Contents of the review:
- Appearance
- Salon
- 2017 Audi Q8 Specifications
- Security systems
- The cost and configuration of the 2017 Audi Q8
Rumors about the appearance of a new flagship Audi crossover began to appear in early 2014, followed by a whole line of concept models in which the world community tried to consider the features of the future novelty. And in 2017, as part of the Detroit Auto Show, the company presents a pre-production concept of the flagship Audi Q8 2017 crossover, designed to compete with the two monopolists of the SUV-coupe class in the face of the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.
It is worth noting that the company's management postponed the development of the model until the last moment, not believing in the commercial success of the BMW X6, which became the pioneer and creator of a new class of coupe-like crossovers.
The turning point was the release of the Mercedes GLE Coupe, after which Ingolstadt realized their mistake and began to develop their own model at an urgent pace. Audi was in such a hurry that they did not wait for the Detroit Auto Show and organized preliminary shows to reveal the main Audi Q8 characteristics, as well as to voice basic information about the design, interior design and content of the future flagship.
Exterior of Audi Q8
As befits an off-road coupe, the exterior of the 2017 Audi Q8 has a dynamic and aggressive styling that instantly pokes the eyes of those around it.
The front part of the body received a huge false radiator grille, stylish head LED optics and several large air intakes effectively mounted in the front bumper. There is also a small splitter designed to improve the aerodynamics and downforce of the car.
The company decided not to follow in the footsteps of BMW and Mercedes, as a result of which from the profile the car looks like a station wagon with heavily littered rear pillars and a falling roof.
The profile of the car also attracts attention with the absence of door handles, smooth embossed side doors and huge wheel arches, which can easily fit R23 alloy wheels, which received their own exclusive design.
The compact stern has received futuristic rear optics, a massive rear bumper and a huge diffuser that improves the aerodynamic properties of the crossover.
The external dimensions of the new Q8 have the following characteristics:
- Length - 5002 mm;
- Width - 2040 mm;
- Height - 1700 mm;
- Distance between axles is equal to 2990 mm.
The exact information on the height of the ground clearance is still unknown, but it is unlikely that the car will be inferior to its direct competitors in this parameter. So it is quite possible to count on a clearance in the range of 205-215 mm. Also, the presence of air suspension is not excluded, which allows you to adjust the ride height depending on the type of road surface and driving mode.
There is no doubt that the new 2017 Audi Q8 will offer customers a wide range of exterior customization options that are now available on other models of the company.
Audi Q8 interior
The interior design of the new Q8 can be described in one word - "revolutionary". The salon is literally littered with all kinds of sensors, and only power windows, an electromechanical handbrake and an emergency gang have retained the mechanical keys.
The style of the front dashboard is made in the spirit of the latest models of the company and is distinguished by its severity and laconicism.
In front of the driver is a multifunction steering wheel truncated from below, a fully digital dashboard and a special projector that displays basic information about the car on the windshield. Most of the center console is occupied by an innovative multimedia system and a digital cabin climate control unit, which, when turned off, can easily be mistaken for a regular black interior dashboard. At the same time, the company does not exclude that the total number of sensors in the production model may be somewhat reduced to please the more familiar classic interface.
The perfectly tailored front seats feature high-quality lateral support, a lumbar bolster, as well as heated, massage and ventilation systems. And the presence of a wide range of electrical adjustments will make it possible to comfortably accommodate a person of any build.
According to preliminary information, the second row of seats will be represented by two chairs, between which there will be a wide armrest, as well as a touch panel for controlling the microclimate and audio system.
Only premium materials are used in the interior decoration (genuine leather, nubuck, Nappa leather, carbon and various composites). The quality of fit of parts is also not at the highest level and can withstand absolutely any criticism. Like the exterior, the car's interior will receive a wide range of options with which buyers can personalize it as much as possible.
Compared to the "younger" Q7, the Audi Q8 has a more modest luggage compartment.
The luggage compartment volume in the new product is equal to 630 liters, however, thanks to the improved layout, no less luggage can be accommodated here.
