Slideshow: The New Audi Q8 Unveiled
Audi unveils its newest SUV in its lineup--the sporty Q8
What Is It?
Audi is no stranger to exploring niches. Unfortunately for them, BMW and Mercedes have been stealing sales from the sport SUV segment for some time now. BMW has the X6 and Mercedes has the GLE Coupe. Both are basically sloppier versions of their full size SUVs (X5 and GL, respectively).
The Q8 hopes to add an extra four-ringed product to its repertoire by doing the same as its competitors. Take the Q7, widen it, and make the roof more slanted and viola...there you have the Q8!
Add to that, some sporty styling, a lux interior, and Audi's latest technology and you have a true sports SUV competitor!
Engines
The Q8 will come with the same engines found in the Q7 at the time which are: a V8 TDI with 285 hp and 442 lb-ft, which does the 0-60 sprint in 6.3 seconds; and the other is a V8 TFSI gasoline engine making 340 hp. Either a 7-speed S-Tronic gearbox is available or an 8-speed. The codenames "50" and "55" (Audi's new engine moniker) will be accompanied by a smaller 45...or V6. That 3.0L makes a decent 230 horsepower.
Expect hybridized versions of the 45, 50, and 55 to come out soon. Audi hopes to add hybrid models to each of the cars in its lineup in the not-so-distant future.
>>Join the conversation about the Q8 right here in the AudiWorld Forum.
Interior
The Interior will have a virtual cockpit, a 12.3-inch display, and a heads-up display with lane departure alert. Despite the 40 mm sloped roofline, the Q8 will still have excellent headroom for the back seat passengers.
The driver will also have an extra couple of millimeters of track width to allow for higher cornering speeds than its bigger and heftier brother the Q7.
>>Join the conversation about the Q8 right here in the AudiWorld Forum.
Options
It wouldn't be a German product without some additional options--and the Q8 has a whole list of them. The Q8 will have adaptive air suspension with controlled damping that will raise or lower the ride height depending on what driving mode you're in and soften the dampers accordingly. Want true luxury? Opt for the massage and ventilated seats to go with your Q8. If you want your car to stay the perfect temperature, check the "four-zone automatic air conditioning" box. The Q8 will also have matrix LED headlights which will give you incredible vision at night.
Besides these options, the Q8 will come in different trim levels to go along with the engines. Expect an S Q8 to come soon!
>>Join the conversation about the Q8 right here in the AudiWorld Forum.
Design
There is no hiding that the Q8 looks almost identical to the Lamborghini Urus in structure. This “MQB" platform as Audi calls it, is the underpinning for other cars such as the Q7 (surprise, surprise) the Bentley Bentayga, and others.
The demand for sleek and sexy SUVs is at an all-time high right now. Audi’s Q8 will be a knockout with its curvy roofline and bold front end. The stylish light bar at the back gives this Audi a real futuristic look. On this trim you see here, which is the 50, it is super slick and sporty looking.
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