2019 Audi Q8
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Audi Q8
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Year:2019
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0-60 time:8 sec. (Est.)
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Top Speed:155 mph (Est.)
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Price:78000 (Est.)
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Audi’s answer to the BMW X6 and Porsche Cayenne Coupe
After six years of rumors that began when Audi trademarked the Q8 name in 2012, the German company finally unveiled its proposition against the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. It’s called the Audi Q8, and it’s heavily based on a concept car that the Germans introduced in 2018. It’s modern, aggressive, it packs Audi’s latest technology, and promises to give the BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, and the Porsche Cayenne Coupe a good run for their money.
When BMW introduced the X6 in 2009, a new segment was born. But although the crossover BMW describes as a Sports Activity Coupe proved somewhat popular with SUV enthusiasts, the trend didn’t catch on with other automakers until 2013. That’s when Mercedes-Benz revealed plans to develop a coupe-like crossover based on the M-Class. Shortly after, rumors of a Cayenne Coupe emerged, signaling that Germany’s finest automakers finally pay more attention to this niche. Come 2018 and Audi joined the battle with the prettiest SUV it has created in recent years.
Latest Audi Q8 news and reviews:
2022 Manhart RQ 800
The Audi RS Q8 is the most powerful SUV Audi has to offer, and just a detuned version of the Lamborghini Urus. And, despite being a heavy SUV - 5,291 pounds - it still goes from 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds. German tuner Manhart found a way to improve things even further, despite not offering any aerodynamic upgrades.
2022 Audi RSQ8-S by ABT
Back in 2020, ABT announced the RSQ8-R - a package based on the Audi RS Q8 that increased the power up to a total of 700 horsepower. Of course, the car was sold in no time and customers asked for a replacement. Their wishes will come true as, in January 2022, ABT will be offering a new package for the Q8 RS: the new RSQ8-S.
Audi Was Forced To Recall A Whole Bunch of Vehicles for the Craziest Reason
As cars get more complex and high-tech, recalls are seemingly becoming more common nowadays. Audi is yet another prime example of this as the company announces a recall affecting a swath of 2021 and 2022 models due to issues surrounding their rearview cameras.
This is Probably The Craziest Audi RSQ8 You’ve Ever Seen or Heard
The RSQ8 is one of the hottest Audi models to receive aftermarket treatments. We’ve seen Mansory, Lumma Design, and ABT Sportsline come up with their iterations of this sporty SUV. While most folks would opt for models from these aftermarket companies, some prefer a mix-and-match approach. One such example is this insane build that was uploaded on Auditography’s YouTube channel. It looks radical and is one of the loudest RSQ8s to have graced our planet. And, did I mention it makes over 750 horses?
2021 Audi RS Q8-R by ABT
ABT Sportsline is known for sweet Audi tune-ups and offers packages for almost all the vehicles in the German automaker’s lineup. 2021 is a special year for the Kempten-based aftermarket tuner as it marks its 125th anniversary. And, to commemorate this milestone, ABT has announced a high-performance version of the Audi RS Q8 SUV that makes almost 150 horses more than the standard model.
Watch The Porsche Cayenne Turbo S Take On The BMW X6M Competition And The Audi RSQ8 In A Drag Race
Performance-heavy SUVs sprinting in all their glory are a treat to watch. With the kind of power these SUVs have under the hood coupled with the well-sorted overall dynamics, they don’t shy away from going all berserk in a straight-line race.
The folks at Carwow brought in three German beasts and decided to pit them against one another in a drag race. There’s the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, the BMW X6 M, and the Audi RS Q8. Which one do you think will win?
Battle of Brutes: AMG GLE 63, Audi RS Q8, and BMW X5 M Competition
Gone are the days when ‘performance’ was limited to the low-slung, two-door supercars from the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren. Every segment today offers performance vehicles; be it hatches, pickup trucks, or SUVs. The folks at Throttle House decided to test out three of the best mid-size performance SUVs that you can buy today and here’s how they fare against each other.
Watch Two German Brothers Fight In This Epic Drag Race Video
The Audi RS Q8 stands as Audi’s most hardcore SUV. It’s equipped with the same guts as the Lamborghini Urus, including a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine that pushes out 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Sure, the Urus’ twin-turbo V-8 produces a higher output, but the RS Q8 is still as potent as any SUV that’s out on the market. Speaking of shared components, the RS Q8 also shares the same twin-turbo V-8 with another Audi model: the mighty RS6 Avant. The two Audis not only share the same engine, but both also come with Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system. Both are basically performance cars masquerading as four-door people haulers. Naturally, the desire to find out which of these two is faster in a drag race kicks in. For that, we have YouTube channel Archie Hamilton Racing to thank.
2020 Audi RSQ8 by Mansory
Audi wagons and SUVs are a hit among tuners. We’ve seen ABT, Lumma, and many other aftermarket tuners come up with special signature twists on these vehicles. Now, Mansory has laid its hands on the Audi RS Q8. What’s surprising is that the RS Q8 doesn’t go through a radical, bizarre aesthetic-twist, as we saw in the case of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Coastline, the Lamborghini Urus Venatus, and the Mercedes-AMG G63 Star Trooper. I mean, the changes are more than evident, but it isn’t dressed in colors that would win it a prize at a fancy-dress competition.
