Audi goes to top of the Q as new SUV adds style to the substance

Audi has unveiled its range-topping Q8.

An SUV that borrows coupe styling, it’ll go head to head against th 1e Range Rover Sport and BMW X6.

The Q8 is 4,986mm long, which is 66mm shorter than the flagship Q7.

It shares that car’s wheelbase, however, and is longer overall than both the X6 and Mercedes GLE. It’s also 27mm wider than the Q7 and this – along with a lower roofline – gives the Q8 a more aggressive, sporty stance.

Retaining the Q7’s wheelbase means the new car’s interior space is nearly identical, but the Q8 will only be available in a five-seat configuration, whereas the Q7 has a seven-seater layout.

The Q8 will hit showrooms next month, with prices starting at around £65,000 for the initial entry-level V6 version. A cheaper model is due to enter the range next year with a price tag in the region of £60,000.

At launch the only engine available will be Audi’s 3.0 litre diesel, which puts out 282bhp and can do 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds. Top speed is 144 mph.

The diesel is a “mild hybrid” which can switch the engine off and coast between 34 and 100mph.

A 335bhp V6 petrol and a less powerful diesel will join the engine line-up next year. The firm is almost certain to add high-performance SQ8 and RSQ8 variants, as it has done with other models in its range. Expect the RSQ8 to have somewhere in the region of 650bhp.

All Q8s come with Audi’s Quattro four-wheel drive system, which has a rear-wheel bias to boost driving dynamics. Every UK Q8 will also come with air suspension as standard.

There will be two specs available in the UK at launch: entry-level S line and flagship Vorsprung. All cars get HD Matrix LED headlights, 21-inch alloy wheels, leather and Alcantara sports seats, and the latest Audi infotainment system.

Vorsprung cars add larger wheels, heated rear seats and a Titanium styling pack, as well as four-zone climate control and a Bang & Olufsen stereo.

The Audi Q8 will arrive in showrooms next month.