Audi has unveiled the 2019 Audi Q8, which is now the flagship of its Q lineup of SUVs. The Q8 is based on the same platform as the Q7, but it’s more coupe-like proportions means that it is wider, shorter and lower than the Q7.
Starting from the front, the 2019 Audi Q8 lets you know that it means business with its imposing Singleframe grille. The bold grille stands upright and combined with the front spoiler and the large, highly contoured air inlets, the Q8 has a confident, yet sporty face. As you move to the side, the Q8 has a coupe-like sloping roofline. Audi says that there are also several details that hint at the design of the original quattro.
The Q8’s “strong contours and athletically tight surfaces convey a feeling of power, sophistication and the special dynamics of the permanent all-wheel drive.”
Driver’s will be able to see the road better thanks to standard LED headlights, while HD Matrix LED lights are available as an option.
Under the hood all of the Q8’s powertrain options will feature 48-volt mild hybrid technology. The 48-volt primary electrical system incorporates a lithium-ion battery and a belt alternator starter. During braking, it can recover up to 12 kW of power and feed it back into the battery, enabling long coasting phases with the engine deactivated and a start-stop range that begins at 13.7 mph.
Audi hasn’t released the info about the powertrain options, but we do know that the standard quattro all-wheel drive system will be rear biased, since it transfers the power to the front axle and rear axle at a ratio of 40:60. When required, it can transfer the majority of the power to the axle with the better traction. The Q8 also can be equipped with all-wheel steering, which can turn the rear wheels as much as 5 degrees.
Inside the Q8’s interior features two large digital displays. The upper 10.1-inch display is used for controlling the infotainment and the navigation system, while an 8.6-inch display below that controls functions for the heating and air conditioning.
The 2019 Audi Q8 will be offered with a range of driver assistance tech features, like adaptive cruise assist, efficiency assist, crossing assist, lane change warning, curb warning and 360 degree cameras. One cool feature is the remote garage pilot that guides the Q8 into a garage and back out again autonomously. The driver gets out of the car beforehand and activates the process using the myAudi app on their smartphone.
The 2019 Audi Q8 will go on sale in Europe in the third quarter of this year. Audi has not announced when it will arrive in the U.S.
Source: Audi
