The Audi Q8 will arrive in UK showrooms in the summer as a new direct challenger to the likes of the Range Rover Sport.
Effectively the new model is Audi’s much-admired luxury car the A8, but in an SUV package – a rapidly growing part of the premium sector. The Q8 is evolved from the first and largest member of Audi’s SUV family, the Q7, and remarkably that car will remain the largest, as the newcomer is 6cm shorter in length, and due to its coupe styling has a roof some 10cm lower.
However, it is being pitched as a luxury model – the Q8 has shorter body overhangs than its sister both front and rear, and so will offer similar levels of interior space. it will also only be available with five seats, not the seven that can be had in the Q7.
The interior layout is also new with the cockpit focused on two large touchscreens and the equipment including the latest-technology navigation.
Initially, the Q8 will go on sale with a six-cylinder 3.0-litre TDI diesel proucing 286hp. This will propel the car through 62mph from rest in 6.3 seconds and onto a top speed of 144mph.
Audi also intends to add a less-powerful version of the 3.0-litre diesel, with 231hp, and a 3.0-litre petrol version with 340hp – these are expected on sale early in 2019.
Launch versions will also be to the familiar S line specification, with HD Matrix LED lights, 21-inch alloy wheels and adaptive air suspension sport included as standard.
Soon after launch, Audi intends to launch a more upmarket version of the Q8 dubbed Vorsprung. It will include all-wheel steering, 22-inch alloy wheels, a head-up display and a full leather package as standard.
