2019 Audi Q8

Spy Shots: Audi RS Q8

There’s a hotter RS version of the flagship Q8 SUV in the making and our spy photographers have captured images of a prototype testing near the Arctic Circle.

While the new flagship Q8 SUV is destined to arrive in South Africa in Q2 of 2019, the Ingolstadt-based firm is hard at work preparing its high-performance sibling, the RS Q8, which will go head-on against the BMW X6 M and Mercedes-AMG GLE 63.

Seen here testing in icy conditions near the Arctic Circle with partial camouflage, the RS Q8 will feature an aggressive face with a large, gaping grille and air intakes, complemented with slim and edgy headlights. At the rear, large oval tailpipes communicate its performance intent.

The RS Q8 will likely feature a bi-turbo 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine, the same powering the Lamborghini Urus, but it will likely offer slightly less power but similar torque with as much as 447 kW and 850 Nm of torque on offer with an 8-speed automatic transmission directing drive to Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system. A hybrid powertrain, as seen in the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E Hybrid, is a possibility too, which may see power inch towards the 500 kW mark.

Unsurprisingly, the RS Q8’s performance will be impressive for an SUV and you can expect a zero to 100 kph sprint time of well under 4 seconds.

On the inside, a sporty interior with all the latest gadgetry that Audi has to offer, including a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit and dual touchscreens equipped with the latest MMI operating system can be expected.

The RS Q8 is likely to be revealed later this year before going on sale in 2020.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/spy-shots-audi-rs-q8/46052/

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Audi Q8 receives 335bhp petrol V6

Luxury SUV's engine line-up swells with introduction of 3.0-litre unit and lower-powered version of diesel V6

Audi has increased the range of powertrains available in its flagship Q8 luxury SUV.

Buyers can now order the BMW X6 rival in 55 TFSI guise, powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 making 335bhp and 369lb ft.


A 0-62mph time of 5.9sec and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph mark an improvement over the 6.3sec and 144mph achieved by the 3.0-litre diesel V6 available from launch in the 50 TDI.

Aided by a 48V mild hybrid system, the new engine achieves an average of 31.0-31.7mpg on the combined WLTP cycle.

At speeds of between 34 and 99mph, the Q8 can deactivate its engine for up to 40sec if the driver doesn’t touch the throttle. An energy recovery system during deceleration further improves economy.

Also now available in the Q8 is a lower-powered version of Audi’s 3.0-litre diesel V6. With its 228bhp and 369lb ft, the 45 TDI model achieves a top speed of 144mph and an improved average of 42.2-44.1mpg.

The new Q8 models are equipped with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and permanent four-wheel drive as standard.

UK pricing hasn't been announced, but the 55 TFSI is already available in Germany from €76,300 (£66,830) and the 45 TDI from €73,300 (£64,200).

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/audi-q8-receives-335bhp-petrol-v6
 
Audi Q8 line-up expanded: two new engine options added

When the Audi Q8 was revealed back in June 2018, it was powered by a 213 kW/600 N.m 3,0-litre V6 turbodiesel (with this model wearing the “50 TDI” badge). Now, however, the Ingolstadt-based firm has added two new V6 engine options to the range.

First up is an additional, lower-powered version of the aforementioned oil-burner. In 45 TDI guise, the diesel delivers 170 kW and 500 N.m, with the latter on tap between 1 750 and 3 250 r/min. Audi says this derivative will hit 100 km/h from standstill in 7,1 seconds before topping out at 233 km/h.

The new Q8 55 TFSI, meanwhile, employs a turbocharged 3,0-litre petrol V6 worth 250 kW and 500 N.m. The obligatory sprint to three figures takes a claimed 5,9 seconds, while maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

All three engines work in conjunction with a mild hybrid system comprising a lithium-ion battery and a belt alternator starter that supplies the 48V main electrical system. And all versions feature an eight-speed automatic transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive as standard.

The new Q8 is expected to launch in South Africa in the first quarter of 2019. Local engine options have yet to be confirmed.

Sharing much of its running gear with the Q7 (and thus also closely related to Volkswagen Group siblings in the form of the Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg), Audi says its five-seater flagship crossover “combines the elegance of a four-door luxury coupé with the practical versatility of a large SUV”, and adds that it is “tough enough for off-road duty”.

The SUV-coupé is wider, shorter and lower than the Q7, and features a completely different face and sloping roofline. In addition, the Slovakia-built Q8’s spoiler, wheel-arch trim, door trim strips and diffuser will come in a contrasting colour.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/audi-q8-line-up-expanded-two-new-engine-options-added/
 
Standard Audi Q8 too bland? Tuner reveals crazy body kit

Remember that bold Audi SQ5 by Lumma Design? Now the firm has turned its attention to a stablemate of the midsize performance SUV, unveiling a preview of its new body kit for the Q8.