2017 Audi Q8 - Specifications
The concept Audi Q8 is powered by a state-of-the-art hybrid engine consisting of a 3.0-liter 333-horsepower V6 turbo and a 136-horsepower electric motor that accelerates from 0-100 in just 5.4 seconds. The total power of the coupe-crossover is 449 "horses", and the maximum torque is 700 Nm, which allows the car to develop a maximum of 250 km / h (limited by an electronic "noose"). Such a hybrid engine is aggregated with an advanced 8-level Tiptronic automatic transmission.
The electric motor is powered by built-in lithium-ion batteries with a total capacity of 17.9 kWh, while the crossover is capable of covering about 60 km exclusively on electric traction. It will take the car a little over 2.5 hours to fully charge the batteries. A preliminary test drive of the Audi Q8 showed fuel consumption in the range of 2.3-3 liters for every 100 km of the distance traveled, which, given the presence of the Quattro BorgWarner proprietary all-wheel drive, is really impressive.
The company does not hide that the car will receive other power units, most of which will migrate from the Q7 model - in particular, a 3-liter 249-horsepower turbodiesel and a 2-liter 252-horsepower gasoline engine.
The novelty is built on the branded modular MLB Evo bogie, familiar from the Q7 model, which assumes the presence of a five-link independent suspension on the front and rear axles. It is also worth noting that aluminum is actively used in the design of the "trolley", which will have a positive effect on the total weight of the car. The steering will receive an electric booster with the ability to select one of several operating modes.
A few words should also be said about the off-road capabilities of the vehicle. Despite the presence of the proprietary Quattro BorgWarner system with an installed Haldex multi-plate clutch and a Torsen Type3 differential, there is no downshift in the car, so the car is absolutely not suitable for use on serious off-road conditions.
Safety
Since the new Audi Q8 will take the place of the flagship in the company's lineup, the manufacturer will equip it with advanced active and passive safety systems, including:
- An assistant that prevents spontaneous movement of the car;
- Traffic camera, road signs and markings;
- Adaptive cruise control;
- Parking assistant;
- Night vision system with automatic pedestrian recognition function;
- Projection screen;
- Front and side airbags with two-stage actuation system;
- Stabilization system, rollover prevention and brake force distribution;
- Anti-lock braking system;
- Tire pressure monitoring sensors;
- Tracking system for the "blind" zone and the function of emergency deceleration, to recognize a head-on collision;
- Innovative autonomous control system and much more.
Given the 4-seater cabin layout, the car is unlikely to be suitable for large families, but potential buyers with a small family of three or four people will have a car fit.
Options and price of the new 2018-2019 Audi Q8
According to available data, the start of production of the model will start in the second half of 2017, and its official debut is likely to be expected in January 2018 in Detroit. According to insiders, the base Audi Q8 photo price 2017 will start at 70-75 thousand euros (about 5.28 million rubles at the current exchange rate), and the list of its equipment will include:
- LED rear and front optics;
- R18 alloy wheels with signature design;
- Leather interior upholstery;
- Multifunctional steering wheel;
- Multimedia system with touch screen;
- Three-zone climate control;
- Heated, ventilated and electrically adjustable front seats;
- Signaling;
- Digital instrument panel;
- Trunk lid electric drive;
- Stabilization system, rollover prevention and brake force distribution;
- Anti-lock braking system;
- Tire pressure monitoring sensors;
- An assistant that prevents spontaneous movement of the car;
- Cruise control;
- Ventilated disc brakes (front and rear axle);
- Stop / Start system;
- Front and side airbags with two-stage actuation system and much more.
In more expensive equipment, the car is likely to receive matrix-type optics, an innovative autonomous control system, all kinds of assistants and assistants, a premium audio system from Bang & Olufsen, R23 alloy wheels, a panoramic roof and other "goodies".
Given the popularity of the "younger" brother, the novelty will certainly be presented on the domestic market, but the price of the Audi Q8 in Russia will be known after the official debut of the model.
Conclusion
Already now we can say that the Audi Q8 is an extremely stylish, comfortable and high-tech car, aimed primarily at a circle of techno-enthusiasts who will like the abundance of sensors and sensors, support for augmented reality and various online services, the support of which is not supported by the main competitors. from BMW and Mercedes.
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