The Audi Q8 concept has been introduced at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show when we had a chance to see what the new model will bring. Now, the prototypes have been spotted testing for the first time. The 2020 Audi Q8 will be presented by the end of 2018, which means that it will hit the US market the year after that as a 2024 model year.
Looking at the prototype, we can conclude that the new range-topping SUV resembles the Audi Q7 and although it can be a smaller e-tron electric SUV, that option has been ruled out. The e-tron will debut in 2018 as well, but so far, its prototypes have not been caught on camera.
The 2020 Audi Q8 and the Q7 models have the same MLB platform designed by Volkswagen Group, because of which the new Q8 will also have an FWD configuration. Even though the prototype is heavily camouflaged, we can tell that the new model will have a sporty appearance. Some of the competitors of the flagship SUV will be BMW X6, Land Rover Range Rover Sport and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.
Furthermore, the Q8 will have a wider track and a more prominent grille than some other Audi vehicles in the lineup. In addition, there is A4 sedan’s teardrop motif on the headlights, but it is too soon to tell whether this look will be implemented here or it will resemble the design of the other Audi SUVs.
Under the hood, the US-bound model will have a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that produces 354 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. This unit is going to be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that will send power to all four wheels. Audi will also offer an e-tron plug-in hybrid which will have the same powerplant plus an electric motor that boosts the performance figures to 442 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.
Moreover, the SQ8 version with the diesel will be available as well, but not in the US. There is even a possibility that the carmaker will launch an RS Q8 and if it does, this model will be equipped with a version of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that also powers the Porsche Panamera Turbo, where it delivers 550 hp and 567 lb-ft of torque.
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