According to the Winterlingen-based tuner, the Lumma CLR 8S package consists of various “specially developed” components, which not only enhance this sleek SUV’s appearance but add to its individuality.

These items include a new front spoiler, wheel arch extensions, side skirts, a rear apron (complete with diffuser) and square tailpipe trims bearing the company’s logo. Options include winglets for the front apron, a rear-mounted roof spoiler and a three-piece spoiler lip.

An array of Lumma-designed alloys are available in 22- and 24-inch sizes. If the striking green hue of the Q8 doesn’t quite catch your attention, the (optional) carbon-fibre bonnet scoop most certainly will.

There’s no word yet if the company plans to offer performance upgrades (possibly in collaboration with another tuner) for the Ingolstadt automaker’s new flagship SUV. However, Audi recently introduced two new engine options to the Q8 line-up, with the most powerful version, badged 55 TFSI, being a turbopetrol 3,0-litre V6 producing 250 kW and 500 N.m of torque.

The Lumma CLR 8S body kit will in initial markets be available from March 2019.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/standard-audi-q8-too-bland-tuner-reveals-crazy-body-kit/

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Audi Q8 handed a power upgrade and revised aero by ABT

ABT Sportsline has released a preview of its new Audi Q8-based project (the firm’s first attempt at the coupé-styled crossover shown in November 2018?). The updated ABT Q8 features a revised aerodynamics package and, of course, added muscle.

The aerodynamic upgrades include a front fender with air inlet panels, rear skirt with fins and a rear wing. These items, including ABT’s emblem, are all available in a gloss black hue.

The 50 TDI derivative of Ingolstadt’s flagship SUV is once again equipped with the German tuner’s “Power” performance package and engine control unit, which increases the 3,0-litre V6 turbodiesel’s original 210 kW and 600 N.m outputs to 243 kW and 650 N.m, respectively. This model, however, has been fitted with “Level Control”, which enables the Q8’s standard air suspension to be lowered further.

This model rides on ABT’s 22-inch Sport GR wheels, which can be specified in either matte or gloss black with a diamond-coated surface or diamond-turned rim flange, respectively. However, the Kempten-based tuner says a surprise in the form of “bespoke 23-inch alloys” will be unveiled when ABT Q8 makes its official debut at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/audi-q8-handed-a-power-upgrade-and-revised-aero-by-abt/

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New Audi Q8 in South Africa: check out local pricing here

The new Audi Q8 is set to arrive in South Africa in May 2019, with a single derivative offered at launch. The petrol-powered 55 TFSI variant will be available from the outset, while the diesel 45 TDI is expected to join the local line-up in August 2019.

Priced from R1 388 000, the Q8 55 TFSI employs the Ingolstadt-based firm’s turbocharged 3,0-litre V6 (linked to a mild-hybrid system incorporating a 48-volt primary electrical system with a lithium-ion battery and a belt alternator starter), sending 250 kW and 500 N.m to all four corners via an eight-speed automatic transmission. That’s enough, says Audi, for a sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in 5,9 seconds.

The 45 TDI, meanwhile, generates 170 kW and 500 N.m (the latter between 1 750 and 3 250 r/min) from its 3,0-litre V6 turbodiesel (which likewise benefits from a mild-hybrid arrangement), resulting in a claimed zero to 100 km/h time of 7,1 seconds. This variant is expected to be priced from R1 448 500 when it touches down in the third quarter of 2019.

From what we understand, the Q8 – which was revealed in China in mid-2018 – will be quite generously specified in South Africa. Indeed, we expect it to run on 20-inch alloys as standard (with the option of upgrading to 21- or 22-inch items), while Matrix LED headlamps are also likely to ship standard, along with Audi’s virtual cockpit, a panoramic glass sunroof and power adjustable (and heated) front seats. Four-zone air-conditioning, power adjustment for the steering column, full leather upholstery and a Bang & Olufsen sound system are also set to make the list of standard features.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-models/new-audi-q8-in-south-africa-check-out-local-pricing-here/
 
Now in SA: Q8 adds some expensive flavour to Audi's SUV range

Audi’s flagship SUV has arrived to rival the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and the Ingolstadt newcomer should at least win the novelty war for now, given that its rivals are at the tail end of their life cycles.

But such novelty, and style if you’re into the way it looks, comes at a price - just one model is being offered in South Africa for now in the form of a 3-litre turbopetrol badged 55 TFSI, and it’s priced at R1 388 000. A 3-litre diesel, badged 45 TDI, will become available around midyear, Audi SA tells us.

The V6 petrol that’s available for now is good for 250kW, with 500Nm available from 1370 to 4500 rpm, and against the clock this one is said to be capable of surging from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds. The engine is mated to a 48-volt ‘mild hybrid’ electrical system that can reduce consumption by up to 0.7 litres per 100km. A tiptronic gearbox, adaptive suspension damping and quattro all-wheel-drive are also part of the deal, while rear wheel steering can be ordered as an optional extra, as can adaptive air suspension that allows up to 254mm of ground clearance.

