By Otsile Kadiege

Audi revealed the updated flagship of the Q family with subtle yet noticeable design tweaks and upgraded technology. The unmistakably powerful and upright Audi Singleframe with an octagon design now features vertical inlays. They are arranged in teardrop shape in the base exterior and designed in the shape of an L in the S line exterior package and the SQ8 TFSI1. This is underscored by the new prominent air intakes, which are clearly integrated into the car’s basic architecture.

The optionally available Black and Black Plus optics packages set striking accents in the exterior around the Audi Singleframe, the trim on the side windows, and the front and rear bumpers. What’s more, the Singleframe mask comes finished in high-gloss black.

New lighting technology

As standard, the updated Q8 is fitted with high-intensity LED headlights. Customers can opt for HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light technology. The optional headlights work with 24 LEDs and a high-power laser diode each and are immediately recognizable via a blue ambient light incorporated into the headlights. The laser light becomes active starting at 70 km/h and significantly increases the high beam range. New for the top-of-the-range headlights are digital daytime running light signatures. They give the Q8 its characteristic and unmistakable appearance by allowing the user to select one of four individual light signatures via the MMI.

For the first time, the Q8 also features large digitized OLED rear lights (OLED = organic light emitting diode) as an optional extra, which also feature four digital light signatures in conjunction with the headlights. Similar to the Audi A8 and Q5, the digital OLED rear lights in the Q8 incorporate a proximity indication feature that works in tandem with the assistance systems. When vehicles from behind come within two meters of the stationary Q8, the control units trigger the activation of all the digital OLED segments. Additional functions include dynamic turn signals as well as various coming home and leaving home sequences.

New colours and wheels

The updated Q8 is now available with three new exterior paint finishes, namely Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red, all as metallic finishes. The updated model is also available with a choice of five new wheel designs, with sizes ranging from 21- to 23-inches.

Q8 powertrains

The range opens with the 45 TDI quattro2, a 3.0-litre diesel engine that delivers 170 kW and 500 Nm. Audi claims the Q8 45 TDI accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds and has a top speed of 226 km/h. This engine is followed by the 50 TDI quattro3, a more powerful version with 210 kW and 600 Nm of torque. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 241 km/h.

The Audi Q8 55 TFSI features a six-cylinder 3.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that delivers 250 kW and 500 Nm. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in a claimed 5.6 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h. All V6-engines in the Audi Q8 work together with an eight-speed tiptronic, quattro permanent four-wheel drive, and the mild hybrid system.

As part of the product upgrade, the SQ8 TFSI now runs on the 4.0 TFSI with 373 kW and 770 Nm of torque with fast-shifting eight-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. With this engine, the SQ8 TFSI1 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds, with an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h. With its firing order of 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8, the 4.0 TFSI provides is said to have a distinctive sporty and sonorous sound.

Availability

According to Audi, the market launch of the updated Q8 will take place from September 2023. Audi South Africa hasn’t confirmed local availability yet but we should expect units to hit local dealers some time next year.