The new Audi Q8 has arrived and will be launched at Audi Centre Polokwane on 3 August where potential buyers can experience the elegance of a four-door luxury coupé first-hand.
With the practical versatility of a large SUV, richly equipped, featuring an elegant and high-tech interior and tough enough for off-road duty, the new Audi Q8 is a confident companion for business and leisure.
With the imposing Singleframe in octagonal design, the Audi Q8 is the new face of the Q family. The brawny radiator grille stands upright and, together with the spoiler that has been drawn toward the front and the large, highly contoured air inlets, emphasises the self-confident look. The elegantly sloping roofline terminates in gently inclined D-pillars and rests against the quattro blisters above the wheel arches. A light strip connects the units at the rear.
When it comes to steering the purely mechanical centre differential transfers the forces to the front axle and rear axle at a ratio of 40:60 as standard. When required, it transfers the majority to the axle with the better traction. Besides the standard progressive steering, whose steering ratio becomes increasingly direct the further the steering wheel is turned, Audi also offers the option of all-wheel steering. It can turn the rear wheels as much as 5 degrees – counter to the direction of the turn at low speeds to increase agility and at higher speeds in the direction of the turn for better stability. All drive systems are particularly efficient thanks to the new mild hybrid technology.
The interior is pure German luxury. Easy-to-understand symbols stand for the digital precision from Audi and for the high level of integration of architecture and operation. The central element is the top MMI touch response display. With its black panel look, it almost dissolves into a large, black surface when switched off.
All elements refer logically to one another, from the flat air vent strip to the wide console on the centre tunnel bearing the tiptronic selector lever. Options including customised contour seats with massage function and ventilation further enhance the elegant ambiance.
The Audi Q8 comes standard with the top-of-the-line infotainment system, MMI navigation. It includes the Audi connect module which transforms the vehicle into a Wi-Fi hotspot.
In addition to the two displays of the MMI touch response the Audi virtual cockpit increases the overview for the driver. It’s 12.3 inch high-resolution LCD display combined with the fully digital instrument cluster is customisable by the driver. All the functions and services are depicted using superb graphics with a 3D impression and detailed effects in brilliant clarity, while the natural language voice control turns the Audi Q8 into an intelligent dialogue partner.
Under the hood lurks a 3,0 litre engine. The 55 TFSI delivers 250 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque while the 45 TDI offers 183 kW of power with 600 Nm of torque. Both engine are coupled with a 8-speed Tiptronic transmission.
The Audi Q8 offers all the bells and whistles when it comes to safety. Whether parking in the city or on long journeys – the Audi Q8 supports its driver in many situations. Among the systems contributing here are the adaptive cruise assist, efficiency assist, crossing assist, lane change warning, curb warning and 360 degree cameras. Behind all of these features is the central driver assistance controller.
It continuously computes a differentiated model of the surroundings and uses this to manage the assistance systems. The required data are obtained – depending on the selected options – from up to five radar sensors, six cameras, twelve ultrasound sensors and the laser scanner.
For more information on the new Audi Q8 contact Audi Centre Polokwane on 015 590 8800 or visit the dealership at 48 Langenhoven Street, Ivy Park.
Story: RC Myburgh
>>rc.observer@gmail.com