2021 Audi Q8 TFSI E Quattro (Hybrid)
Call it what you will but to our eyes, the Audi Q8 is a neatly executed example of what a “SUV-coupe” must look like. That or our brain has been bombarded with some many iterations of this car body style that we’ve learned to live with it.
In any case, Audi is not about superficiality and that’s why the Q8 can now be ordered with a new powertrain. A plug-in hybrid one, to be more precise, featuring a larger battery pack and two system outputs.
2021 Audi RS Q8 by ABT
ABT Sportsline is back again, this time giving a twist to Audi’s performance SUV, the RS Q8. The aftermarket company has worked on a lot of Audi models in the past, and this time it is the SUV’s turn. Not too long ago, the company turned the RS4 wagon into a different beast. This time, ABT is offering two different packages, offering a significant increase in the power outputs over the stock numbers. There are a lot more goodies, like new wheels and exhaust system, that feature along with the package.
2020 Audi RSQ8-R By ABT
Kempten-based aftermarket tuner, ABT Sportsline, is known for its tune-ups for Audi vehicles. It has worked on the Avant series, the All road series, and even various Audi SUVs. Now, it has selected the German automaker’s flagship SUV, the RS Q8, and given it some steroids. It’s called the RSQ8-R and is a limited-edition to commemorate its 125th birthday in 2021. This edition will churn out 740 horses and will have a top speed of 195 mph! Now, that’s a grand way to celebrate a birthday.
2020 Audi RS Q8 By Lumma Design
Lumma Design is back with another iteration of the Audi Q8, although this time it has chosen the RS version of the SUV to work on. The German aftermarket company has worked on the standard Q8 in the past and gave it bold exterior looks and customizable power figures based on your preference.
This time around, this RS Q8 receives a modified body kit, a lot of carbon fiber elements, and a huge increase in power. Following the footsteps of the Q8’s moniker system, this one is called the Lumma CLR 8 RS. Do we like this version better than Lumma’s standard Q8 build? Oh yes!
2020 Audi RS Q8
The 2020 Audi RS Q8 is the high-performance version of the Audi Q8. The latter was introduced as a competitor for the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, so the 2020 RS Q8 competes against the BMW X6 M and Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 Coupe. The 2020 Audi RS Q8 also goes against the Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe,, which is built around similar underpinnings. The 2020 RS Q8 stands out in this segment thanks to its unique design, but the engine is another highlight. That’s because the 2020 Audi RS Q8 is powered by a mildly detuned version of the 4.0-liter V-8 found in the Lamborghini Urus. With almost 600 horsepower at its disposal, the 2020 Audi RS Q8 is one of the quickest SUVs in this niche. Let’s find out more about that in the comprehensive review below.
2020 Audi RS Q8 by ABT Sportsline
The Audi RS Q8, without any doubt whatsoever, is a downright technological marvel. What Audi managed to extract from this hunchback SUV in terms of performance and practicality is worthy of all praise.
The RS Q8 packs a 4.0-liter V-8, two-axle steering, 10-piston brake calipers that bite into ceramic rotors, optional 23-inch wheels, and a mean electromechanical active roll stabilization system that makes the 5,103-pound mammoth drive like it’s on rails. Most of us couldn’t simply ask more from the souped-up SUV. Most of us, however, aren’t ABT Sportsline.
Is There Really a Difference Between the Audi RS Q8 and the Lamborghini Urus?
Audi just unveiled the 2021 RS Q8, and it’s pretty much a Lamborghini Urus with a different design. While most RS and S models in the SUV range aren’t as spectacular, the RS Q8 steps in as a Lambo Urus in disguise. Built on the same underpinnings and fitted with the same twin-turbo V-8 engine, the RS Q8 is the most powerful SUV in the Audi lineup and almost as quick as the Urus. How do they compare? Let’s find out below.
2019 Audi SQ8 by ABT Sportsline
The Audi SQ8 isn’t the most violent version of Audi’s Q8 SUV lineup. That spot is reserved for the RS Q8. But the SQ8 TDI is potent enough in its own way, and when you get the involvement of noted Audi tuner ABT Sportsline, the result is a face-mashing performance SUV that produces enough torque to make the range-topping RS Q8 feel redundant. The German tuner’s new program for the SQ8 SUV is a masterclass in the art of tuning upgrades. It comes with subtle but important exterior and interior upgrades that complement the power and performance gains that also come with the whole package. The tuning kit is specced specifically for the SQ8 TDI so if that’s your thing, you shouldn’t miss out on this program. If you prefer the gas-powered version that lacks the low revs and fake exhausts, you might as well just wait for the Audi RS Q8 to arrive towards the end of the year. Either way, it’s a can’t-lose proposition.
Video: Is That a Mild-Hybrid V-8 Making All That Noise Under the Hood of the 2020 Audi Q8 RS?
Audi’s lineup of performance SUVs is adding another member to the fold when the flagship model, the Q8 RS, finally makes its long-awaited debut in September at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. We’re less than three weeks away before Audi unveils the Q8 RS so ahead of the big day, the German automaker brought its newest performance SUV to the Nurburgring for some last-minute tweaking. This video of the Q8 RS running around the ‘Ring has been making the rounds, in part because of a particular sound the SUV is generating. That’s not the sound of a diesel engine, folks. That’s the sound of a V-8 gas engine with — heaven forbid — a mild-hybrid setup? Audi hasn’t confirmed the powertrain details of the Q8 RS, but all shall be revealed in a matter of weeks. For now, watch the video of the Q8 RS running roughshod over the Nurburgring and listen to the sound it’s making while doing it.
