MUMBAI, 16 JANUARY, 2020 (GPN): Audi Q8, the Ingolstadt-based carmaker’s new flagship SUV, has been launched in India at ₹1.33 crore (ex-showroom, pan India). The company’s first launch for the year 2020 was graced by the Indian national cricket team’s captain Virat Kohli. Loaded with a strapping 3.0-litre V6 engine, ample modern gadgetry, and a world of personalisation options, the new Audi Q8 will compete against the BMW X6,Range Rover Sport, Porsche Cayenne Coupe and Mercedes Benz GLE Coupe.Bookings for the Audi Q8 were open since November 2019. The flagship SUV is a part of the company’s 2025 strategy and will help the automaker strengthen its position in the luxury SUV segment in the country.The engine choices for the new Audi Q8 is limited to just a single petrol unit, Audi India is not offering a diesel variant for now. The 3.0-litre TFSI engine offers 340 bhp power and 500 Nm torque, and is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission which sends power to all four wheels via the Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The Audi Q8 can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 250 kmph.The Audi Q8 comes as a CBU (completely built unit) and hence the hefty price tag. Only 200 units will be sold in India initially.
Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “With the launch of the Audi Q8, we are targeting individuals who want their car to match their personality. Each Audi Q8 will be made-to-order, available with a plethora of customization options to choose from; we want every Q8 in the country to look different, from the outside and the inside. The Audi Q8 will be imported to India as fully built units and there will be only 200 units on offer. The launch of our new flagship SUV marks the beginning of a power-packed year for us and we are confident that the Audi Q8 will attract enthusiasts who enjoy driving.”
Audi Q8 SUV design
The new Audi SUV in India is based on the same platform as the Q7, though the two cars’ design is vastly distinctive. The Q8 comes sporting an assertive design, brought to the fore by elements such as the Singleframe octagonal grille, streamlined headlights, sculpted air inlets, high shoulder line, and more. The SUV’s rear is adorned with LED tail lights joined by an LED strip, which, together, lend it a voguish look. Other notable features include the dual exhaust pipes and integrated diffuser that serve to enhance the Audi Q8’s zippy nature.
Audi Q8 SUV interior
The car’s cabin features a wraparound design complemented by what Audi describes as ‘Aero-acoustics’ as well as the driver-focused cockpit. Audi is offering the Q8 SUV with optional customized contour seats with massage function and ventilation, four-zone automatic air conditioning and air quality package with fragrance and ionizer.
AUDI Q8 FEATURES
Audi Q8 SUV features
The SUV will come equipped with a world of features aimed at ensuring convenience, comfort, and entertainment. This list will include the MMI and Touch Response system, which includes one primary 10.1-inch widescreen infotainment system, an 8.6-inch secondary touchscreen to control air conditioning and other vehicle settings, and two additional screens. Other provisions will include the Audi virtual cockpit, myAUDI connect, Audi Phone Box with Wireless Charging, Audi Music and Smartphone Interface, and B&O 3D surround sound system among other things.
For safety, the Audi Q8 SUV gets Audi Pre-Sense basic; eight airbags; Audi Park Assist; and Electronic Stabliziation Program.
- 10.1-inch touchscreen system
- 8.6-inch secondary touchscreen
- Virtual cockpit
- Advanced handwriting recognition
- 23-speakers Bang and Olufsen sound system
- 8 airbags
- Audi park assist
- MyAudi Connect system
- Wireless charging
Audi Q8 SUV customization options
With the aim to ensure high levels of exclusivity, Audi is offering the car with tons of optional packages and other personalization options. The optional S Line package adds sporty exterior design elements, flat-bottom steering wheel, Sports air suspension, and Sports seats. Audi Q8 owners can also go for other optional features like customized ventilated contour seats with massage function, four-zone climate control system, air quality package with fragrance and ionizer. Furthermore, Audi Exclusive customization option will allow owners to choose between 54 exterior colours, 11 interior colours, and nine wooden inlays.
Audi Q8 SUV specs
Audi Q8 makes use of a BS 6-compliant 3.0-litre TFSI V6 engine with a 48V mild hybrid system. The motor, offered in combination with an eight-speed Tiptrionic gearbox, makes 335 bhp with a peak torque of 500 Nm. Audi says the Q8 can go from standstill to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and is capable of achieving a top-speed of 250 km/h. By the way, the SUV also gets permanent quattro all-wheel drive.
The German automaker’s newest SUV in India also gets seven driving modes, including ‘Individual’ mode, and an optional all-wheel steering.
As for the suspension set up, the new Q8 gets adaptive air suspension with controlled damping as standard.
| Engine | 3.0-litre TFSI |
| Transmission | 8-speed Tiptronic |
| Power | 335 bhp |
| Torque | 500 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 5.9 seconds |
| Top speed | 250 km/h |
Audi Q8 SUV dimensions
| Length | 4,990 mm |
| Width | 2,000 mm |
| Height | 1,710 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,000 mm |
| Ground clearance | 254 mm |
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