Eighth wonder for the world
FOR a car that made little to no sense on paper, the BMW X6 has done pretty well for itself since arriving in showrooms 10 years ago. The concept of a sporty, coupé SUV might originally have had plenty of observers scratching their heads but the 410,000-plus global sales of the X6 have proven that it’s a successful one.
So perhaps it’s not so much of a surprise that Audi is joining this niche class with its new Q8, more so that it took so long to do so.
After all, Mercedes has its similar GLE Coupé and Land Rover its Range Rover Sport, so clearly there’s plenty of potential for the sportier SUV.
This Q8 certainly looks immediately different to the larger seven-seat Q7. Although based on the same underpinnings, it’s lower, shorter and wider than the Q7, with a noticeably more hunkereddown and squat look, helped by the large wheels (21in on the standard S Line model or 22in on the higher-spec Vorsprung trim).
We like it, especially the frameless windows and the silver grille on some versions and it lacks the macho and aggressive look of the X6, which easily offends some.
Initially there will just be the single engine choice of a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel with 286bhp, badged as the 55 TDI and fitted with a small 48-volt mild hybrid system.
Capable of the 0 to 60mph sprint in just 6.3 seconds and on to a 144mph top speed, it’s certainly quick enough for what is not, after all, a small car. Although official average fuel economy and emissions figures have yet to be released, they’re expected to be around 44.1mpg and 168g/km respectively. During our time with the car, we returned 38.6mpg, respectably high given that we had the air con on the entire time.
Already confirmed for early 2019 are a lesser 231bhp 3.0-litre turbo-diesel and also a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol with 335bhp (badged as 45 TDI and 55 TFSI) and don’t be surprised to see a plug-in hybrid version during 2019 either – although given all of the current anti-diesel rhetoric, we would have preferred a hybrid model to be introduced immediately.
On the road, what first strikes you about the Q8 is its high level of refinement. Road and wind noise are kept well insulated from the cabin and while the engine is certainly audible at times, it’s never that intrusive. The ride quality is excellent and despite the Q8 being a big car, it remains pretty flat when cornering and turns in well.
Although we’d like some more feedback about what the car is doing through the steering wheel, it’s highly unlikely owners will throw this car around that often due to its slightly imposing width.
It’s fair to say that it doesn’t feel all that big on wider roads but you can never fully escape its