For Audi, 2019 is a significant model year, with five all-new or updated models in the lineup. The new Q8 becomes arguably the sportiest of Audi鈥檚 utility vehicles and perhaps even the brand鈥檚 most audacious form of personal transportation.
The Q8鈥檚 fastback styling stands in contrast to the Q7鈥檚 squareback 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 three inches, which also accounts for the Q7鈥檚 increased functionality.
So, what is the Q8, exactly? Audi wants you to think of it 鈥� with its large rear-seat area 鈥� as a utility version of the luxurious A8 sedan, and to forget about comparisons to the obviously more practical Q7.
Visually, the newest Q is aggressive, starting with a massive egg-crate grille that should strike fear in the rearview mirrors of slower-moving left-lane bandits.
In back, Audi鈥檚 stylists have lowered the roofline, which tapers into a sharply raked cargo door. It looks nothing like the coupe-ish Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X6 competitors, but by Audi standards, the Q8鈥檚 appearance is downright revolutionary.
The dashboard doesn鈥檛 just break with convention, it smashes it to bits. Counting the configurable 31-centimetre digital instrument cluster, there are a total of three large screens that monitor/control the Q8鈥檚 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鈥檚 Virtual Cockpit will take some getting used to.
Perhaps all will be forgiven once you light the fuse on the standard turbocharged 3.0-litre V-6 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 100 km/h from rest in 6.0聽seconds, with a regulated top speed of 210 km/h. If Audi remains true to form, an SQ8 version is likely to arrive a few months hence with an extra helping of performance.
Fuel economy is rated at 14.0聽l/100 km in the city, 10.7 on the highway and 12.5 combined.
All Q8s are equipped with Quattro all-wheel-drive that sends 60 per cent of the torque to the rear tires in normal driving conditions. When required, the system can shift 85 per cent to the rears, or 70 per cent 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 up to 25 centimetres.
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 $83,300 (including destination charges), the Q8 Progressiv comes with quad-zone climate control, navigation, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera and leather-covered seats (heated, ventilated and power-adjustable in front).
The top-end Technik trim level comes with a full suite of active-safety tech as well as LED headlights and taillights. Also included are headlight washers, power soft-closing doors, rear side-window shades and a stitched-leather dashboard. A premium 17-speaker 730-watt Bang and Olufsen-brand sound package is also found in the Technik, as is a hands-free liftgate release.
Ultimately, the Q8 speaks more to the heart than the head. It carries a base price that鈥檚 $15,000 higher than the more versatile Q7.
On the other hand, the Q8 is a slick compromise that wins on athletics and esthetics. It should also placate drivers who by necessity (e.g. family responsibilities) need more space than a traditional two- or four-door sedan provides.
