India-bound Audi Q8 - Motorshow Focus

The Audi Q8 was displayed at the recently concluded Thai Motor Expo 2018. The flagship SUV has been on sale in Thailand for THB 6,799,000 (INR 1,45,79,391).

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What is striking about the Audi Q8 is its Single-frame octagonal grille, which debuts the new face of the company's Q family. The upright grille is flanked by sleek LED headlamps while the sporty front bumper features a prominent lip spoiler. The side profile is characterised by a sloping roofline that terminates in the gently inclined D-pillars. The flared wheel arches house stylish 22-inch alloy wheels, while the rear features sleek LED tail lamps that are connected with a lighting element that runs across the width of the tailgate.

The dashboard features two touchscreen displays on the centre console -  a 10.1-inch upper display for infotainment controls and an 8.6-inch lower display for the HVAC controls and text input. Furthermore, the instrument binnacle features high-resolution 12.3-inch screen for virtual instrumentation. The three-seat system in the back can be slid forward and backwards as desired. With all the seats in place, the Q8 offers a boot space of 605-litres. That said, the maximum luggage-carrying capacity with the backrests folded down stands at 1,755-litres.

The Audi Q8 55 TFSI is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that outputs a maximum power of 335 hp at 5,500 rpm along with a peak torque of 500 Nm at 2,900 – 5,300 rpm. The motor comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that drives all four wheels through the Quattro AWD system. The engine works in tandem with a 48V mild-hybrid system that optimises the fuel efficiency.

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In September 2018, it was reported that the flagship SUV is India-bound. The Audi Q8 is likely to launch in the 50 TDI engine variant and cost more than INR 80 lakh (ex-showroom) when it goes on sale next year.