Audi Q8 SUV: Range Rover Sport and BMW X6 rival launched

Although the Q8 is shorter than the Q7 on which it is based, this is entirely down to the smaller overhangs at the front and rear of the car. As such, interior space is nearly identical, although the Q8 has a strict five-seat layout, whereas the Audi Q7 can be had with seven. The Q8 is 130mm longer than the Range Rover Sport, as well as being 100mm lower and 10mm wider. Its wheelbase is also 70mm longer, underlining the additional interior space that it offers. Boot space is 650 litres with the seats up and 1755 litres with them down, compared with the Q7’s 770/1955 litres.

While the roofline is 40mm lower than that of the Q7 at its highest point above the front doors, the slope is achieved in part by design sleight, particularly with the use of the dropping roof spoiler. As a result, and based on our opportunity to sit in the car, space in the rear is sufficient even for tall adults.

The Q8 is also 27mm wider than the Q7, a result of engineers seeking ways to make the car more stable and agile. Aluminium has also been extensively used on the retuned five-link front and rear suspension, in order to save weight, although the car’s total weight is yet to verified. The mechanical centre differential is set to transfer power 40% front, 60% rear as standard, while buyers can also opt for the four-wheel-steering system pioneered on the SQ7 to improve low-speed manoeuvrability and high- speed stability.

As standard, the car has seven selectable driving modes that alter the settings for the suspension, steering and engine, ranging from off- road modes to more sporting set-ups. The Q8 can also be specified with one of three different types of suspension, two of which employ air springs to improve comfort.

Inside, the influence of the new Audi A8, which was revealed last year, is evident, most notably with the new control system for the major functions, which are spread across two large touchscreens. The upper 10.1in screen controls the infotainment and navigation functions, while the lower 8.1in screen controls the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. While these allow the dashboard to have very few buttons on it and give the interior a minimalist look, in the A8 the system has drawn some criticism for its usability.

Similarly, the interior finish and choice of electronic driver aids are reminiscent of those of Audi’s range-topping saloon. While treatments vary according to the trim level, there is abundant use of leather and chrome. Buyers can choose from numerous enhancements, including four types of leather, three types of seat design and a choice of sound systems that is crowned by a 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen set-up.

Buyers can opt from four driver assistance packages, which range from a low-speed system that autonomously drives the car in a line of traffic to a system that warns of potential impacts and which can contact the emergency services if it detects an accident. In total, there are 39 driver assistance systems available. Two trim levels - S line and Vorsprung - will be offered in the UK initially.

Initially UK buyers will have a choice of two 3.0-litre engines: a 335bhp petrol in the 55 TFSI and a 282bhp diesel in the 50 TDI. The only performance figures released so far are that the diesel can accelerate the Q8 to 62mph from rest in 6.3sec, has a 144mph top speed and 442lb ft of torque. The petrol will feature an eight-speed gearbox, with a seven-speed S tronic unit for the diesel.

A less-powerful 228bhp 3.0-litre diesel V6 – the 45 TDI – will be offered several months after launch, once the initial rush in demand for the car has slowed.

All three engines employ fuel-saving 48V electrical technology, as pioneered on the Audi SQ7. No other performance or economy figures have yet been released. However, it is already anticipated that hotter versions of the Q8 will be produced, potentially including a next-generation SQ8 that could be offered with a petrol- electric hybrid powertrain.

The Q8 was first revealed as a concept car, and then followed by another, sportier concept, called the Q8 Sport Concept, which was powered by a 444bhp 3.0 TFSI V6 petrol engine plus electronic assistance from a 20kWh motor, boosting total outputs to 469bhp and 516lb ft. The Sport Concept was claimed to be capable of hitting 62mph from rest in 4.7sec and powering on to a top speed of 171mph.

UK order books for the Q8 open later this month, when prices will also be confirmed, with deliveries from August. 

Insight: Why SUVs must go hybrid and EV

You’ll note that the Q8 is larger in just about every dimension than its rivals: the Range Rover Sport, BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE CoupeÃ, Maserati Levante, Porsche Cayenne and even the Tesla Model X.

For now that’s a great selling point, but as Felipe Munoz, global automotive analyst for JATO, points out, it is likely to be an advantage that the Q8 won’t enjoy for long: “I would expect the coming new generations of X6 and GLE Coupeà to be bigger. I’d also expect the next Range Rover Sport to grow, so close is it to the Velar in size.”

Munoz also highlights another future trend that is fast emerging but which Audi and others have yet to address: hybridisation.