The 2019 Q8 – What we know

The elusive Audi Q8 has been in the works for a while now, and Ingolstadt confirm that the plans for the luxury sports SUV are still on track, but what exactly does that mean?

To start, no official images confirm what the Q8 will look like, and although it will be closest in appearance to the Audi Q7, the updated sporty looks are rumoured to be so refined and beautifully sculpted that competition like the BMW X6 or Mercedes-Benz GLE coupe will hang their heads in shame.

The Q8 will share many features with the Q7 – from the architectural platform to the powertrain, and likely the cockpit layout and electronics too. But Audi are pulling out all the stops to make sure that this luxury model is set above the rest; contemporary stylings in the form of slim, full-width rear lights and an angular, ‘fast’ C-pillar will form the basis of the exterior design. The front end will be completely redesigned too, with only the headlight and grille assembly shared with the Q7.

Nothing less than cutting-edge technology will reside under the bonnet, with a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, likely to be available across a range of petrol and diesel V-6 and V-8 turbo engines, and an SQ8 model will offer a V-8 TDI and turbocharging for the ultimate in power.

As the Q-series equivalent to the supreme and luxurious A8, the Q8 promises to be like no other offering from the brand, sportier and more luxurious than any of its rivals. While we wait with baited breath for the 2018 release of the car, exclusive concepts have appeared to show what the car may look like. If you can’t wait to get your hands on all that driving power, why not take a look at the Audi Q7 as an introduction from Jardine Motors Audi?