Audi Q8 concept debuts in Detroit – 448 hp plug-in hybrid, 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, 1,000 km range

Audi Q8 concept debuts in Detroit – 448 hp plug-in hybrid, 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, 1,000 km range

Big metal beckons at Motown, and Audi weighs in with the Q8 concept, a 5.02 metre-long, 2.04 metre-wide, and 1.70 metre-tall four-seater SUV with a coupe roofline and a plug-in hybrid powertrain under the skin. It previews a low-slung SUV which is set to become the marque’s flagship, sitting above the seven-seater Q7.

At a glance, there an imposing new octagonal Singleframe grille with honeycomb insert and six upright double bars – rather similar to the newer Mercedes-AMG GT models – while a mask with contrasting colour frames the new grille design. The outer air intakes are deep-set, while the bottom edge of the front bumper is highlighted by an aluminium blade.

Key among the features along the Q8 concept’s side are the touch sensors which play the role of door latches – upon detecting hand contact, the door will open to a defined angle. As for its aesthetics, the lines along the bottom edge of the side window, shoulders and sills collectively slant upward towards the rear of the Q8 concept. A flat C-pillar and prominent haunches bring to mind the original Quattro.

Audi Q8 concept debuts in Detroit – 448 hp plug-in hybrid, 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, 1,000 km range

At the rear, the roof edge spoiler adds shade to the flat rear window, while the strip of lights stretch across the entire width of the vehicle’s rear as part of an e-tron light signature. The rear light assembly serves as the tail and brake light, as well as the turn indicators. The four outer light elements also reflect certain design cues of the front lights.

“The Q8 concept is an Audi in peak form. It demonstrates the strengths of our brand in both technology and design while providing a glimpse at a future full-size, production SUV. With its next-generation display and control solutions, we are enabling customers to experience connectivity in a whole new way,” said Dietmar Voggenreiter, member of the board of management for sales and marketing.

Inside, the Q8 concept “offers opulent spaciousness for four persons and their large suitcases”, according to Audi; the luggage compartment holds 630 litres. Sharp creases lines and a floating centre console give the cabin an added sense of width, while the shift-by-wire lever controls the eight-speed automatic transmission electronically.

Audi Q8 concept debuts in Detroit – 448 hp plug-in hybrid, 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, 1,000 km range

The instrument panel, like much of the Q8 concept’s interior, is distinctly horizontal, and the central control and display surfaces are integrated into a wide “black panel”, which disappears when the systems are switched off. The main instrument display is a 12.3 inch TFT unit with 1920 x 720 resolution, with multiple modes switchable via buttons on the steering wheel.

All other displays within the Q8 concept are touch screens, which enabled designers reduce the number of buttons, switches and levers for even neater and cleaner look, says Audi. As before, the MMI monitor controls infotainment and vehicular settings, while in keeping with the the design theme, the climate control display is in the diagonal part of the centre console.

If a passenger is detected in the front seat, the touchscreen will display climate control settings for the passenger; otherwise, this is concealed when the driver is travelling alone, while another touchscreen takes care of lighting functions.

Audi Q8 concept debuts in Detroit – 448 hp plug-in hybrid, 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, 1,000 km range

The Q8 concept’s motive power comes courtesy of a 3.0 litre TFSI petrol engine with 333 hp and 500 Nm of torque, mated to an electric motor producing 136 hp and 330 Nm of torque. Combined, the Q8 concept’s total system output is 448 hp and 700 Nm of torque, propelling the SUV from 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and to a top speed of 250 km/h.

A lithium-ion battery with 104 prismatic cells provide power for the electric drive, with a capacity of 17.9 kWh. Pure electric range is up to 60 km, and combined with the internal combustion engine the Q8 concept’s total range is 1,000 km. A 7.2 kW output will provide the plug-in hybrid with a full charge in about 2.5 hours.

As with other plug-in hybrids, the Q8 concept offers a range of driving modes. EV aims to use just electricity as much as possible, hybrid mode is the middle ground where the systems decide which power source to draw from, and battery hold mode saves electricity for later use.

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Mick Chan

Open roads and closed circuits hold great allure for Mick Chan. Driving heaven to him is exercising a playful chassis on twisty paths; prizes ergonomics and involvement over gadgetry. Spent three years at a motoring newspaper and short stint with a magazine prior to joining this website.

 

Comments

  • Lee Kum Kee on Jan 10, 2017 at 3:42 pm

    Another X6 wannabe!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
    • Kunta Kinte on Jan 10, 2017 at 4:34 pm

      Hybrids look great until the battery malfunctions. Then you cry. Audi A6 Hybrid battery cost RM52,000.

      The BMW 330e Hybrid Battery also cost RM50,000.

      Imagine paying for the battery when it malfunctions outside warranty?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • New grille design? Veli soon hyundai will copy it. Long lip copy king!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 3
  • 12yrsold on Jan 10, 2017 at 4:10 pm

    Lets see, who are the potential customers for this Q8 measuring more than 5 meter-long, 2 meter-wide & 1.70 meter-tall than have ‘only’ 4-seat. I’m talking M’sia market here.

    With lots of headroom, shoulder room & legroom, you are virtually travelling on a private jet on wheels that will take you to Ipoh for Meeting in a Jiffy & back B4 U know it.

    The best part is U don’t have 2 pay parking charges for your private Jet(Q8) at the Subang Airport Hanger & is cheaper 2 maintain compare 2 a real Jet.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
 

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