2019 Audi Q8 by Lumma Design aka Lumma CLR 8S
LUMMA may not be as popular as ABT, Brabus, or AC Schnitzer, but this German tuning house sure knows how to grab attention. The LUMMA Design team has laid its hands on arguably the most premium-feel SUV available on the market today, the Audi Q8, and has gone berserk with it. The bold exterior design that the team has given to this rather smart-looking SUV will definitely draw polarizing opinions. Under the CLR 8S moniker, LUMMA has recreated this flagship SUV from the ‘Lord of the Rings’ in a way that is making it difficult for us to comprehend. Do we like it? Definitely not. Do we hate it? Well, let’s talk about that.
2019 Audi Q8
After six years of rumors that began when Audi trademarked the Q8 name in 2012, the German company finally unveiled its proposition against the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. It’s called the Audi Q8, and it’s heavily based on a concept car that the Germans introduced in 2018. It’s modern, aggressive, it packs Audi’s latest technology, and promises to give the BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, and the Porsche Cayenne Coupe a good run for their money.
When BMW introduced the X6 in 2009, a new segment was born. But although the crossover BMW describes as a Sports Activity Coupe proved somewhat popular with SUV enthusiasts, the trend didn’t catch on with other automakers until 2013. That’s when Mercedes-Benz revealed plans to develop a coupe-like crossover based on the M-Class. Shortly after, rumors of a Cayenne Coupe emerged, signaling that Germany’s finest automakers finally pay more attention to this niche. Come 2018 and Audi joined the battle with the prettiest SUV it has created in recent years.
Video: 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe Vs. 2019 Audi Q8 - Luxury Coupe SUV Showdown
Stuttgart just unveiled the latest addition to its Cayenne SUV lineup - the 2020 Porsche Cayenne Coupe, which brings all the speed and finery of the standard Cayenne, but with a lower, sportier roofline. This thing certainly looks like its got what it takes to be a success in the segment, but how does it compare to its German sibling from the Four Rings, a.k.a. the 2019 Audi Q8?
2018 Audi Q8 by ABT
The Audi Q8, another one in a long line of coupe-bodied luxury SUVs, was launched this year and has now been given the ABT Sportsline treatment. The end result is subtle but, as a house tuner for Audi, ABT knew how to churn out every ounce of performance out of the Q8.
The Q8, which is categorized as a mid-size luxury coupe SUV, is an alternative to the Cayenne or the X7. It’s the first model designed by Audi’s new chief of design, Marc Lichte, and arrived with a choice of two V-6 engines: a 3.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged gas engine and a 3.0-liter diesel.
Now, ABT took it upon themselves to improve, aesthetically as well as mechanically, the Q8. What they’ve unveiled is a great example of the ’less is more’ ideology: the car doesn’t have a widebody or particularly flashy add-ons but makes a strong statement nonetheless. Having said that, ABT announced that a new aero kit for the Q8 is in the works.
Keep on reading to learn more about the Audi Q8 by ABT.
6 Game-Changing Cars Coming in the Second Half of 2018
2018 is halfway done, and just as fast as time flies, so too is our insatiable need to see the newest cars hit the street. The first half of the year gave us some incredible debuts. That’s a list that includes the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the Jeep Wrangler JL, the Jaguar I-Pace, the Volvo S60 and just about every new pickup that was unveiled in the last six months. It’s an eclectic list, sure, but that’s the beauty of the industry. You never know what you’re going to get on any specific day. You just sit back and enjoy the ride. And so, as we embark on the second half of the year, we have some new cars that we’re really excited to see, including a few models that are scheduled to appear at the 2018 Paris Motor Show later this year.
2019 Audi SQ8
Launched in June 2018, the Audi Q8 is the company’s latest SUV offering and competes in a small niche dominated by the BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, and the Porsche Cayenne. With the coupe-styled Q8 now ready to hit dealerships, Audi is working to expand the lineup. The first iteration to join the new family is the performance-oriented SQ8, which was spotted testing on public roads only a few weeks after the regular Q8 debuted.
The S badge will add notably more oomph under the hood, but it will also enhance the crossover’s exterior with sportier features. It won’t be decidedly more aggressive than the Q8, but it will get just enough unique design elements to stand out. The SQ8 will become the range-topping model and will challenge the more powerful versions of the X6 and GLE Coupe. That’s until Audi will launch an RS version, which is likely to happen sometime in 2019. As for the SQ8, it could debut by the end of 2018 or at the Detroit Auto Show in January.
Continue reading to learn more about the Audi SQ8.
Audi Q8: What No One Is Talking About
Since they acquired Lamborghini, the Volkswagen Group alchemists have formulated a fantastic concoction which allows them to offer the world extreme Italian machines as well as their “lesser” German knock-offs. Audi R8 has become the poor man’s Gallardo; the new R8 is the poor man’s Huracan.
