Episode 4 Audi Q8

Source Audi Media

The new top model of the Q family:

Audi Q8 now available to order

• Luxuriously equipped SUV coupe for business and pleasure

• Powerful 3.0 TDI quattro with 210 kW (286 hp) and mild hybrid system

• Prices in Germany start at 76,300 euros; market launch in August

Ingolstadt, July 9, 2018 – The Audi Q8 combines the best of two worlds – the elegance

of a four-door luxury coupe and the convenient versatility of a large SUV. The generously

dimensioned interior with variable luggage compartment, state-of-the-art operating

and suspension technologies as well as intelligent assistance systems make the Audi Q8 a

convincing companion for business and leisure. With the permanent quattro all-wheel drive

and a ground clearance of up to 254 millimeters (10.0 in), the SUV coupe can continue when

paved roads end. The Audi Q8, which is manufactured at the Bratislava plant, can be ordered

in Europe now and will be available at dealers in August. Prices in Germany start at

76,300 euros.

Versatile, sporty, elegant: the dimensional and space concept

4,986 millimeters (16.4 ft) long, 1,995 millimeters (6,5 ft) wide and 1,705 (5,6 ft) millimeters

high – these dimensions describe the new Audi Q8, which exudes sportiness and prestige like

no other SUV from the brand with the four rings. With its coupe-style roof line it appears much

lower than its Q7 sister model. It is 66 millimeters (2.6 in) shorter, but has become

27 millimeters (1.1 in) wider. The distinctive front end, the short rear overhang, the large

ground clearance of up to 254 millimeters (10.0 in) and the mighty wheels with a diameter

of 795 millimeters (31.3 in) paint a picture of powerful dynamics.

With a wheelbase of almost three meters (9.8 ft), the Audi Q8 offers ample space for five

people. The interior space exceeds that of the direct competitors in almost all relevant

dimensions. The front seats are available in four designs. At the top of the range are the S sport

seats and the customized contour seats – the latter with ventilation as standard. A massage

function is available for both variants on request. A three-seat system in the rear is standard

with optional longitudinally adjusting.

With its large luggage compartment and generously sized storage compartments and tray

areas, the Q8 is ideal for longer journeys. The luggage compartment of the SUV holds 605 liters

(21.4 cu ft) as a standard, which increases to 1,755 liters (62 cu ft) with the rear backrests

folded down. Two golf bags can easily fit in crosswise. The tailgate can be opened and closed

electrically as standard, with a foot gesture option available on request. The electric luggage

compartment cover is another convenience option. Guided on rails, it automatically retracts

when the tailgate is opened and is extended again upon closing.

A new face for the Q family: the exterior design

The Audi Q8 is a representative of the progressive design language that Audi first brought onto

the road with the new A8. Strong contours and athletically tight surfaces convey a feeling of

power, sophistication and the special dynamics of the permanent all-wheel drive. The Q8

interprets this in its very own way, as the fusion of an elegant four-door luxury coupe with a

large SUV, and with echoes of an Audi icon – the original quattro.

With the imposing Singleframe in octagonal design, the Audi Q8 is the new face of the Q family.

Six vertical chrome fins make the radiator grille appear upright and solid. A wide, optionally

colored mask connects the Singleframe to the distinctive headlights. The spoiler, which is pulled

towards the front, and the large, strongly contoured air intakes additionally highlight the

aggressive look.

Thanks to the frameless doors, the coupe-type roof line stretches low across the vehicle body

visually, ending in the a long roof spoiler. The roof line arches slightly towards the flat sloping,

strong D-pillars, which are supported by wide, muscular contours – the quattro blisters,

reminiscent of the original Audi quattro. The shoulder line stretches the SUV, elegantly

connecting the powerful wheel housings.

Sporty compact proportions, paired with a very low roof and a flat window form the rear end.

