2017 Detroit Motor Show: Audi Q8 Concept revealed

Audi has finally revealed its take in the SUV-coupe segment with its Q8 Concept. Unveiled at the 2017 Detroit Motor Show, the Q8 Concept is a design study, slotted above the Q7 in the company’s line-up and might hit production next year.

The dimensions of the Q8 Concept are identical to that of the Q7 including the wheelbase of three metres. The fascia is dominated by the octagonal grille with six vertical slats with honeycomb insert. The ‘wedge-shaped’ headlights are futuristic and are integrated into the overall grille with silver finished splitter completing the front of the Concept.

The D-pillar is raked just enough to give the Q8 that SUV-Coupe styling complimented by frameless doors. At the rear, the LED taillights are running all over the tailgate with a small roof spoiler. There are no door handles but a touch sensitive Audi-logo on the pillar to open the doors. The 23-inch wheels are designed to complement the car which is finished in Bombay blue paint.

The interior of the Q8 Concept is strictly for four, but the production version will have five seats. The futuristic dashboard is clean and dominated by large touchscreens resulting in a decluttered cabin. Audi’s 12.3-inch virtual cockpit display offers more functionality and upholstery is covered in a combination of pastel silver Nappa and Nubuk leather. The 628 litres of interior space is comfortable despite the sloping roof according to the German manufacturer.

Under the hood of the Q8 Concept is a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The 3.0-litre V6 TFSI engine producing 333bhp and 500Nm of torque is working in conjunction with a motor of 100kW of power and 330Nm. The combine power figures are an impressive 438bhp and 700Nm of torque good enough for a 0-100kmph sprint in 5.4seconds and a top speed of 250kmph. The eight-speed Tiptronic transmission sends power to Quattro all-wheel-drive. The 17.9 kWh lithium-ion battery lends an all-electric range of 60km.

When launched in production guise, the Q8 will get a conventional powertrain but the ‘e-tron’ variant might exist as well. The production-ready test mule of the Q8 was spied recently but it will only make it to production sometime next year. When launched, the Q8 will go up against the likes of BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.