Now, with Audi revealing a rather ostentatious Q8 - an SUV with Coupe-like roof riding on universal Volkswagen MLB-Evo architecture - we are really close to having the poor man’s Lamborghini Urus. While the whole world basks in the greatness of the latest Audi SUV, I am wondering how long it will take the Audi RS Q8 to leave its Nurburgring lair, where it has already been spotted, and start taking over the autobahns and highways with the same zeal as the Urus. If the R8 is like the Huracan, could the RS Q8 be like the Urus?
The Audi Q8 is still a newborn and isn’t even on the market yet, but we’re still lucky enough to have some really good shots of it from the manufacturer. A good handful of which, will make a damn good wallpaper for any over you that are drooling over the new SUV. If you’re planning to buy one as soon as it goes on sale, these wallpaper selections might make it a little bit easier to survive the wait. It’s slated to go on sale sometime later this year, so the wait isn’t that bad, but we all know what it’s like to really want something. As a reminder, Audi has yet to release any performance data regarding its newest SUV, but we expect the choices to mirror those of the Q7 which means it should get a pair of six-cylinders, one gasoline, and one diesel. The gasoline mill will probably deliver the same 333 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque while the diesel engine should deliver between 218 and 272 horsepower, depending on levels of tune. Torque ratings will be through the roof as usual, with the lower tuned diesel pumping out nearly 370 pound-feet and the high-end diesel churning out as much as 442 pound-feet. It’s not likely Audi will offer the Q8 with that 2.0-liter gasoline engine, but if it does, expect to attain 252 horsepower and about 270 pound-feet of torque. An Audi RS Q8 should come to life before the turn of the decade, and could even use the same V-8 mill from the Urus and R8. With a mild-hybrid setup, it could churn out as much as 600 horsepower.
Love It or Leave It - The 2019 Audi Q8
After years of rumors and a couple of concept cars, Audi finally unveiled the Q8 in June 2018. Developed specifically for the tiny coupe-style SUV market, the Q8 is here to tackle the popular BMW X6 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Q8 is a brand-new idea for Audi, which joins this segment 11 years after BMW created it with the X6. As it is the case with all brand-new models, the Q8 is loved by some enthusiasts and hated by others. The TopSpeed staff also had a few arguments about this crossover, and we decided to give it the "love it or leave it" treatment, much like we did with the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Check out what everyone had to say about it below.
Continue reading for the full story.
Which is Better: The Audi Q8, The BMW X6, or The Range Rover Sport?
Audi just extended its SUV lineup to include the Q8, essentially a sportier proposition to the utilitarian, wagon-like Q7. The new crossover marks Audi’s entry in the coupe-style market, a playground dominated by the BMW X6 since 2007. The segment also includes the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and the boxier Range Rover Sport.
With a new player on the market, it’s natural to ask yourselves which one is better. We’re here to answer this question by comparing the Audi Q8 against the BMW X6 and the Range Rover Sport. We left the GLE Coupe out of the game simply because it’s based on a model that was launched all the way back in 2011 and a new-generation model is just around the corner.
Continue reading for the full story.
Will Audi Fill its SUV Range with a Q1, Q4, Q6, and Q9?
Fresh off the launch of the Audi Q8 coupe SUV, the German automaker is already considering expanding its SUV range further with plans to develop the Q4, Q1, Q6, and Q9. Nothing is set in stone at the moment, but there have been reports that Audi is already working on introducing a smaller coupe SUV (Q4) and an entry-level model (Q1) to bolster its growing crossover and SUV lineup. Now, there’s talk that the automaker wants to take things further by filling up its entire SUV alphanumeric naming range.
Does the Audi Q8’s Massive Grille Ruin the Whole Design?
The Audi Q8 SUV is making its long-awaited debut today, and the first images of the SUV reveal a somewhat messy-looking front end that appears to have robbed the vehicle from becoming a drop-dead gorgeous model. The overall design of the production Q8 is relatively similar to the concept versions — the Q8 and Q8 Sport Concepts - that came before it, but there is something to be said for what looks to be an overdone design by Audis’ traditionally astute designers.
Watch All Episodes of Q8 Unleashed Before Today’s Big Debut!
Today is the day of the Audi Q8 and, in celebration of its debut in just a few hours, Audi has unleashed a short mini-series to help get our hearts pumping before the big debut.
The series is a short drama of sorts, with each episode lasting just a few minutes. As of the time of this publishing, there are just four episodes available to watch, with the fifth coming in the next couple of hours. The big debut comes just four hours after that. It’s going to be a busy day, but we’ll keep updating this story as time flows so you can always check back for the latest developments. Check back at 9am Eastern time for the fifth episode and 1pm for the live stream of the big debut. Until that happens, we’ve also added a bunch of spy shots and linked to our speculative review article if you want to learn more about what you can expect! Stay tuned, folks.
Audi Teases The Q8 With New Rendering And Video Series Trailer
It’s been six years since Audi trademarked the Q8 nameplate, and now, it’s looking like the official release of the luxury SUV range-topper is imminent, as previewed by a new rendering and release video trailer.
Continue reading for the full story.
Audi Teases New SUV; Could This Be BMW X6-Fighting Q8?
Audi’s got a nice little surprise for the 2018 Beijing Auto Show, and from the looks of it, we might be close to finally seeing the production version of the Q8 SUV. Granted, Audi isn’t spilling the beans until Beijing, but the automaker did release a new teaser image on its official Facebook page of what looks to be a side profile outline of a big SUV, accompanied by a short caption that says, “He carries the gene of the #Audi #Urquattro.” Unless this is a model that we’re not expecting, maybe now’s the time to start getting excited about the upcoming Q8.
