COVER Audi Q8
FIRST DRIVE Hi-tech new flagship coupé-suv impresses
Flagship luxury coupé-suv makes a big impression
DOES the world need another SUV? If you ask Audi, the answer is yes. Its current seven-seat Q7 flagship has now been joined by the five-seat Q8. Lower, wider and more dramatically styled, it’s set to compete directly with cars such as the BMW X6 and Mercedes GLE Coupé.
The revised proportions and detailing certainly help the Q8 stand out from the chunkier Q7; even side by side you’d struggle to see similarities. The changes start at the front, with a much wider and lower-mounted interpretation of Audi’s single-frame grille. This is flanked by large vents on the lower edge, with slim LED lights sitting just below the bonnet line.
It’s all change down the side, with prominent wheelarch flares designed to evoke those of the iconic Ur-quattro. The roofline tapers sooner than it does on the Q7, finished off by a roof spoiler and full-width lighting across the tailgate. Huge 21-inch wheels complete the look.
From some angles, there’s a hint of Lamborghini Urus to the Q8’s creases, but you’d never mistake it for anything other than an Audi on the road.
The same can be said of the Q8’s elegant interior, whose architecture echoes that of Audi’s other flagship, the A8. The dashboard is neatly layered, with a pair of haptic touchscreens below an air vent that runs the full width. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit dials are also standard.
Despite the trimmed roofline, head and legroom is good in the back, even when sitting behind taller adults. Frontseat comfort is excellent, with plenty of adjustment to the seats and three-spoke steering wheel. Cabin quality is up to Audi’s usual high standards.
There’s room to throw stuff in the back, too; the 605-litre boot is 25 litres bigger than an X6’s. And although the Q8 is lower than the Q7, it’s still a nearfive-metre-long car – which brings major benefits for interior volume.
There are only two trim levels to start with: S line and Vorsprung. The latter bumps the wheels up to 22 inches and swaps in a set of ‘super sport’ seats. It adds four-wheel steering, a B&O stereo and head-up display, too. The Vorsprung also gets Audi’s ‘Tour Pack’, bringing lane departure warning and adaptive cruise. Pricing for both versions will be revealed when sales start this summer.
The engine choice is even simpler at launch, using the same 3.0-litre V6 diesel (badged 50 TDI) and 48-volt mildhybrid system as several of Audi’s other models. Also fitted is the brand’s quattro all-wheel-drive system. A 55 TFSI petrol and 45 TDI diesel will arrive in 2019.
An SQ8 (and RS Q8, for that matter) is due later, but the 50 TDI endows the SUV with strong pace, covering 0-62mph in just over six seconds. Economy and CO2 data hasn’t been confirmed, but the lighter A8 sneaks more than 50mpg, so expect the Q8 to be in the high forties.
‘High’ was the operative word for the Q8’s South American launch event; the thin air at 10,000ft did its best to hurt the 50 TDI’S performance. But the Q8 was capable of strong acceleration and sustained high speeds. Acoustic glazing means wind noise is minimal and makes the Q8 one of the quietest Audis yet.
The eight-speed auto gearbox shifts smoothly and responds snappily to the wheel-mounted paddles, too, although outside of the occasional overtake, you’re unlikely to use them frequently.
Despite the Q8’s more dynamic billing, however, it’s no more entertaining to drive than any other recent Audi. As with the Q7, the Q8 is a cruiser, prioritising comfort over thrills; the numb steering and dulled responses mean the big SUV isn’t quite as engaging as an X6.
It does ride well, however, with the air suspension absorbing ripples in the road without floating over larger undulations. But there’s one major caveat: models coming to the UK will get a Sport air suspension set-up rather than our German test car’s regular air suspension – and this could be the comfy car’s undoing.
“Wheelarch flares are designed to evoke those of the iconic Ur-quattro”