Audi’s All hail sleek new SUV
Audi Q8 From €102,200 ★★★★★
Form an orderly queue for Audi’s new flagship Q8 SUV. I’ve tried it on busy and quiet roads, and first impressions are good. It’s sporty, but elegant, with a bold face and lines made sleeker by frameless doors and windows and a coupé-like roofline. The Dragon Orange metallic paintwork is particularly striking, and it’s nimble with a tight turning circle.
The only engine at launch is a 3litre V6 TDi Quattro turbodiesel eight-speed automatic, linked to a ‘mild’ electric hybrid system which together develops 286hp and gives plenty of acceleration on demand.
It will go from rest to 100kph in 6.3 seconds, and has a top speed of 230kph. CO2 emissions are 178g/km and average 6.8 l/100km under new ‘real world’ economy tests. A more powerful 3-litre 340PS TFSI V6 petrol engine is to follow early next year, along with a more frugal 231PS diesel.
A 12.3in high-resolution display replaces the traditional instrument cluster.
It uses 3D graphics and you can select the ‘classic’ view showing speed, or ‘navigation’ view, where the satnav fills the screen.
There are two trim levels. The S-Line on standard 21in wheels starts from €102,200 and looks the business, or the premium (from €126,644) which has Vorsprung trim, 22-inch wheels, a panoramic glass sunroof and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Inside is high quality, while safety and convenience is helped by 39 driver assistance systems, standard
ELEGANT, SPORTY WITH SLEEK LINES AND A BOLD FACE
on Vorsprung but at extra cost on S-Line.
There’s plenty of space in the boot with a 605-litre luggage compartment – enough for two golf bags – expanding to 1,755 litres with the rear seats down.
Adaptive air suspension regulates ride height, which can be raised by up to 50mm for going off road.
In its sights are a host of premium rivals including the BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, Maserati Levante and the Range Rover Sport.