A narrow, black high-gloss element with an integrated light strip extends between the rear

lights. This is a feature of top Audi models, accentuating the width of the Q8. It creates an

independent light signature day or night, just like on the original quattro back in the day. The

distinctive diffuser has four vertical fins and an integrated tailpipe trim on each side.

Digital character: lighting technology and design

For the headlights, Q8 customers can choose between two versions, both in LED technology.

From afar, the two-part lights appear very flat. Their top part integrates the daytime running

light and the low beam, among other functions. The high beam is positioned underneath,

darkened and offset to the back. In the optional HD matrix LED headlights, each consists of 24

individual LEDs.

The daytime running light signature with digital character comes in a strongly three-dimensional

design for the first time. It consists of seven short segments and two longer ones at the edge of

the headlight. The latter shift the visual focus to the outside, highlighting the width of the

Audi Q8. The taillight uses a similarly three-dimensional design with its twelve segments –

connected by the distinctive light strip which simulates depth.

In connection with the HD matrix LED technology, headlights and taillights do not only feature

the dynamic turn signal, but are also set in scene impressively during locking and unlocking.

Their harmonious interplay gives the SUV a dynamic character. Q8 owners can use the myAudi

app on their smartphone to activate various lighting functions and experience them from the

outside – a unique feature in the competitive field.

Simplicity is the new premium: the interior design

The upper MMI touch response display is the central element of the interior of the Audi Q8.

With its black-panel look, it almost dissolves into a large, black surface when switched off.

Simple, easy-to-understand symbols stand for the digital precision from Audi and for the high

level of integration of the architecture and operation – simplicity replaces complexity. All

fundamental lines originate from the large display, for example the continuous air vent strip

with integrated chrome fins and an elegant aluminum-look strip.

The slender dashboard and the calm lines with a strong horizontal focus highlight the

impression of width conveyed by the interior of the Audi Q8. The styling in the interior is

deliberately clean and simple. All elements have a logical connection and harmonize with one

another: from the “wrap around” – the large arch running from the front doors across the

instrument panel – to the operating unit for the light, which is optionally available in black-panel

look and with a touch surface. All this combined gives the interior a feeling of calm.

Designed as an independent geometric body, the console of the center tunnel with its generous

area visualizes the robust character of the SUV. In the dark, the contour light traces the distinctive

design lines of the interior and provides backlight for the three-dimensionally lasered quattro badge

above the glove compartment – an example for the love of detail at Audi.

A stylish setting: colors and materials

The paint range for the Audi Q8 offers twelve colors which underline the sporty design, including

the latest colors dragon orange and galaxy blue. The attachments have a grained anthracite

finish as standard. In the two optional exterior packages, they are painted in body color or in

scandium gray. In the S line exterior package, matt grays further increase the effect of the

Singleframe, the blade, the sill trim and the diffuser insert.

For the interior of the Audi Q8, customers can choose from several colors and configurations.

Leather seats in three versions, including the highest quality level Valcona, are available for the

entry-level model alone. In the two design selections, the upper part of the dashboard is covered

in leather. On request, the S line sport package has S sport seats with integrated head restraints,

rhombus pattern and S logo. All configurations include inlays in open-pore wood or aluminum.

Audi exclusively offers four leather packages and numerous additional options for individualists.

High aluminum content and sophisticated aeroacoustics: the body

With its high level of stiffness, the body of the Audi Q8 provides the foundation for top

workmanship, is excellent for background noise and has sporty, precise handling. Designed with

the Audi Space Frame concept, it contains numerous lightweight aluminum and hot-formed

steel components. The latter form the ultra-high strength backbone of the passenger

compartment – their content in the body-in-white is 14.4 percent. Cast aluminum parts make

up 15 percent, as for example the suspension strut towers in the engine compartment and the

connecting parts between sills and longitudinal members. The side panel as well as large areas

of the floor, the rear wheel housings and the roof consist of aluminum plates, just like the

frameless doors, the front fenders and the tailgate. They make up 23.7 percent of the body-inwhite.

