By Zethembise Dlamini (Motoring Intern)

 The Audi Q family has grown bigger with the addition of its all new Audi Q8. The SUV Coupe is 4.99 meters long, 2.00 meters wide and 1.71 meters tall. This makes Q8 shorter and wider than Q7.

 Despite taking the shape of a coupe, the Q8 is said to offer a spacious interior that beats that of its direct competitors in interior length and headroom. The three-seat system in the rear can be slid forward and backward. With the back seats folded down, the luggage space can hold up to 1,755 litres of luggage.

 The Q8 is offered in two models. Initially drivers will have the petrol model on offer and the diesel alternative will join the line-up later in the year. The turbo petrol Audi Q8 55 TFSI is powered by a six-cylinder 3 litre engine that produces 250 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque. This makes the 55 TFSI Audi Q8 capable of a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds. Its maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. Fuel consumption for the Audi Q8 55 TFSI is claimed to be between 9.1 – 8.9l/100km. The 3.0 TDI (45 TDI) Q8 offers 183 kW and 600 Nm.

 Standing out in the luxurious interior is the MMI touch response operating concept that can be accessed via two displays – the upper 10.1-inch display and a lower 8.6-inch display. A fully digital standard Audi virtual cockpit is housed on a 12.3-inch.

 The Q8 is not short of safety equipment and comes standard with parking aid plus with 360 degree display (surround view cameras). Other safety equipment includes night vision assist, adaptive cruise control, active lane assist and emergency assist.

 The Audi Q8 retails from 1 May 2019 and prices are as follows:

 Audi Q8 55 TFSI Quattro Tiptronic     R1,388,000

Audi Q8 45 TDI Quattro Tiptronic       R1,439,000

 Prices include a standard 5 year/100,000 km Audi freeway (full maintenance) plan.