Audi’s All-New Q4 and Q8 SUVs to be Joined by an All-New Q1 that Will Borrow Underpinnings from the Seat Ibiza and VW Polo
The Audi Q2 was supposed to be the smallest crossover in Audi’s lineup. It’ll still hold that distinction for a few years, but it’ll eventually cede that title to a new Q1 crossover that’s expected to get the production green light from Audi. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but if the Q1 does come to life, expect it to arrive sometime in the end of 2020.
Audi Doubles Down – Q8 and Q4 SUVs To See Production by Turn of the Decade
Automakers have latched onto and sucked continuously on the fleshy meat that is consumer demand for SUVs, crossovers, and an imaginary segment known as the
SUV. The latter of which is a filled by a small number of SUVs that have manufacturer proclaimed “coupe-like dimensions” while riding on jacked-up, SUV-like suspension. It’s a mishmash of vehicle types, really, but we’ll leave that discussion for another time. The point is, our insatiable love for SUVs have led automakers to believe that the market is going to continue growing almost indefinitely. So much so that Ford believes it’s going to account for more than 45 percent of the auto industry within the next five or seven years. But, Ford isn’t the only one, as we’ve just received word that the Audi Q8 and, surprisingly, the Audi Q4 are about to go into production.
The Audi Q8, which we’ve already seen in concept form more than once, with the Q8 E-tron Concept getting a ton of attention at the Detroit Auto Show and it’s sibling – the Q8 Sport Concept – garnering its fair share of attention from the Geneva International Motor Show. They were obviously big hits, and Audi is wasting no time on the production version – it’s slated to go into production sometime in 2018 (probably early-2018) in Slovakia. The model will be Audi’s range-topping SUV, dethroning the Q7 and increasing Audi’s personal chunk of the Luxury SUV segment. It will be produced alongside the Q7 s and Q7 e-tron.
Then you’ve got this mythical creature known as the Audi Q4. This model has been rumored for years but was finally confirmed back in 2011 when VAG’s design boss confirmed that it and the Q6 were coming. Well, after that the trail went cold for a while, but then we saw the 2014 Audi TT Offroad Concept and the rumors began to fly that this concept was going to be the basis for the Q4. It wasn’t until 2016 that Audi finally got the Q4 name from FCA. It was trademarked six months later, and now we finally hear that it’s set to go into production as a “compact utility vehicle” at BMW’s Hungary plant in 2019.
Keep reading for the rest of the story
2017 Audi Q8 Sport Concept
For the time being, the top of the Audi crossover pyramid is occupied by the Q7, a full-size luxury SUV that originally debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September of 2005. Now, it appears as though the Four Ring brand is looking to go plus one with the new Q8. Initially shown this past January at the Detroit Auto Show, the Q8 is just a concept for the moment, but Audi seems intent on fanning the flames of interest with a brand-new concept called the Q8 Sport Concept. This latest design study debuted at the Geneva International Motor Show, and adds a bit of zesty flavoring to the previous Q8 concept. It’s supposedly faster and more entertaining behind the wheel, bearing a high-tech hybrid twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 powerplant, as well as attractive new styling ideas for the exterior and interior space.
Those new aesthetics follow the path originally laid out by the Audi Prologue Concept that dropped cover at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2014, rocking lots of horizontal lines, thin features, and highly angular cuts. It looks pretty good, but the other half of the equation is in the powertrain, which previews a possible future innovation heading for the Audi production line. The aim of the game is power and fun when you want it, plus efficiency when you don’t, which is a tough nut to crack by any measure, but especially when you’re dealing with an enormous SUV.
That said, Audi is giving us a surprising amount of specificity when laying out the Q8 Sport Concept’s various specs and numbers, leading us to believe the marque will indeed release something very close to this chopped-up concept in the not-so-distant future.
Interested? Read on for more info.
Continue reading to learn more about the Audi Q8 Sport Concept.
The Audi Q8 Sport Is More Potent and Makes the Q8 e-Tron Easy to Forget
Audi Showed up to the Geneva Auto Show with another Audi Q8 Concept finished in Krypton Orange and featuring a few changes compared to the e-Tron concept that we saw at the Detroit Auto Show earlier in 2017. More important that the little changes in its design, there’s a new mild-hybrid drivetrain that produces 476 horsepower and can propel the Q8 up to 62 mph in less than five seconds and to a top speed that’ll get you close to God. And while doing so, it has a total range of 745 miles between fill-ups, but keep in mind that we don’t have official fuel economy figures yet, so we can’t say how efficient it really is with complete certainty.
The Chairman of Audi’s Board of Management, Rupert Stadler, said, “The drive system of the Audi Q8 Sport concept is a major step towards optimizing efficiency and sustainability in large-volume series production. The combination of mild hybrid technology and a TFSI engine sets a new benchmark for the synthesis of electromobility and combustion engines. In the future, this combination will be used in many Audi models.”
So, as you can see, we actually have quite a bit to talk about, so click on the “continue reading” link below to get all of the juicy details.