With a 3.0 TDI under the hood, the curb weight of the Audi Q8 is 2,145 kilograms

(4,728.9 lb) – including the complex MHEV technology with lithium-ion battery. The frontal

area of 2.84 m2 (30.6 sq ft) and a cd value of 0.34 ensure relatively low drag.

The interior exudes a feeling of calm, thanks to the complex sound insulation and the

sophisticated aerodynamics. A double-layer windshield is standard. On request, Audi can

also supply the side windows with acoustic glass as well as a heated windshield.

Sporty off-road vehicle: quattro drive and air suspension

Audi is quattro and quattro is Audi – of course this applies in particular to the Q8, the top SUV

of the brand. The purely mechanical center differential transfers the forces to the front axle and

rear axle at a ratio of 40:60 as standard. When required, it transfers the majority to the axle

with the better traction.

The suspension makes a crucial contribution to the sporty handling, even in the basic version.

The five-link front and rear suspensions are made largely of aluminum. The transmission ratio of

the standard progressive steering becomes increasingly direct as the steering angle increases. In

the production version, the Q8 has 19 inch wheels with a diameter 20 millimeters (0.8 in) larger

than on the Q7. Wheels with size 285/40 R22 are available at the top end of the options range.

Six-piston brakes with fixed aluminum calipers are fitted to the front axle.

* Figures on the fuel consumption and the CO2-emissions vary in case of given ranges depending on the

used combination of wheels/tires

For the setup, buyers of the SUV Coupé can choose from three versions. The suspension with

damper control is standard. The adaptive air suspension with controlled damping is an optional

feature, with comfort or sport setup. It can be adjusted to four modes with the Audi drive select

dynamic handling system, varying the ride height of the body by up to 90 millimeters (3.5 in).

High ride comfort and agile handling – the adaptive air suspension brings both together.

Another dynamic option in the Audi Q8 is the all-wheel steering which can turn the rear wheels

by up to 5 degrees. At slow speed, they steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels,

reducing the turning circle of the SUV by a good meter (3.3 ft) and further increasing its agility.

At high speed, they steer in the same direction as the front axle, supporting stability during lane

changes.

The management for the adjustable suspension systems is integrated into the control unit

for the electronic chassis platform. The systems are closely interlinked and work in a highly

coordinated manner with maximum precision. Audi drive select allows seven different driving

profiles to be selected, including the off-road program. Off-road, the Audi Q8 benefits from

the quattro drive, the short overhangs and the large ground clearance – a maximum of

254 millimeters (10.0 in) with the adaptive air suspension and 220 millimeters (8.7 in) with

the standard suspension. The electronic chassis platform captures the tilt angle of the car and

displays this information for the driver on the MMI. On steep slopes over 6 percent, the hill

descent control provides support with automatic braking input. The system keeps the speed set

by the driver at a constant level up to a maximum of 30 km/h (18.6 mph), allowing the driver to

fully focus on the terrain.

Efficient engine: the 3.0 TDI with MHEV technology

The drive system in the Audi Q8 is strong and highly efficient at the same time, thanks to the

new mild hybrid technology (MHEV). It integrates a lithium-ion battery and a belt alternator

starter (BAS) into a 48-volt primary electrical system. The rechargeable battery is located

underneath the luggage compartment floor and stores 10 Ah of electrical capacity. The dynamic

SUV can coast between 55 and 160 km/h (34.2 and 99.4 mph) with the engine switched off,

then the BAS restarts the engine quickly and very comfortably. During deceleration, the BAS can

recover up to 12 kW of energy. The start-stop range starts as low as 22 km/h (13.7 mph). In

customer operation, the technology package reduces fuel consumption by up to 0.7 liters per

100 kilometers (336.0 US mpg).

