The Q8 is the latest flagship SUV from Audi, and sits above the Q7 and alongside the A8. It’s lower and wider than a Q7 but is built on the same wheelbase with a very distinctively styled roof. With other SUV coupes around, the Q8 is rather special by itself. The Q8 comes in as a CBU import and the SUV can be ordered and had immediately, if you’re not too keen a personally customised car. And Audi have recently launched a more affordable variant of the Q8, called the Celebration. It is priced at ₹ 98.98 lakh (ex-showroom, India) and is cheaper than the Technology variant. Deliveries are set to commence in November this year.
Drop-dead gorgeous
The Q8 is a massive SUV, but there are lots of details that give it its gorgeous appeal. The single-frame grille is huge, octagonal in shape. But it looks bolder than most Audi grilles. The frame, slats and lower air intake surrounds can be customized. The beautiful Matrix LED headlights also include a unique DRL design, while the sleek tail lights look contemporary. It gets wide front and rear fenders and comes with 19-inch wheels as standard. It is indeed an appealing SUV, and is sure to lure buyers.
Equipment-laden
It comes loaded to the brim with equipment like a Bang & Olufsen audio system, adaptive air suspension, a comfort key that has a gesture-based boot opening function, 10.1-inch screen for infotainment and navigation, 8.1-inch screen for the HVAC systems, wireless charging, a 10-speaker Audi cars sound system, Audi’s latest dual-touchscreen control system, a ‘Virtual Cockpit’ digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, assisted driving systems, eight airbags and park assist.
The new Celebration variant comes in 11 exterior colours and four interior themes, but does not come customisation options.
Power corrupts
The Q8 is powered by a 3.0-litre, V6 turbo petrol engine that is coupled to a 48V mild-hybrid system and makes 340hp and 500Nm of torque, with power being sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission and Audi’s Quattro system.
The Audi Q8 packs in a punch, but comes at a price. It has a beautiful interior with lots of room and is loaded with features. It also rides well, and while it may not score high on the handling front, it certainly has you floored with its extraordinary design language. The Q8 won’t sell like the Q7, but then, it doesn’t have to; it’s special, and we’d be better off seeing just a few of them on the road. Also, grab the latest info on the new cars, only at autoX.
