SPIED: Audi Q8 with frameless windows, Android OS

SPIED: Audi Q8 with frameless windows, Android OS

Here’s the upcoming Audi Q8 doing development laps on the Nurburgring. The Q8, which will be a more rakish and sportier version of the box-like Q7, is set to debut next year. We’ve already seen two Q8 concepts this year – the first one from Detroit and a Q8 Sport from Geneva – and they’re good previews of what to expect from Ingolstadt.

The camouflaged test mule here does not reveal much, but our persistent carparazzi managed to get shots of the prototype with its doors open, showing off its frameless windows. A traditional coupe touch for the big SUV coupe, which will measure over five metres long. Also, we get a glimpse of the Q8’s interior.

Now, if the production Q8 will get a bespoke dashboard that sets it apart from the Q7, this is not it. The Q8 mule is making do with the SQ7’s interior for now, with that model name obvious on the instrument panel.

However, we see some display screens – one on the dash top and another below the air con vents – tacked on for testing. The lower panel is displaying the climate page in these pics, and there’s a strip of touch panel buttons below it, which includes functions such as Audi drive select.

Further south is a row of physical buttons to activate active safety systems, sandwiched by a push start button and a physical knob for volume control. This module has never been seen in an Audi before and the Q8 Concept’s centre stack has two screens. Audi will be using Google’s Android OS for its future in-car infotainment system, and this could be a first peek at it.


GALLERY: Audi Q8 sport concept

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • YB Kunta Kinte on May 29, 2017 at 7:09 pm

    Looks good but come here sure RM1 mil plus. Already the Q7 is about RM700k.

    How are we Malaysians to even own such cars with such high pricing?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 7
  • Bog std Mazda 323 alredi uses frameless door since dinosar age ago. And the radio can be replace with double din android. What so special about this sausage?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 8
  • Semi-Value (Member) on May 29, 2017 at 9:58 pm

    when subaru does not have frameless windows but audi has…apa dunia ini

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 8
  • abc123 on May 30, 2017 at 9:21 am

    the titls “SPIED: Audi Q8 with frameless windows, Android OS”, but i dont see any android OS in the photo???

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • thepolygonal on May 30, 2017 at 9:40 am

    Next… no need window.. only use plastic cover… or air curtain.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • heybadigol (Member) on May 30, 2017 at 11:01 am

    Frameless windows are sexy. Let’s hope the rest of the car is sexy too, cos the Q7 isn’t the most exciting thing to look at from outside.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

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