Around a month ago, Audi teased us with the Q8 Concept. The design brief was that of a spacious Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with coupe-like styling, set in the full-size SUV class. While all this press talk may sound confusing, Audi finally clears things up with the Q8 Concept car, which it revealed at the ongoing North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
A quick glance at the large SUV shows Audi DNA straight from the Ur-quattro of the 1980s. These touches include the wide, flat C-pillars and the fender flares. These sporty cues go nicely with the full-size SUV stance, giving it a truly powerful look.
The full-size classification pays off as four full-size adults can lounger inside in total comfort. They all get touchscreens to connect to the outside world, as well as other goodies to make life interesting on the road. The driver gets Audi Virtual Cockpit and an analogue/virtual head-up display. This gives one a cool view of both the real and digital world.
The Audi Q8 will be powered by a plug-in hybrid motor with a total system output of 442hp and a staggering 700Nm of torque. All that juice is fed to the drive wheels via Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system. Sharp handling mixed with a comfortable ride is promised by air suspension all around, while ceramic brakes ensure total stopping confidence.
While waiting for the Q8 Concept to hit the production floor, however, Audi buyers can check out the new SQ5 TFSI, which made its world debut at the Detroit show. You can tell this model apart from its “lesser” siblings via the LED headlamps, 20-inch 5-double spoke wheels, and other styling touches.
What really sets this one above the rest is the 3.0-liter TFSI motor that produces 354hp and 500Nm, from as low as 1,370 revs. Paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox and Quattro all-wheel drive, the SUV scoots to 100km/h from rest in a quick 5.4 ticks. And with the Audi Drive Select being linked to the engine, tranny, dynamic variable ratio steering, and sport differential, the SUV can switch from a comfortable cruiser to a sporty yet practical canyon carver just like that.
The Audi Q8 Concept is slated for production sometime in 2018, while the SQ5 TFSI will go on sale later this year.
