AUDI Q8 fuses the elegance of a coupe with the functionality of an SUV

combining the elegance of a coupe with the functionality of an SUV, the AUDI ‘Q8’ has made its world debut as the brand’s all-new, top premium SUV. launching in the US in the fourth quarter of 2018, the car boasts a commanding on-road presence, featuring design cues from the original AUDI ‘ur-quattro’. importantly, the five-passenger vehicle also offers advanced connectivity, infotainment and driver assistance systems, combined with capable driving dynamics.

the ‘Q8’ is the new flagship for AUDI’s SUV design

most notably, the octagonal-shaped singleframe grille defines the front of the AUDI ‘Q8’, as well as the new design language for the brand’s SUV portfolio. this is paired with large, highly contoured air inlets that, overall, establish an immediately commanding on-road presence. as the exterior styling smooths towards the back, a sloping roofline and pronounced wheel arches highlight the vehicle’s dynamism as the side profile signifies the elongated front. a light strip underlines a black body panel to connect the taillights at the rear.

large, highly contoured air inlets help establish an immediately commanding on-road presence

for the interior, the new design language has created a serene environment for up to five passengers. the space is generous, as well as the cargo capacity. running from front to rear, an optional contour light traces along the main styling features. whereas, in the cockpit, the all-new MMI touch response display takes center stage as its black-panel appearance blends into the console’s design.

a light strip underlines a black body panel to connect the taillights at the rear

the MMI operating system itself features haptic and acoustic feedback so that users can feel and hear when they make a selection. the logical menu structure allows fast access to various vehicle functions, but can be personalized to ensure favorites are easily chosen. additionally, its natural-language controls enhance the ‘Q8’ and is said to ‘turn the car into a more intelligent travel assistant‘, as it can even suggest nearby restaurants when passenger says they are hungry.

pronounced wheel arches highlight the vehicle’s dynamism

as well as being the new flagship for the brand’s SUV design, the ‘Q8’ also highlights AUDI’s even more capable driving dynamics, especially for off-road terrain. it comes with quattro all-wheel drive as standard, where a differential transfers power to the front and rear axles at a ratio of 40:60 — this adjusts when more power is needed at the back. to support its adventurous use, the vehicle is equipped with an adaptive damping suspension. as well, it features all-new 48-volt mild hybrid technology that helps energize the TFSI engine and the main electrical systems.

the octagonal-shaped singleframe grille defines the front of the car