As the name implies, the Q8 is perched at the top of Audi’s Q range. Measuring five metres in length and two in width, it’s similar in size to the Q7 - and longer in fact than even the Volvo XC90 - but styling-wise the Q8 gets its groove on with a more muscular, ‘coupe inspired’ design, as well as a new octagonal grille design that will soon be commonplace among the Q range.

The interior resembles that in the new-generation A6 and A7 models, with a digital instrument cluster and two vertically-stacked central touchscreens (upper for infotainment and lower for climate). The screens feature a black panel design that allows them to visually blend into the dashboard when not in use. The Q8 also comes with a modern voice-activated assistant that can respond to prompts like “I am hungry”.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/late...expensive-flavour-to-audis-suv-range-22206402
 
DRIVEN: Audi Q8 55 TFSI Quattro Tiptronic

A classleader, then?

Well, the Q8 is currently in a class of ... one. Yes, BMW still sells the current-generation X6 but it's best to wait for the new one. The upcoming second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé is still a while off and we'll give a verdict on the Cayenne Coupé when we drive it in a few months.

I don't think Audi should worry too much about those rivals stealing the Q8's thunder, though. It's a thoroughly developed product that combines an upmarket design, a beautiful interior (that's nearly as practical as the Q7's) and expertly judged dynamics to impressive effect. Sure, it costs quite a lot more than the larger Q7, but then its standard specification is more generous. It may have taken Ingolstadt an extra model cycle to launch a lower, sportier version of the Q7, but the Q8 has undoubtedly been worth the wait.

FAST FACTS

Model: Audi Q8 55 TFSI Quattro Tiptronic
Price: R1 388 000
Engine: 3,0-litre, V6, turbopetrol
Power: 250 kW @ 5 400 r/min
Torque: 500 N.m @ 1 370-4 500 r/min
0-100 km/h: 5,9 seconds
Top Speed: 250 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 9,1 L/100 km
CO2: 210 g/km
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Maintenance Plan: 5 years/100 000 km

https://www.carmag.co.za/car-reviews/driving-impressions/driven-audi-q8-55-tfsi-quattro-tiptronic/
 
Audi Q8 (2019) Launch Review

Summed up

It’s been a while since Audi has introduced a new range, as opposed to a new generation of an existing model, on local soil. This is the 1st of many new models to hit our shores this year. Audi SA has also revamped the way customers choose options and bundled obvious extras into upgrade kits. This should take some of the hassle out of speccing a car and the plethora of differently specced vehicles on the 2nd-hand market.

As for the Q8, it certainly looks the part. It’s muscular, sleek and stands out with added glitz from the new LED lights. The petrol engine may not prove as efficient as the upcoming turbodiesel, but it's a competitive powerplant that matches anything the competition can muster.

The new Audi interior is a tech junkie’s pleasuredome. It works as intuitively as your Smartphone while looking stylish and premium. There may be a few creaks and rattles among some of the dash materials, but hopefully, Audi can sort those out those issues quickly.

With an entry price of R1.4 million, the Q8 squares up to the Range Rover Sport, at least until the new X6 and GLE/GLE Coupe arrive, the Q8 is certainly the best German offering in the segment right now.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/audi-q8-2019-launch-review/46599/
 
First drive: Audi's striking Q8 crossover

It's been a while since Audi has released something new in SA, but recently the brand came out of hibernation to reveal its new Q8 SUV. It’s a tough market right now, particularly in the premium category, as consumers look carefully at what they spend their money on. In fact, statistics show that more and more people are actually ‘buying down’.

A brave move then coming in at an entry price of R1.4 million, but the folk at Audi are quite confident that the five-seater Q8 will be a popular choice in the segment.

It’s based on the familiar Q7, but is shorter, lower and slightly wider, which gives it a more impressive presence.

Officially it’s called the Audi Q8 55 TFSI and under the bonnet you’ll find a 3.0-litre V6 (turbocharged petrol) motor that pushes out a solid 250kW and 500Nm of torque, which we got to test at the launch in Cape Town last week.

Audi claim a 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds and if you keep the loud pedal floored, a limited top speed of 250km/h can be achieved. Meanwhile, consumption they say should be in the region of 8.9 and 9.1L/100km (depending on spec), but probably closer to 11L/100km in real world conditions.

South Africans like their diesel engines though, so there’s only a few months wait before the Q8 3.0 TDI (45 TDI) becomes available from the middle of the year.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/latest-launches/first-drive-audis-striking-q8-crossover-23143096
 
What does the 55 mean? I know we hashed over the stupid naming convention before, but reprise it for me?
 
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