With a study, which is almost serial, Audi announced the upcoming full size luxury SUV in Detroit. It is expected to drive on the road in about a year, in early 2018. The new Audi Q8 plug-in hybrid will offer a lot: almost 450 hp and 700 Nm of torque, combined with a new chapter of connectivity and comfort.

Audi Q8: new generation technology

This new large SUV from the Q family combines new design with the technology of the new generation. 2018 Audi Q8 offers an elegant alternative to the typical robust appearance of the SUV giants class and in spite of the coupe lines offers the luxury spaciousness of premium sedans. For four adult passengers. Not five, not seven. Four.

German premium competitors following good examples of each other

It is obvious how German premium brand competitors are following the successful examples of each other. Just like Mercedes-Benz recently launched the GLC Coupe to compete with BMW X4, Audi Q8 now tries to interfere with already established BMW X6 and Mercedes GLE Coupe.

2018 Audi Q8 dimensions

With a length of 5.02 meters, width of 2.04 meters and height of 1.70 meters and a wheelbase of 3.0 meters, the Audi Q8 SUV coupe is a big car. Despite the roof, obliquely descending towards the rear end, it can provide plenty of space to four passengers and 630 liters of their luggage.

Mighty coupe-like exterior

Audi Q8 Concept shows and predicts the technology and image of the future flagship of the Audi Q family. This large and technically luxurious car says a lot already through its silhouette. Audi Q8 is flirting with the dynamism and elegance of a coupe. From the C-pillar onwards it pays tribute to the legend, the model Ur-quattro, which began a great story back in 1980s.

On the front, a large radiator grille stands out, encircled by a wedged headlights. The entire car appears quite mighty and geometrically correct. The doors do not have window frames, thus contributing to the flat roofline.

Among the technical dessert, for example, they include doors that open with the touch sensors, able to detect fingers and with automatic opening at an optimal angle with respect to the available space.

The icing on the cake are huge 23-inch rims with 305/35 tires, which are covering 20-inch Carbon-ceramic brake discs.

New matrix laser headlights

Smart matrix lights glow with the help of the laser technology. The laser light source is used for long and dimmed light beam, which of course automatically adapts to the road conditions and traffic. High-definition flexible beam illuminates the night kilometers with ultra precision-oriented dynamic lighting.

Audi Q8 interior: futuristic virtual cockpit, with new generation screens

The interior of the new Audi Q8 Concept is completely futuristic. Enriched with soft surfaces and selected materials.  The dashboard with the new generation Audi virtual cockpit high resolution displays stands out (HD 1,920 x 720 pixels). In front of the driver there is a 12.3-inch TFT display with a set of customizable digital meters, which can also show 3D-cartography.

Contact-analog head-up display intelligently displays information in the driver’s direct field of view, blending the view of the real and virtual world.

Powerful and highly efficient e-tron engine with incredible numbers

The study was equipped with plug-in hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive with the wheel-selective torque control. At its heart there is a turbo petrol 3-liter TFSI engine with a maximum power of 245 kW (333 hp) and 500 Nm of torque, which cooperates with an electric motor with an output of 100 kW (136 hp) and 330 Nm of torque. The power is transferred to the wheels through the 8-speed Tiptronic transmission.

Total system power of the new Audi Q8 amounts to 330 kW (449 hp) and 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft) of torque. With all this cavalry under the bonnet, the Audi Q8 needs just 5.4 seconds to accelerate to 100 kilometers per hour on its way to a top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph).

According to the standard applicable for plug-in hybrids, it consumes just 2.3 liters of fuel (102.3 US mpg) per 100 kilometers (62.1 mi) in the NEDC, corresponding to 53 grams CO₂ per km (85.3 g/mi). In real traffic, the consumption will, of course, be quite different. But according to the powerful drive, even seven or eight liter average consumption would mean a very good result.

Audi Q8 can be petrol, hybrid or pure electric EV

Electricity is stored in a lithium-ion battery with 104 prismatic cells, with a capacity of 17.9 kWh, which allows about 60 kilometers (37.1 miles) of electric range. Charging on a 7.2-kilowatt charger takes approximately two and a half hours.

In order to maximize the efficient use of energy, Audi Q8 is providing a system which is able to predict energy demand (predictive efficiency assistant). The system advises the driver when driving, and at the same time sends all the key information affecting the most efficient transmission of power to the wheels to the control unit of the hybrid drive.

It uses the data from the digital cartography, navigation devices or the planned route. The Audi drive select driving program offers three driving modes: pure electric, hybrid and the “battery hold” program, in which the electric power in the battery is saved for later use, in the city for example.

Audi Q8 Concept video presentation

Permanent Quattro all-wheel drive, air suspension

Dynamic full size SUV with sports performance must offer a high level of grip, precise handling and impressive comfort.

Power to the ground is transmitted via a permanent all-wheel drive Quattro. Each wheel has its own control unit, which actively controls the amount of torque. And, if necessary, with slight braking interventions on the inside wheels of the curve enables even greater driving dynamics and stability in the desired direction.

Adaptive air suspension with active damping control allows two different distances from the ground with a 90 millimeter (3.5 inch) ground clearance difference.

2018 Audi Q8 price and arrival date?

For now it is too early to talk about the price of the new Audi Q8 concept. It will not be cheap, that is for sure. Our assessment goes in the direction of the following formula: take the Audi Q7 price and add 15 to 20 percent.

What about the release date? They say that the production model based on the concept will launch in 2018.

2018 Audi Q8 Concept technical details

Dimensions:

• Length: 5,020 mm
• Width: 2,040 mm
• Height: 1,700 mm
• Wheelbase: 3,000 mm
• Luggage compartment capacity: 640 litres

Engine:

• 3-liter turbo petrol engine TFSI, 245 kW (333 hp), 500 Nm of torque
• Electric motor, 100 kW (136 hp) and 330 Nm of torque
• Total hybrid system power: 330 kW (449 hp) and 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft) of torque

Performance:

• Top speed: 250 km/h (155.3 mph)
• Acceleration from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour: 5.4 seconds

Fuel consumption:

• Average fuel consumption: 2.3 liters of fuel (102.3 US mpg) per 100 kilometers (62.1 mi) in the NEDC
• Emissions: 53 grams CO₂ per km (85.3 g/mi)
• Electric range: 60 kilometers (37.1 miles)

Estimated price:

Not available yet, probably a bit above the Q7 model.

Arrival date:

Launch in 2018.

Image credit: Audi