Audi Teases Range-Topping Q8 Ahead Of World Debut

According to Audi, the Q8’s design is inspired by the original, legendary Audi Ur-quattro rally and road car from the ’80s.  

Audi has released the official sketches of its brand-new concept model – the Audi Q8 – ahead of its official debut at the upcoming North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit in January 2017. The ‘near-production’ model will be the new flagship of Audi’s Q range of SUVs and will sit alongside the flagship A8 sedan. The production-intent Q8 is expected to hit the market in 2018, and will compete with the likes of the BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE and others.  

Marc Lichte, head of design at Audi, said, “With the Audi Q8 concept, we have created a new spearhead within our Q model line. Its design strongly evokes sportiness and prestige. 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.”

According to Audi, it is a cross between an SUV and a coupe, which is fairly evident from the sketches. Information about the Q8 is scarce at the moment, but it is obvious that it will be based on Audi’s new MLB EVO platform that made its debut with the second-gen Q7. Speaking of its design, it features a new octagonal singleframe grille, which is considerably wider than the one in Audi’s current production models. Its silhouette reminds one of the Audi Ur-quattro of the 1980s, especially the extremely flat but very wide C-pillar, and prominent wheel arches. 

(In Picture: Audi Ur-quattro)