2017 Audi Q8 E-tron Concept
Audi seems to think it can create a new niche in the full-sized vehicle segment by introducing a vehicle with SUV proportions inside, and almost
like proportions outside. We first heard of the Q8 name way back in 2012 when Audi filed a trademark for it, along with other names like R6, S2, S9, and RS1, among others. Since then, the name has been associated with Audi’s dreams of electric architecture and has even been said to be arriving in 2019 – even here in the United States. More recently, however, around July of 2016, we laid eyes on a weird coupe-ish SUV prototype that just had to be the Audi Q8. Finally, at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, Audi pulled the sheets off of the Audi Q8 e-Tron Concept, a model that previews the production Q8 and comes complete with a bold exterior design that previews the evolution of Audi’s design language, high-tech door poppers, and an interior that is near-production ready. As an e-Tron, it is hybrid in nature and provides a respectable output of 330 kW (442.53 horsepower) and more than 500 pound-feet of torque.
Prior to its debut alongside the new Audi S5 Cabriolet and SQ5 production models, very little was known about the Q8 e-Tron Concept, but not that Audi has spilled the beans, we have quite a bit to talk about. Dietmar Voggenreiter – a member of the Board of Management for Sales and Marketing at Audi AG – said, “The Q8 concept is an Audi in peak form. It demonstrates the strengths of our brand in both technology and design while providing a glimpse at a future full-size, production SUV. With its next-generation display and control solutions, we are enabling customers to experience connectivity in a whole new way.”
We still have some time before we get to see the production-ready Q8 in the metal, but this Concept gives us a good idea of what to expect. Of course, not all of the features and technology will carry over into production, so let’s dive on into this concept, see how it differs from the production prototype, and look at all the finer details.
Continue reading to learn more about the Audi Q8 E-tron Concept.
Word of Advice: Don’t Touch Concept Cars at Auto Shows
When you go to an auto show as a member of the press, you’re there to take as many pictures as you can, but the job also comes with its perks. My favorite perk is that you’re allowed to enter and inspect vehicles that are normally blocked off or locked to the general public. Of course, automakers only keep the cars open for so long after their long-awaited debut, but it’s generally enough time to get whatever you need. Well, this year in Detroit, Audi was packed after its press event that debuted the new Audi S5 Cabriolet, the Audi SQ5 SUV, and the Audi Q8 Concept. Naturally, the Q8 concept got the most attention as it will serve as the basis for a new production model in the near future, so I didn’t get much of a chance to check it out in detail at first. Later in the day, however, I did, but I also got into trouble doing it.
See, once the press event is over, manufacturer representatives linger around to make sure you’re not doing anything you shouldn’t do. And, despite the fact that there was no velvet rope and the doors weren’t locked, Audi wasn’t exactly excited about letting me look inside the Q8 concept after the crowds dispersed. Generally, you’re allowed to walk up, open the doors, and get inside most models so, out of natural instinct, I tried the same with the Q8. It has the shaved door handles and touch panels linked to the automatic door poppers, so I was stoked to see how they worked, but my time was ultimately cut short. I started at the rear hatch to get a shot of the rear cargo area, but once the door was open, I had the chance to snap one picture before the rep came over, shut the hatch, and told me “no.”
“Fair Enough,” I thought, as I proceeded to the side of the Q8 and started to snap a few shots through the glass. I didn’t intend to do so, but I rubbed the little Audi logo on the front door with my arm, and the door opened. Being watched at that point, the rep came over and asked me to leave. Security then walked me out of Audi’s show floor and asked me not to return for the day. If I did, my credentials would be revoked, and I would be escorted out of the show. I returned the second day and got some more pictures, but I made it a point not to open the car again. My point here is that if they are that sensitive with members of the media, it’s probably best for you to avoid trying out those electric door poppers for yourself – you’ll probably find yourself escorted to the front door and unable to return.
And, for the record, I’m not bashing Audi at all – I get it. This is a concept car, there’s only one in existence, and they don’t want anything to happen to it. Believe me, just about everyone wanted to touch those electric door poppers. But, Audi was one of the few manufacturers that didn’t have their concept blocked off completely, so kudos to them. I couldn’t get within 20 feet of the Chrysler Portal or the Volkswagen I.D. Buzz, for example, so the fact that I was able to get that close to the Q8 was actually quite surprising. Either way, it’s probably best to follow the rules, don’t crawl under the ropes, and don’t expect to sit inside any of the concepts.
Did Audi Hire Darth Vader to Design the Q8?
It has become quite the trend to associate menacing looking cars to Darth Vader, but I can’t blame enthusiasts for doing it so often given the massive success of the Star Wars franchise. It’s been going on for a long time too, having started in 1987, when Car and Driver covered the GNX model’s introduction with the headline "Lord Vader, your car is ready."
We’ve also made a few automotive suggestions to the Dark Lord in our very own "What Would Darth Vader Drive?" article, but I must get back to the topic after seeing the new cars at the Detroit Auto Show. And it’s all because of the Audi Q8 Concept.
Is it just me or does the SUV’s front fascia look as if Darth Vader himself created it? Just look at that wide and massive grille and the six vertical slats. The angled headlamps add to the Vader-inspired appearance too and I’m sure that a black body finish and matte-black instead of chrome would turn it into Anakin Skywalker’s favorite grocery getter.
