Audi regularly tests
upcoming models in Indian conditions ahead of their global rollout. The company
commenced trial production in Slovakia last month.
The Audi Q8 has an SUV-Coupe form. It is essentially
the production version of the Audi Q8 Concept that made its debut at the
Detroit Motor Show in January 2017. Its design, specifically, the grille and
the chin are nearly identical to the concept. The headlamps are slightly bigger
and feature full LED fixtures. The Audi Q8 spy video reveals the headlight and
taillight glow pattern.
Audi’s Q8 will rival the likes of the BMW X6 and the
Mercedes GLE Coupe. The SUV-coupe’s proportions and design will be quite
similar to the concept, which for reference, is 5.02 metres long, 2.04 metres
wide and 1.70 metres tall. VW Group’s MLB-Evo platform underpins the Q8. The
Audi Q7, Bentley Bentayga, and the Lamborghini Urus are also based on the same platfrom.
In Geneva earlier this year, Audi showcased the Q8
Sport concept. It has a hybrid powertrain that combines a 3.0-litre TFSI V6
motor with 476 hp and 700 Nm, and a 20kW electric motor plus an electronic
compressor to reduce turbo lag. It is claimed to accelerate from 0–100 km/h
in 4.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 275 km/h. The Audi RS Q8 concept powered
by a 4.0-litre twin turbocharged V8 engine has a sub-5 second 0-100 km/h
acceleration time and a 299 km/h top speed.