The time has come for the new 2019 Audi Q8, the
company’s new SUV flagship to hit the US market. Customers in the US will be
offered one engine option in the Q8’s launch phase, meaning a new turbocharged
3.0-liter TFSI V6 unit with 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, paired to a mild
hybrid setup. The engine comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and
sends its power to the Quattro all-wheel drive system.
Audi says the engine is new, featuring its
twin-scroll turbocharger within the vee and having a revised valvelift system
for better response and performance. The mild-hybrid system runs through a
48-volt electrical architecture and includes a 10Ah battery and a belt
alternator starter. The Quattro all-wheel drive system features a torque split of 40:60,
front to rear. The official 0-60 mph figure is set at 5.6 seconds.
The new Q8 wants to become the more exciting brother
of the Q7 in Audi’s range and not by just looking at it; the chassis rides on
an adaptive suspension as standard, with an air suspension and all-wheel
steering being optional. Add to that the rear-biased Quattro and the better
maneuverability, and the end result should be a sporty, yet refined and
luxurious SUV.
Audi USA will offer for the 2019MY an optional Year
One package, which includes 22-inch Audi Sport anthracite alloy wheels, a black
optic exterior kit with roof rails and a black Singleframe grille, S-line
bumpers, red brake calipers and more.
All Audi Q8s will come with standard features like
LED lights with dynamic turn signals, a three-zone automatic climate control, a
panoramic sunroof, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, leather
upholstery, front heated eight-way powered front seats and more. The MMI Touch
Response is also offered as standard, featuring a 10.1-inch upper display for
the infotainment and a 8.6-inch lower display for the climate and other
functions.
Pricing for the 2019 Audi Q8 starts from US$ 68,395 for
the base Premium model (including a US$ 995 destination fee). Next up in the range
we find the Premium Plus model, which starts from US$ 72,395 while sitting at the
top of the range is the Prestige model, asking from US$ 77,545.
