Audi took the wraps off the production Audi Q8 at the Audi Brand Summit in Shenzen, China. Based on a concept of the same name, the new Q family model combines the versatility of an SUV with the elegance of a four-door coupe.
The Audi Q8 measures 4,986 mm in length, 1,995 mm in width and 1,705 mm in height. In comparison, its sister model Audi Q7 is 5,052 mm (+66 mm) long, 1,968 mm (-27 mm) wide and 1,741 mm (-36 mm) tall. The Audi Q8’s wheelbase is 1 mm longer (2,995 mm). The SUV coupe offers 1,755 litres of luggage space with the rear seats folded down.
The Audi Q8 is a lot different from the Audi Q7 in terms of design, on the outside as well as on the inside. Unlike the Audi Q7's understated design, the Audi Q8 looks much bolder and more dynamic. After all, it is more of a style statement than a practical off-road capable three-row people mover.
At the front, the Audi Q8 has an imposing Singleframe grille in an Octagonal design, representing the new face of the Q family. The brawny radiator grille is flanked by HD Matrix headlights at the top and highly contoured air inlets at the bottom. The crease lines on the bonnet meet the outermost vertical slats of this upright grille.
On the sides, the Audi Q8’s round wheel arches house 22-inch wheels. Its roofline doesn’t fall as aggressively as that of the Lamborghini Urus, which should translate to decent headroom enhancing everyday practicality. At the rear, the windshield is heavily raked, but not as extreme as that of the Lamborghini Urus. A thin light strip connects the slim tail lights in signature Audi fashion.
Inside, the Audi Q8 is reminiscent of the latest A family models (A8, A7, and A8). Its dashboard, centre console, floor console, steering wheel, and instrument panel have a very familiar design. Key features include four-zone automatic climate control, dual central display setup with a 10.1-inch upper display and an 8.6-inch lower display, head-up display, 12.3-inch virtual instrument cluster and contour seats with massage function and ventilation.
Audi has not revealed the engine line-up for the Audi Q8 yet. However, it has confirmed that the new SUV features 48-volt mild-hybrid system comprising a Lithium-ion battery and a belt alternator starter (BAS). This system can recover up to 12 kW of power and send it back into the battery. It provides for long coasting phases, with the start-stop range beginning at 22 km/h. Another highlight of the Audi Q8 is its all-wheel steering system, which can turn the rear wheels as much as 5 degrees in the direction of the turn for better stability at high speeds and in the opposite direction for increased agility at low speeds.
Also Read: Next-gen Audi A1 5-door to retain “Sportback” branding, debut in Q4 2018
The Audi Q8 will hit the European markets in the third quarter of 2018 (July-September 2018). Audi is yet to confirm it for India. Although the SUV has been spotted testing on Indian roads in the past.