In European markets, the Audi Q8 starts with the 3.0 TDI, the Q8 50 TDI (combined fuel

consumption in l/100 km: 6.8 - 6.6 [34.6 - 35.6 US mpg]*; combined CO2 emissions in g/km:

179 - 172 [288.1 - 276.8 g/mi]*). It generates 210 kW (286 hp) and delivers 600 Nm (442.5 lbft)

of torque to the crankshaft. It accelerates the large SUV from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in

6.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 245 km/h (152.2 mph). The 50 TDI offers sophisticated

solutions for many technologies. The crankcase and the cylinder heads have separate coolant

circuits so the ideal temperature level can be set for any driving situation. Cast-in channels cool

the pistons with oil. Their rings and the wrist pins are designed for minimum friction, while the

oil pump is fully variable.

Switchable hydraulic bearings connect the engine to the subframe of the front axle. In idling,

they eliminate vibrations with soft characteristic curves while during driving they suppress

vibrations from the power unit with higher damping – allowing the powerful TDI to always

provide a highly refined ride.

The transmission of forces is provided by an eight-stage tiptronic with fast and soft gear

changes. A torsional vibration damper, which acts based on engine speed, mostly compensates

the engine vibrations to allow efficient driving even at very low revs. Special ventilation allows

off-road use. With its electric oil pump, the tiptronic can engage the gear required for restarting

while coasting with the engine switched off.

Clear and distinct: controls and displays

The operating concept in the Audi Q8 needs almost no buttons or knobs. It focuses on two

high-resolution touch displays. This allows the brand to demonstrate how it transfers its

uncompromising quality claim to the digital world. The upper display with 10.1 inch screen

diagonal is used for controlling the infotainment and the navigation system. The lower 8.6 inch

display allows the driver to manage the heating, ventilation and air conditioning as well as

comfort functions and text input. The driver’s wrist can rest comfortably on the tiptronic

selector lever during operation. The MMI touch response concept allows fast and reliable

operation. A confirmation click can be felt and heard when a function is selected with a finger

tap. The menu structure is intuitively logical and flat like on a smartphone, including freely

configurable favorites and start screens.

In addition to all this, the natural language voice control turns the Audi Q8 into an intelligent

dialog partner. The system processes all questions and commands in two ways – with

information stored onboard and with detailed knowledge from the cloud. Drivers can word

their commands freely. The voice control can, for example, understand the sentence “I am

hungry” and accordingly offer suggestions for restaurants close by.

MMI navigation plus also includes the Audi virtual cockpit. Its high-resolution 12.3 inch display

can be switched between two views – classic and navigation – with the multifunction steering

wheel. After market launch, the Audi virtual cockpit plus option will offer a third interface with

a particularly sporty look. The head-up display, another optional feature, projects important

information onto the windshield, including detailed lane guidance for navigation.

Clever networking: infotainment and Audi connect

As standard, the Audi Q8 is equipped with MMI navigation plus, which uses the new LTE

Advanced standard for data transfer. The navigation system offers intelligent destination

suggestions based on previous journeys. It also draws on the system’s experience of driving

times and traffic loads. The route is calculated online on the servers of the map and navigation

provider HERE, using real-time data for the overall traffic situation.

The online services from Audi connect add predictive features to the navigation process. This

lets the two Car-to-X services for traffic sign information and hazard information benefit from

the swarm intelligence of the Audi fleet. Over the course of the year, the on-street parking

service will be added, which makes it easier to find a parking space thanks to reported parking

operations of the vehicle swarm and detected free spaces.

The optional Audi connect key provides digital access to the Q8. It allows the owner and four

additional drivers to lock and unlock the car and start the engine using their Android smartphone.

