This is an all new Audi SUV, the Audi Q8. It is ready to combine the best of both worlds by offering the elegance of a four-door luxury coupé and the convenient versatility of a large SUV. While Audi in Malaysia remains in quiet trading, Audi in Singapore charges ahead to compete head on with Mercedes and BMW with its strong product lineup.
At 4,986 mm long, 1,995 mm wide and 1,705 mm high, the new Audi Q8 exudes a presence on the road like no other SUV from the brand with the four rings. With its coupé-style roof line it appears much lower than its Q7 sister model. It is 66 mm shorter, but has become 27 mm wider. The distinctive front end, the short rear overhang and the mighty 21-inch wheels with a diameter of 795 mm paint a picture of powerful dynamics.
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 34 and 99mph 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 13mph. In customer operation, the technology package reduces fuel consumption by up to 0.7 liters per 100 km.
At launch, the Audi Q8 is fitted with a 3.0 TDI. It generates 286PS and delivers 600Nm of torque to the crankshaft. It accelerates the large SUV from 0 to 62mph in 6.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 144mph. 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 8-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.
More on this Q8 in coming months.
