If the A8 sedan was a utility vehicle . . .
For Audi, 2019 is a significant model year, with five all-new or updatedmodels in the lineup. The new Q8 becomes arguably the sportiest of Audi’s utility vehicles and perhaps even the brand’s most audacious form of personal transportation.
The Q8’s fastback styling stands in contrast to the Q7’s square-back design that allows for a kid-zone third row (the five-passenger Q8 has two rows) plus additional cargo room, especially with the second and third rows folded flat. Although both models are built off the same platform, the Q8 is shorter by 3 inches, which also accounts for the Q7’s increased functionality.
So, what is the Q8, exactly? Audi wants you to think of it— with its large rear-seat area— as a utility version of the luxurious A8 sedan, and to forget about comparisons to the obviously more practicalQ7.
Visually, the newest Q is aggressive, starting with amassive egg-crate grille that should strike fear in the rearview mirrors of slower-moving left-lane bandits.
In back, Audi’s stylists have lowered the roofline, which tapers into a sharply raked cargo door. It looks nothing like the coupe-ishMercedes-Benz GLE and BMWX6 competitors, but by Audi standards the Q8’s appearance is downright revolutionary.
The dashboard doesn’t just break with convention, it smashes it to bits. Counting the configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, there are a total of three large screens that monitor/control the Q8’s operation. This in turn reduces the degree of switchgear on the steering wheel and elsewhere. For anyone preferring knobs and buttons for the audio, communications and climate systems, the Q8’s Virtual Cockpit will take some getting used to.
Perhaps all will be forgiven once you light the fuse on the standard turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that delivers 335 horsepower and 389 pound-feet of torque. That energy is transmitted to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Audi says the A8 can accelerate to 60 mph from rest in 5.6 seconds, with a regulated top speed of 130 mph. If Audi remains true to form, a SQ8 version is likely to arrive a few months hence with an extra helping of performance.
Fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg in the city, 22on thehighway and19combined.
All Q8s are equipped with Quattro all-wheel drive. The system sends 60 percent of the torque to the rear tires in normal driving conditions, but, when needed, it can shift 85 percent to the rears, or 70 percent to the front tires.
The standard suspension can be swapped out for the optional air suspension, which allows the ride height and firmness to be adjusted to comfort, dynamic (sport) and off-road settings. For the latter, ground clearance can be increased to 10 inches.
Ordering the air suspension also includes rear-wheel steering, which allows the Q8 to turn more tightly at low speeds. At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn slightly in the opposite direction to the front wheels, but during a lane change the rear wheels pivot in the same direction as the fronts.
At a base price of $68,400 (including destination charges), the base Q8 Premium comes with tri-zone climate control, navigation, panoramic sunroof, power tailgate and leather-covered seats (heated and power-adjustable in front).
The mid range Premium Plus has quad-zone climate control, premium perforated-leather seats, 17-speaker, 730-watt Bang andOlufsen-brand sound package, and a hands-free liftgate release.
The top-end Prestige trim level comes with a full suite of active-safety tech as well asLEDheadlights and taillights. Also included are headlight washers, power soft-closing doors, rear side-window shades and a stitched-leather dashboard.
Ultimately, the Q8 speaks more to the heart than the head. It carries a base price that’s $17,500 higher than themore versatileQ7.
On the other hand, the Q8 is a slick compromise that wins on athletics and aesthetics. It should also placate drivers who by necessity (e.g. family responsibilities) needmore space than a traditional two- or four-door sedan.