The standard personalization allows the owner to store up to 400 preferred parameters in

individual user profiles, for example the position of the driver seat, the air conditioning setting

or frequently used media and navigation destinations. In addition to locking and unlocking the

Audi Q8, many connect functions can be controlled with a smartphone. Drivers can use the

myAudi app to, for example, transfer special destinations to the navigation system, stream music

or transfer the smartphone calendar to the MMI. When it comes to operation and to sound and

connection quality, the telephone system in the Audi Q8 is of the highest standard, thanks to the

Audi phone box and voice-over LTE. The same applies to the sound systems from Bang & Olufsen.

The top version with 23 speakers delivers the 3D sound with its treble information to the front

seats as well as to the rear. The music unfolds exactly how it was recorded at the concert hall –

an extraordinary listening experience.

Safety and comfort: the driver assistance systems

Whether parking, in the city or on long journeys – the Audi Q8 makes life easier for its driver in

many situations. Audi bundles the assistance systems into a total of four packages. The highlight

in the Tour assist package is adaptive cruise assist, which comfortably provides longitudinal and

lateral control in all speed ranges. It supports the driver with accelerating, braking, maintaining

speed, keeping distance and in traffic jam situations. The system detects lane markings, roadside

structures, vehicles in adjacent lanes and vehicles driving ahead. An advantage in tight traffic:

the Audi Q8 automatically adapts its speed to the traffic situation, taking into account the speed

limit. The efficiency assist is another component of the Tour package. It automatically adjusts to

the current speed limit, reduces the speed before corners, during turning and on roundabouts. In

addition to the predictive information in the Audi virtual cockpit, the active accelerator pedal also

provides haptic feedback. Both together support economical driving. This results from the use of

the MHEV recuperation and the intelligent selection of coasting or thrust, depending on the

events ahead. Emergency assist is a safety-relevant system in the package. It detects within

system limits whether the driver is inactive and accordingly provides a visual, acoustic and haptic

warning. If this does not prompt a reaction, the system takes control of the Audi Q8 and

automatically stops it in its own lane. This also activates the safety measures of Audi pre sense

and triggers an automatic emergency call, depending on the country.

Five systems provide safety in city traffic. Crossing assist detects critical traffic crossing in front

of the car, Audi pre sense 360° warns against vehicles approaching from the side, and rear cross

traffic assist registers approaching vehicles during slow reversing, for example when coming out

of a perpendicular parking space. Exit warning and lane change warning complete the package.

The systems in the Park plus assist package, which will be added to the range later on, support

the driver during maneuvering. Maneuvering assist counteracts imminent collisions with small

steering impulses and independent braking to a standstill, for example when detecting pillars in

a multi-story car park. Curb warning protects against damaging the rims during parking. Several

images from the surround cameras allow precise maneuvering down to a centimeter and provide

a view of crossing traffic and a detailed view of the wheels. The 3D view with freely selectable

perspective is the highlight. The package also includes the (remote) parking pilot, which

independently steers the SUV into and out of a parking space while monitored by the driver. The

driver can get out of the car beforehand and trigger the process using the myAudi app on their

smartphone. The remote garage pilot offers a similar level of convenience. Thanks to the laser

scanner, it can move very close to walls and other obstacles such as bicycles in a garage. It forms

part of the plus assist package, which combines all three packages.

If the Q8 is used for towing, trailer assist provides support by automatically steering the duo

when reversing. The driver conveniently sets the direction on the MMI touch display. The camera

image shows the current and the desired reversing angle. Audi also supplies park assist

separately. This steers the Q8 independently into parallel parking and bay parking spaces –

forwards or backwards. The driver only has to accelerate, select the gear and brake. Night vision

assist improves situations with difficult visibility during darkness by highlighting detected

persons and larger animals in yellow in the Audi virtual cockpit.

A high-tech component from Audi is behind all these features: the central driver assistance

controller – standard for the Q8 – permanently calculates a differentiated image of the

environment. The required data is obtained – depending on the selected options – from up to

five radar sensors, five cameras, twelve ultrasound sensors and the laser scanner. It uses these

to calculate the signals for the actuating elements to provide best possible driver assistance.