But here’s the issue. It’s not black. And this is what tells me that Audi didn’t hire Darth Vader as chief of its design department. Jokes aside, the Q8 Concept looks stunning in blue as well and I’m sure it would turn heads in just about any color. Here’s to hoping that Audi will transfer as many details as possible onto the production model!
The Q8 Concept Is Proof Audi Can Still Create Bold Designs
Audi has been using the "same sausage, different lengths" design strategy for more than a decade now, but the German manufacturer still knows how to create bold-looking vehicles that can stand out from the pack. And the Q8 Concept, which was just unveiled at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, proves just that.
Showcased as a preview for the brand’s upcoming BMW X6 competitor, the Q8 Concept combines Audi’s current design language with a few never-before-seen styling cues. While the overall stance is that of a bloated Q2, most of its features are unique compared to other Audi-badged SUVs. The slender, angular headlamps sport X-shaped LED lights and small vents underneath, while the familiar "Singleframe" grille looks a lot more menacing thanks to a thicker frame and six double-slat vertical bars. Down below, the large intakes have aluminum surrounds, while a similar elements that features the "e-tron" logo acts as a splitter.
The side panels are equally dramatic, with both front and rear fenders being more muscular than usual. The profile is highlighted by a large crease on the lower sections of the doors, aluminum side skirts with "Quattro" lettering, and big five-spoke wheels with blue accents. It’s here where the coupe-like roof and the lack of quarter windows is also noticeable. Around back, the Q8 Concept is sportier than any other Audi SUV release so far. The roof ends with a big spoiler and there’s also a very short decklid that prevents the tailgate from taking the standard shape seen on most crossovers. The taillights are slim LED strips with the upper one stretching the entire width of the front fascia (just like on the Porsche 911). The V-shaped vents on each side and the massive diffuser with large exhaust pipes round off the Q8 Concept’s exterior.
Dimensions-wise, the Q8 is similar to the Q7 in length. This comes as no surprise, as the two use the same platform, a strategy that BMW has been using for the X5 and X6 for years.
Inside, the Q8 Concept is a sportier, somewhat futuristic interpretation of the Q7. A hint of the company’s new "continuous air-vent" strip is visible on the upper dashboard, but the center section is now devoid of any buttons and switches. The entire area is just a big screen, while the upper center console features a smaller display for the climate controls. The instrument cluster displays electric power information on the left side (yes, it’s a hybrid) and speed on the right side, with the center section showing the navigation map. The overall layout is simple and clean, but the materials, including Nappa and Nubuk leather, as well as high-gloss carbon, and aluminum create a luxurious ambiance.
The Q8 Concept gets its juice from a hybrid drivetrain that combined a 3.0-liter TFSI gasoline V-6 engine rated at 333 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque with an electric motor set to generate 100 kW (134 horses) and 243 pound-feet. Total output is estimated at 442 horsepower and 516 pound-feet. That’s 26 horses and 81 pound-feet more than the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid! Audi claims that the SUV will hit 62 mph in 5.4 seconds (about as quick as the Cayenne) and reach a top speed of 155 mph, which is pretty impressive for a hybrid. What’s more, the German carmaker says that the Q8 Concept needs only 2.3 liters of fuel for each 100 km, which converts to around 102.3 U.S. MPGe. Impressive!
In case you’re wondering when this concept will hit the road as a production model, the answer is sometime in 2018. If you live in the U.S., expect it to arrive in dealerships for the 2019 model year.
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We saw it coming, but Audi has confirmed that it’s developing two new SUVs that will sit at the top of its range: a yet to be named all-electric SUV with a sporty bent coming in 2018, and a Range Rover-rivaling luxury SUV called the Q8, slated to arrive in 2019. Both are part of a push to expand Audi’s portfolio from 52 to 60 vehicles by 2020.
Audi CEO Rupert Stadler recently described the all-electric SUV as “sexy” and “sporty.” From what we know, its primary rival will be the upcoming Tesla Model X SUV. A recent rendering from Audi shows a sleek SUV with a coupe-like profile, and R&D boss Ulrich Hackenberg has previously said styling will be inspired by the 2014 Prologue Concept.With a 300-mile range, Audi expects China to be a big market, where plans to install electric car superchargers on over 16,000 kilometers of highway are currently being considered.
Despite what the Audi nomenclature suggests, the Q8 will actually be smaller than the next Q7. Both will use Audi’s MLB platform, but the Q8 will have a coupe-like profile. We also expect the Q8 to distance itself from the Q7 with a high-end interior more in line with the flagship A8 sedan, meaning plenty of tech and leather. Audi also says the Q7 will be one of the first Audis to feature “a preliminary stage of piloted driving,” which will incorporate adaptive cruise control and the traffic-jam assistant. Expect this technology to be taken a step further with the Q8. Engine options will include a V-6 and V-8 TFSI and a V-6 TDI diesel.
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Audi offers plenty of cool and exciting vehicles in Europe that never make their way to the U.S., but that isn’t going to be the case with the performance-driven Audi RS 3 sedan and the style-minded Audi Q8 SUV. In an interview with Automotive News, Audi of America CEO Scott Keogh seems confident that both of these niche models will eventually go on sale in North America.
