Audi Q8 as impressive as it looks
You've probably heard of the saying 'fashionably late' and then there is just late, well that is Audi considering the competition already have their second-generation SUV coupe models in the market.
Where they saving the best for last or just waiting to see if there was a market at all? I got behind the wheel to sample the new model.
What is the Q8?
It is no surprise that the upper echelon SUV market is growing rapidly and manufacturers are channelling much of their resources to the development of new and exciting alternatives to the conventional SUV. The Q8 blends SUV-like practicality with a sportier focused design and despite the Q8 being slightly shorter, lower and wider than the Audi Q7, both cars share the same MLB platform.
The looks
The Audi Q8 is, in my opinion, one of the best looking SUVs on sale today featuring sharp lines, prominent angles and flared wheel arches and all the modern-day must-have elements of a sporty SUV. The test vehicle featured the blacked-out octagon grille up-front which adds a bit more aggression while highlighting the bumper design. Another noteworthy feature at the front is the addition of the brand’s new HD Matrix lighting system, that uses clever LED lights to cast light horizontally and vertically. It is, however, the rear of the car that I like the most. You see, I am a fan of a rear taillight cluster that runs the length of the car and the Q8 features the most prominent one yet.
Getting into the 8th dimension
Inside the Q8, you will notice a brand new design structure for Audi which was first exhibited on the flagship A8 model and can now also be found in the entry-level A1. The Q8 however, being a flagship car, does get some fancy touches in the form of a 10.1-inch infotainment screen in the centre of the facia that now features the brand’s new MMI operating system with an 8.6-inch screen lower down. The lower screen deals with things such as climate control and also doubles as a very intuitive writing pad and it offers the driver the ability to set shortcut buttons for convenience. Behind the steering wheel is a third screen, a 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster.
As for space, the Q8 is a 5-seater and despite its sloping roofline, it offers a decent amount of headroom at the rear as well as an impressive amount of legroom. The rear seats can also slide forwards and backwards and the luggage area will hold up to 605-litres but drop the rear seats and that increases to around 1 755-litres, 300-litres less than in the Audi Q7.
Power-hungry
My Q8 test car, the 55 TFSI, came fitted with a 250 kW and 500 N.m, turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine. Although the Q8 55 TFSI won’t blow year hair back from a performance point of view, it remains relatively impressive nevertheless with the 0-100km/h sprint taking a mere 5.9 seconds. Also, there is a 48V electrical system that aids in coasting as well as powers the alternator starter which powers the Star/Stop function. The suspension is electronically controlled and it can adapt to various conditions but the car returned a compliant ride quality, despite the 23-inch rims fitted to our test unit.
Verdict
The Audi Q8 has been worth the wait, it offers impressive technology, a sporty feel and it looks modern. The only downside, in my opinion, I would have liked to see a more luxury-focused SUV, much like the X7, as the market is becoming rather saturated with sporty options within this segment. That said, the Q8 is a quality product with diesel derivatives and faster options coming soon.
Price
Audi Q8 55TFSI quattro – R 1 388 000
