since some scratches are basically inevitable.

PROS

  • Reasonable price given that it is a premium brand
  • Relatively easy to assemble and install
  • Fits most bikes under 33 lb
  • Does not require anything to be installed
  • Low mileage reduction
  • Quite compact

CONS

  • Some wobbling of bikes (problem of all trunk racks)
  • Can’t carry heavy bikes
  • You won’t be able to open the trunk with bikes loaded
  • Bikes will scratch each other
  • Very easy to steal
  • Might scratch you car