Monday 9th January 2017

Audi Q8 concept - Detroit 2017

It's big, it's bold and it's Bombay Blue - here's your first look at Audi's next SUV

---

The only way is apparently up for Audi, what with the SUV range currently comprising Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7. And if BMW and Mercedes are already enjoying success with huge 4x4 coupes, then why not Audi?

The Q8 concept previews a production car due in 2018, the car you see here described as "an Audi in peak form". Make your own jokes there. However, we can expect much of what features on the Q8 to be used in both the future SUV and other Audi models.

See the new octagonal singleframe grille, wider than used at present and with six very prominent vertical bars to draw attention to those four rings. The rear is described as "flat and compact", similar to designs we've seen in the Audi Prologue concept and further suggesting this look will make production soon. This wouldn't be an Audi concept without some mention of the Ur-Quattro as well; see the wide C-pillar and numberplate in the black strip between the lights. Just like the 80s.

The Q8 is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain, a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 (as used in the S4 and S5) mated to an electric motor. Combined they make 442hp and 516lb ft, enough for a 5.4-second sprint to 62mph and a limited 155mph top speed. Up to 37 miles is possible on electric alone, the overall range is 621 miles and the claimed fuel economy is 123mpg. The end for diesel?

Inside should give a strong hint at future Audi designs too, the Q8 further evolving the Virtual Cockpit and doing away with even more buttons. The central - and very attractive - stack of controls is now largely touch operated, promising "direct, fast and intuitive operation." The Virtual Cockpit is now higher resolution and the head-up display appears directly in the driver's view, "seemingly placing them in the real environment." Interestingly the concept is a four seater, indeed a "luxury lounge for four", but the production car is likely to be for five. There's 630 litres of boot space too (!).

Understandably given this is the US and the car is an Audi SUV, there's a great deal of excitement around the Q8 at present. The interior really is very, very nice indeed. Expect a production version to be seen sometime next year, with a Q8 v. X6 v. GLE Coupe triple test a very real prospect soon after.

[Robert-nszl1]

I'm sorry, but can anyone tell the difference between any Audi concepts/ production cars? They are either flattened jelly mould, jelly mould, or fat jelly mould. And would sir like small, medium, large, xl, xxl etc etc yawn.....oh but this one has a massive grill.....oh no, they all have that now sir....or is that Jag? Or Maserati? Pass the Morgan brochure please.....

[tim milne]

[Dave Hedgehog]

designed by skynet, exterminate !!!

they are going to sell them by the bucket load

[Venturist]

I like the back end and overall more angular style but that face is godawful.

[Mandat]

DELETED: Comment made by a member who's account has been deleted.

I'd buy that for a dollar!

[dxg]

It's just so tedious. Like all Audis these days.

The most interesting thing about itis the fact that I'm seeing hints of Peugeot 3008 (of all things!) in the rear lights, the interaction of the steering wheel and the dials, and the way in which the centre console rises to meet the dashboard.

But so, so dull.

[SturdyHSV]

THIS JUST IN! Next Audi A3 concept image released!

[Loyly]

The interior looks amazing. The rest of it looks bloody awful. I suppose it will appeal to the 50-something perma-tanned sofa shop boss who holidays in Marbella though.

[suffolk009]

Surely all the mummies could transport their Yoga-mats is something a little smaller.

[louiebaby]

Same platform for the Lamborghini SUV?

[SturdyHSV]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Best part of the thread for me was learning this. Thank you

[RushDom]

A lunchtime straw poll of my work colleagues showed that almost everyone thought this thing looks "awesome!" "Beautiful!" One person described it as their new dream car, even surpassing their long held desires for "an Evoque with black wheels". Based on this anecdotal evidence alone, they will sell gazillions of these.

I find it somewhat bewildering, but for many people these days it seems a gigantic, sporty SUV with far more seats than they're ever going to need is considered to be the absolute pinnacle of desirability - even more so than any sports/supercar.

[SuperchargedVR6]

I'm fairly certain the popularity of these heavy machines is why resurfaced roads only last 5 minutes in Essexland.

1950s road surface technology & materials vs 21st century 2+ tonne behemoths.

They're just annoying to follow. Too wide & tall to see what's happening up ahead and they spray my little hatchback with heap big dirty spray, thanks to their 20" fat wheels. Maybe I should I buy a Marauder and return the favour.

[Al's 991]

Loyly said:

The interior looks amazing. The rest of it looks bloody awful. I suppose it will appeal to the 50-something perma-tanned sofa shop boss who holidays in Marbella though.

Yes the interior does look good. At last they have gone away from that horrid pop up display that looks cheap and nasty. It's almost ooopppss i've forgotten the sat nav.....I know lets put a Halfords one on that pops out of the dashboard.....

[J4CKO]

If it was black it would look a bit like a motorised Darth Vader Helmet.

I dont mind it but, like the X6 it will be the ultimate aggressive cocksocket weapon of choice, coming to a set of double yellows near a private school near you soon, daddy is a "businessman". Watched a local chap in one (X6) having a few words with a traffic warned, he was deeply unpleasant to him, despite him being parked illegally and inconsiderately, same guy always to be seen going too fast an parking like a tt, which sort of colours my judgement of this type of car, even though I am sure some lovely people own them and I dont mind them .

[gizlaroc]

DELETED: Comment made by a member who's account has been deleted.

And slagged off by those too insecure to put what they drive in their profile.


It's not for me either, looks far too blingy design wise, and although a great loadspace I would feel guilty filling it with rubble sacks etc. However, I bet it would actually be a great way to cover mile in comfort.

[gizlaroc]

DELETED: Comment made by a member who's account has been deleted.

No offence was meant by it, just it has been the same on here for 15 years, as soon as an SUV is announced, we get the same comments about how it will be bought by people who are insecure and only buying it to look flash to the neighbours or on the school run or something.
You sort of covered all the clichés in one post, so it tickled me.

[gforceg]

Possibly the look of the MY 3017 Audi people shifter.

[C7 JFW]

Now if they could just make it go around corners.

[Chris944_S2]

They named a gas guzzler after an oil company?