Audi Q8 revealed ahead of 2019 Aus release

The next step in Audi’s lineup has finally been revealed as a rival to the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, with the Audi Q8 tipped to go on sale in Australia next year. Based on the same platform as the seven-seat Q7 (which will sit below it in price), the five-seat Q8 goes after more coupe-like entrants.

Using a range of turbocharged V6 petrol and diesel powerplants with hi-po turbo V8 models also due to be launched in the future, the Q8 will be offered with the latest range of technology from Audi including their latest infotainment system, as well as the company’s AI autonomous driving ability.

Not much is known as yet about the Audi Q8, though it is the most expensive SUV that the company has ever produced. To be offered as a more luxurious and emotional version of the Q7, the Q8 will be priced north of the Q7’s $97,800 plus on-road costs entry price. Like the recently revealed A6, all versions of the Q8 will likely feature the brand’s mild-hybrid tech to assist with both power and efficiency – a 250kW supercharged petrol V6 and 170kW and 210kW forms of V6 turbo diesel are slated for initial production.

Stylistically the Audi Q8 matches the Q8 concept cars very closely, and overall looks relatively similar to the Lamborghini Urus. The overall wedge shape is loosely borrow from the smaller Q2. The front end is dominated by Audi’s newest eight-sided grille shape with five slats accentuating the overall wideness of the car, as well as a low-mounted number plate, a silver skid plate and black portions underneath the headlights. The side profile features a raked roofline and optional roof rails, whilst the rear shows off new A7-like joined tailights, twin pipes and a low skid plate.

The interior of the Audi Q8 resembles the new A6, A7 and A8 quite closely with an integrated touchscreen, a lot of piano black trim and many horizontal lines attempting to accentuate the wideness of the car. Like its luxury sedan siblings, the Q8 features a new touchscreen infotainment system, as well as a touchscreen panel for the heating and ventilation. The latest version of the company’s Virtual Cockpit digital dials also features, this time with the latest Google Earth mapping.

The rear seat appears to be a roomy place to spend time, with a touchscreen panel devoted to the rear seat heating and cooling zone, as well as heated rear seats. Bootspace is reportedly 605-litres with the rear seats in place, and expands to 1,755-litres with them folded.

The Audi Q8 is to be properly revealed in the next week, with full details to be revealed then. The Q8 will hit Australia next year, with hi-po S Q8 and RS Q8 models to be revealed in due course. A plug-in hybrid Q8 e-tron is also due to be introduced during the car’s model life.

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