From concept to production in a jiffy
We’ve recently seen the Q8 Concept at the 2017 Detroit Motor Show, and now we can see it during winter testing in Finland, alongside its boxy sibling Q7.
Naturally, the Q8 will not be as aggressive as the concept previewed in Detroit, but its presence will surely make a strong statement, design-wise. Former Audi technical chief Ulrich Hackenberg described the Q8 as being “more emotional and sporty than the Q7”.
Regarding the design, the plunged roof will probably eat headroom, although Audi officials are stating the Q8 will offer “four equally comfortable seats.”
We don’t know what engines will be fitted under the luxurious, imposing Q8, but we won’t be surprised to see a V8-powered, 435-hp SQ8 diesel at the debut. Also, the plug-in hybrid version might not get the 3.0 TFSI/electric motor setup, as the already existent (on the Q7 e-tron TDI) V6 diesel/electric motor seems more likely.
The coupé-like Audi Q8 is expected to debut somewhere in 2018 — as a rival for the BMW X6 and Mercedes GLE Coupé — with prices ranging from €70,000 to €100,000.
Image credit: Automedia