Audi Q8 Concept to be showcased in January 2017

The all new Audi Q8 will be unveiled at the 2018 Detroit Motor Show. This will be a concept and not the final production version. There have been talks of the Audi Q8 for a while and now it seems that the Ingolstadt-based automaker is looking towards achieving that it had wanted. A new bigger SUV that will be competing with the Range Rover and the other upcoming uber-luxurious SUVs. What does the new Audi Q8 have on offer? We share our detailed preview.

Audi Q8 Design

Only at the design language of the Q8 concept, this seems to be the new design language for the Audi brand. Audi had made changes in the styling when it got the new Q7 and now it has taken another step to futuristic design. The question that now lies ahead is what are the changes on the Audi Q8 that will make it into production. We can see a narrow crisp line separating the bonnet with the front grille. The grille has vertical slats instead of horizontal ones. The design looks aggressive and the headlamps has sharp edges.

The side profile also recommends that this carries forward the crossover styling that we had seen on the Q7. Audi might want all its Q family to carry on with the same design language and this will make it look similar throughout.

Also Read: Range Rover Coupe Price and Release Date

Audi Q8 Features

In terms of features, the new Audi Q8 should get features like semi-autonomous driving, LED headlamps, adaptive cruise control and auto-start from the key. Audi should add several new surprise elements, which will help them surpass the competition. The Volvo XC90 will be one benchmark that Audi will want to rank higher for better market hold. We reckon there will be a five-seater instead of being a seven seater like the Q7. There should be more features on the MMI (Multimedia Interface).

Also Read: Mercedes-Benz GLE Price and Specifications

Audi Q8 Engines

Too early to predict. But V8 will be dominating majorly. There should be a couple of V6 engines too, with even a plug-in hybrid option too. We reckon, the 3.0-litre V6 petrol and diesel will the base models, while the 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo petrol and diesel options. For the States, it will just be the gasoline and there shall be no diesel on offer. Plug-in hybrids will be offering in US and Europe both. This will also be made available as an e-tron as well. This will enhance the company’s reach even further.

The plug-in hybrid should have a range of at least 35 miles in all electric mode.

Audi Q8 Platform

This is based on the Q7 platform. However will be more sporty and coupe-like. The Q8 will be competing with the X6. If we look at the silhouette it is very much coupe like. The new Q8’s weighing scale will tip under 2,000 kilograms, making it lesser than 4,400 pounds. This ultra-light MLB architecture will help to keep the weight low.

Audi Q8 Competition

There are no guesses. The new Audi Q8 shall be competing with the BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and the upcoming Range Rover Coupe.