As Audi Q8
will serve as Ingolstadt's answer to the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE
Coupe. In a nutshell, the Q8 sits lower and looks considerably wider than the
Q7, while also boasting a sloping rear roofline for that Coupe-like appearance
that has become extremely popular with SUVs nowadays.
If you're curious to know what it's like underneath
all that camouflage, look no further than the Q8 Concept Audi brought to the
Detroit Auto Show last month. Not only do the concept's styling features
protrude nicely from underneath the vinyl, you can also spot the new ultra-wide
grille and part of the taillight design, which does seem to feature the
concept's long horizontal LED strip.
As for what it's doing alongside its Q7 sibling, but
also the Volvo XC90 and BMW's 7-Series, well, the common denominator here is
that all three of those luxury cars represent the newest additions to their
particular segments - so perhaps Audi is evaluating the Q8 against the very
best Volvo and BMW have to offer in terms of technology.
The Q8 is expected to feature a whole arsenal of
impressive systems such as OLED high-definition displays and all the latest
autonomous driving functions, systems it will eventually share with the all-new
A8 saloon as well, possibly even the A7 and all-new A6.
The Q8 will also sit on
the automaker's updated MLB platform, with aluminum being used throughout and
also carbon fiber finding its way into non-load bearing structures, just like
on the R8.
Aside from regular petrol, diesel and hybrid
options, the Q8 is also expected to feature the brand's triple-turbocharged
4.0-liter V8 diesel (from the SQ7), as well as an electrified plug-in
powertrain developed in partnership with Porsche. An RS concept version of the
Q8 is rumored to debut at the Geneva show next month.
Expect to see the Audi Q8 on the street sometime in
2018.
Cr : Carscoops