Audi has revised its Q8 Coupe SUV model with the standard model and the SQ8, the first to get the design and technology changes.
The Q8 and SQ8 both get a revised front with the Audi Singleframe getting an octagon design with vertical inlays with its independent color scheme. They are arranged in teardrop shape in the base exterior and designed in the shape of an L in the S line exterior package and the SQ8 TFSI. The lower design gets new prominent air intakes. The optionally available Black and Black Plus optics packages set striking accents in the exterior around the Audi Singleframe, the trim on the side windows, and the front and rear bumpers. What’s more, the Singleframe mask comes finished in high-gloss black.
The Audi SQ8 gets the Singleframe stands out with vertical L-shaped inlays in a sporty color scheme. The larger air intakes feature honeycomb grilles across their surface. Characteristically, Audi opts for a sporty aluminum look for the exterior mirror housings, the inlays in the Singleframe and the edging of the side air intakes. The same color scheme is also used for the inlay in the side skirt. The Black and Black plus optics packages can also be ordered for the SQ8 TFSI. In order to distinguish the base version, S line exterior package, and S model at first glance, the front bumper area, door attachment trim, and diffuser in the base model come in contrasting colors that underline the robust off-road look.
The Q8 gets high-intensity LED headlights in the Q8 as standard; Matrix LED headlights are available as an option. HD Matrix LED headlights with the Audi laser light are also available, which work with 24 LEDs and a high-power laser diode each and are immediately recognizable via a blue ambient light incorporated into the headlights. The laser light becomes active starting at 70 km/h and significantly increases the high beam range. New for the top-of-the-range headlights are digital daytime running light signatures.
New for all Audi Q8 units is an exhaust system with premium-quality, visually appealing tailpipes. In conjunction with the digital OLED rear lights, which are available for the first time in the Q8, the premium-class character of the model becomes even clearer. At the rear, an LED light strip together with black high-gloss trim and integrated Audi rings links the digital OLED rear lights across the entire width of the car. Standard equipment for the Q8 are 20-inch alloy wheels. The Audi SQ8 TFSI comes with 21-inch wheels as standard. Alternatively, Audi and Audi Sport offer other 21-inch, 22-inch, and the largest offer available is 23-inch wheels with 285/35 tires. The black brake calipers, which come optionally in red, bear the S logo that defines Audi’s look on the front axle.
The range opens with the 45 TDI quattro, a three-liter diesel engine that has 170 kW/ 500 Nm of torque. The Q8 45 TDI accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds topping at 226 km/h. This engine is followed by the 50 TDI quattro, a more powerful version with 210 kW and 600 Nm of torque accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds topping at 241 km/h.
The Audi Q8 55 TFSI features a Turbo 3.0 six-cylinder engine direct fuel injection that delivers 250 kW / 500 Nm. This model accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds topping at an electronically governed top speed at 250 km/h. All V6-engines in the Audi Q8 work together with an eight-speed tiptronic, quattro permanent four-wheel drive, and the mild hybrid system, which can achieve a fuel-consumption advantage of up to 0.5 liters per 100 kilometers in customer operation.
Until the RS Q8 arrives, the SQ8 tops the range with a 4.0 TFSI V8 with 373 kW and 770 Nm of torque with fast-shifting eight-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The SQ8 TFSI accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds, with an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h. With its firing order of 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8, the 4.0 TFSI provides a distinctive sporty and sonorous sound.
The interior layout has not been altered with the 3 HD touchscreen available for the instrument cluster, infotainment screen and climate controls. There are also nine decorative inlays available to choose from. Adding to the available options in the equipment lineup are: wood fine-grain ash natural silver for the standard model, Carbon twill matt, and Aluminium linear silver grey for the Q8 featuring the S line sport package, as well as for the SQ8 TFSI.
The seams on the seat trim in the base model now come as standard in a contrasting gray color. Seats are heated, cooled depending on the specification chosen whilst electric assistance for the seat positioning is standard.
In terms of driver assistance systems, the surroundings display in particular has received a significant upgrade. The Audi virtual cockpit displays a lane change warning, other road users (trucks, cars, and motorcycles) distance warning, intersection assist, and traffic light information online in stunning full HD quality.
Luggage space remains the same for the updated Q8 with the large Sportback tailgate opened electrically. Seats can fold flat for added space.
Five characteristics define the Q8’s handling: balanced, solid, controlled, precise, and effortless. The suspension, steering, and drive as well as the braking and control systems all play a key role in creating a reliably safe, dynamic, and simultaneously comfortable driving experience. In the SQ8, there is the optional advanced suspension package, customers also benefit from the sport differential. When cornering at high speed, it uses two multi-disc clutches to shift the torques between the rear wheels, giving the wheel on the outside of the curve, which has the better grip, the greater share.
No word yet from Audi Mzansi on when the new Q8 will arrive in Mzansi but globally, these models will be available from this month.