Detroit Show-bound Audi Q8 concept previews future Q range-topper

Audi is to take the covers off its Q8 concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit in January 2017.

The near-production study represents a synthesis of the emotional styling of a coupé and the spaciousness that typifies an SUV. With the Q8, Audi is unlocking a new segment for the full-size category.

Set to top Audi’s line-up of Q-badged SUVs when it arrives in 2018, the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE rival will share its engineering with the Q7, which is built on Audi’s MLB platform, and have a range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engine in V6 and V8 forms.

It will also be offered as a hybrid, as confirmed by these sketches, which show an e-tron badge, used by Audi to denote its hybrid and electric models. The powertrain will also be offered in the next Porsche Cayenne.

The four-seat Q8 is expected to share many of the advanced systems being developed for next year’s A8, including a 48V electrical system, OLED high-definition digital displays and the latest in autonomous driving functions.

As with the Q4 and Q6, the Q8 will adopt a five-door layout with a liftback-style tailgate for the boot. The car will measure in at roughly the same size as the Q7, which is around 5050mm long and 1970mm wide.

“With the Audi Q8 concept, we have created a new spearhead within our Q model line. Its design strongly evokes sportiness and prestige,” said Audi Head of Design Marc Lichte. “What’s more, we believe an important aspect of this showcar is that it offers a spacious interior with four equally comfortable seats, even with the flat roof line.”

The study vehicle’s front end is imposing. The octagonal single-frame is considerably wider than that in Audi’s current production models. It is positioned well forward, with three-dimensional sculpting. Many design elements of the Q8 concept are reminiscent of the Audi Ur-quattro of the 1980s. They include the extremely flat but very wide C-post, and the prominent, flared shoulders above the wheels. These balanced proportions give equal emphasis to the front and rear wheels – typically quattro.