The first model to arrive on our shores will be the sedan version of the Audi RS 3 that was introduced late last year. In Europe, this 367-horsepower model is only available as the RS 3 Sportback hatchback, but looking to appeal to the sedan-loving U.S. buyers, we will be getting a traditional four-door offering. Keogh said that he is “very confident” that the RS 3 Sedan will be sold here where it will go up against performance cars like the BMW M3 and Cadillac ATS-V. The RS 3 Sedan will join the existing A3 stable that includes the A3 Sedan, A3 Cabriolet, the 292-horsepower S3 Sedan and the sole hatchback of the bunch, the A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid.
As much as the RS 3 will be an exciting new small car, Audi’s growing model lineup will be bookended by the all-new 2018 Audi Q8 SUV. Derived from the next-gen Q7, the Q8 is expected to have more of a coupe-like profile similar to the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe. Keogh seemed a little more optimistic about the Q8’s chances here as he said this model will “absolutely” make it to the U.S.
Continue reading to learn more about Audi’s plans to bring the RS3 and the Q8 to the U.S.
Electric-powered vehicles have been all the rage as of late, but consumers are still wary of them. The main issues preventing buyers from ditching refined dino blood and moving to electric are the uncertainty of the technology and the overall cost of these vehicles. The least-expensive, mass-produced electric vehicle that I can think of is the 2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV at around $23,000, but it can only travel 62 miles on a charge and takes 14 to 22 hours to recharge. On the other hand, the cream-of-the-crop Tesla Model S can travel up to 300 miles on a charge, but it costs nearly $100k to get into that range. According to a new report from Reuters, Audi is looking into giving buyers a bigger EV selection, as it has blueprints to enter the all-electric realm with a full range of vehicles.
We already know about the Audi R8 e-tron, which has been on and off for the last few years, but this report points toward Audi developing SUVs and sedans to complete the range. For now, Audi is keeping most of the details behind this electric lineup to itself, but it did release a few small bits of information.
Click past the jump to read more about Audi’s plans to go electric.
Audi’s upcoming Q8 sports SUV is due for production in 2017 and will be squarely aimed at the BMW X6, Range Rover Sport,Mercedes MLC, and Porsche Cayenne — all likely contenders in performance SUV segment.
But word is out that Audi has a special version of the Q8 readying for production — the Q8 e-tron. This all-electric SUV will be aimed directly at the upcoming Tesla Model X SUV.
The good folks over at AutoCar have reports from senior company sources that the battery and electric powertrain technology in the upcoming Audi R8 e-tron supercar is destined for the Q8 e-tron as well. Audi engineers are said to be reaching for a 370-mile, all-electric range from the SUV with help from a projected increase in battery pack performance over the coming years. While the R8 e-tron is currently still in development, its range is roughly 250 miles on a single charge and power output is rated at 376 horsepower.
The Q8 e-tron will likely feature an all-wheel-drive setup to make most of its SUV roots while on uneven terrain. On the track or drag strip, this AWD system will provide superior traction when .
The design of the Q8 has a sportier, more coupe-like flow to both the roof and belt lines. Its lower, sloping roofline sandwiches smaller windows in between the high and rising beltline in the same fashion Mercedes has done with its CLA four-door coupes.
This move represents Audi’s suspicion that demand will steeply rise for zero-emissions luxury vehicles perfectly matched for in-city use in the near future. Among the Q8 e-tron, Audi will offer conventional gasoline, diesel and a plug-in hybrid powertrains for the upcoming SUV as well.
Click past the jump to read more the on Audi Q8 and Tesla Model X
Note: Future Audi Q7 pictured here.
This year’s Shanghai Auto Show comes with great news, and not only for the Chinese market. In an interview with AutoCar, Audi technical chief, Wolfgang Durheimer, said that he is pushing to expand Audi’s SUV lineup with a new model placed above the current Q7 and a Q2.
The SUV placed above the current Q7 would likely be named Q8 and will "combine a Range Rover Sport-style sporting look with a very luxurious interior." Durheimer said that Audi has been inspired by Bentley’s decision to offer a SUV and he is also "encouraging" Lamborghini to progress with its SUV – remember, Lambo is under Audi’s control.
If built, the three SUVs - Audi, Bentley and Lamborghini - will most likely be developed in the same time, because, according to Durheimer VW encourages internal competition, as long as the models don’t overlap one another.
Until we will see the Q8 on the market, another SUV has priority: the Q2. It was previewed by the Crosslane Coupe Concept and Durheimer calls is a “top priority” within Audi. Rumor has it that the Q2 could arrive sometime in 2014.
Click past the jump to read about the Crosslane Coupe Concept
Audi is dead set on hitting their goal of 1.5 million annual sales and expanding in markets like China, Germany, and the United States by 2015. In order to achieve this, its lineup needs to stay fresh, so Audi has gone trademark crazy with Q6, Q8, R6, S2, S9, RS1, and RS8 names getting snagged.
As you can see, some of these name are rather familiar, like the Q6, RS1, and RS8. The other four names are completely new; we’ve never even heard rumors about them. Speculatively speaking, the S2 will be a sportier version of the upcoming A2, and the S9 name gives us hope for an A9 in the near future. As for the R6, it is believed to be the company’s new sports car that will be placed under the current R8. This vehicle was previously rumored to be called either the R4 or R5. Only time will tell if any one of these names will stick.
As for the Q8, it will be an SUV placed above the current Q7. It is set to become the largest and most luxurious SUV Audi has ever offered.