Spy photographer has snapped the Audi Q8
testing with a production-ready exterior in Europe. Audi has confirmed that the
Q8 SUV will arrive in showrooms from 2018.
The exterior will draw inspiration from the Q8
concept unveiled at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show. This is inferred from the spy
shot of its posterior, which has the angular and dynamic details of the concept
car. The front-end will have an octagonal grille, flanked by Matrix LED
headlamps similar to the new A8, and an aggressive bumper design. It will be
just over 5m long, but a strict 5 seater.
The interior is likely to follow Audi’s latest
design direction that influences its new range of MLB-based cars. Expect a
floating, width-enhancing dashboard trimmed with top notch materials, the A8’s
new MMI system, Virtual Cockpit and semi-autonomous driving systems. It’s also
claimed to offer best-in-class space.
The Q8 will ride on the MLB platform that underpins
the Audi Q7, Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus. Engine options could include
a base 2.0L 4-cyl turbo petrol, 3.0 V6 supercharged petrol and a 3.0L V6 TDI
diesel. A range-topping RS-Q8 with a 4.0L twin turbo V8 is also on the cards.
Expect the relationship of the Audi RS-Q8 and Lamborghini Urus to be similar to
that of the Audi R8 and Lamborghini Huracan.