The North American International Auto Show is where the world’s top automotive manufacturers share their most innovative ideas. For the 2017 show, Audi revealed a variety of model upgrades and future endeavours, but what stood out to us was something ground-breaking in the full-size SUV segment: The Audi Q8 concept.

Prestige, luxury, and innovation are all things you’ll experience behind the wheel of this concept vehicle. Designed as the ultimate balance between the sleekness of a coupe and brawniness of an SUV, the Q8 concept adds elegance to necessity. Learn more below.

Audi vehicles at NAIAS

3 Things You Need To Know About The Audi Q8 Concept SUV

Exterior Design

Everything about the Q8 concept is original, especially the exterior. This full-size SUV concept boasts a sculpted, octagonal Singleframe® grille with a honeycomb insert that is wider and more imposing than current production models.

Audi Q8 front grille

 

A profile view reveals a tight, coupe-like slope at the top that is complemented by athletic curves and dynamic lines. Reminiscent of the 1980’s Ur-quattro, the Q8 has strongly flared shoulders over the wheels and a wide, flat C-pillar. The flat rear window is contoured by a long roof edge spoiler.

Revealed in Bombay blue paint, the Audi Q8 concept is truly striking to behold.

Interior Luxury

Despite the coupe-inspired design, there is ample head and legroom for up to four passengers inside the Q8 concept. An impressive 22.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity even allows for plenty of luggage.

In the cockpit the athletic theme continues with long lines and a “virtually floating” shift-by-wire lever that controls the 8-speed tiptronic transmission. Sport seats with bolsters and head restraints are used to further enhance the sporty vibe.

While athletic in nature, the Q8 also ties in traditional Audi luxury with Fine Nappa and Nubuck leather seats in an elegant pastel silver color.

Technology

The luxurious interior merges seamlessly with the upgraded Audi virtual cockpit and a contact analogue head-up display. With a goal to merge the virtual and physical worlds to keep you as safely connected as possible, this advanced technology offers enhanced functions like:

  • 3D displays
  • Intuitive touchscreens
  • A navigation arrow
  • 1920 x 720 pixel displays

In addition to driving tech, the Q8 has a host of intelligent performance features under the hood. Audi is blending a 3.0 TFSI engine with a 100 kW electric motor that produces 330 kW of power and 516.3 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine combination integrates seamlessly with the 8-speed tiptronic transmission.

The Audi Q8 is scheduled for release by 2018, so stay tuned for details as we get them. Visit Jack Daniels Audi of Paramus for answers to all your questions about the brand.