Audi Q8: First impression

We are huge fans of the much popular and loved Audi Q7. It has always been the full-size SUV that you can bank upon for perhaps all of your needs. The Q7 served its customers around the world for many years and all this time it was the eldest member of the Audi SUV family.

However, things have now changed and we've got a new member who sits above the mighty Q7. Yes, you guessed it right, it's the brand-new Audi Q8. And Audi Philippines has just launched it in the country. So, here's our first impression of this most advanced SUV from Audi ever, the Q8.

Exterior

The entire Audi SUV family looks great. It always did. Perhaps, this is because Audi kept improving its SUVs with changing times. The 2019 Audi Q8 is the latest example. It is clearly a step ahead from its siblings. It displays a very modern design. The front has a massive grille with subtle chrome embellishments. This grille makes the face of the Q8 look huge.

Audi is also known for making some of the finest and most advanced lightings in the industry. The all-new Q8 gets Audi's latest LED light system in its headlamps and tail lights. The headlamps have got a sharp design and the LED daytime running lights enhance the overall styling. The tail lights are even more interesting. They too feature a sharp design but they're also connected to each other with a thin LED strip that's not there just for show.

The side profile of the new Q8 is a bit different from that of the Q7. Apart from being more modern, it also has a sloping roof towards the end, somewhat similar to what we are used to seeing in the BMW X6. Also, the new 22-inch wheels are something that would definitely get your attention.

Interior

One of the biggest changes on the inside that set it apart from the Q7 is the fact that it is a 5-seater instead of 7. And the overall dimensions of the SUV are slightly less than the Q7, that means the cabin space is tremendous.

The rear seats can be moved forward or backwards and can also be reclined as per the requirements. So, you have space like you’d find in a limousine. The front seats are also very comfortable. The entire dashboard and the rest of the cabin feel very rich and expensive. Well, they should be because the Audi Q8 is indeed an expensive car.

At the centre of the dashboard, we’ve Audi’s new touchscreen display to control a plethora of car’s functions. While it looks great and feels modern, it could become tricky to use it while driving because it is fully touch operated and there are no buttons or knobs.

But to compensate for the physical buttons down there, Audi has cleverly designed the instrument cluster which can show you perhaps all the features of the infotainment system right behind the steering wheel. And you can switch between them by using the steering mounted controls.

Engine and performance

The 2019 Audi Q8 specs show a single engine option which is a 3.0-litre TFSI unit that has been tuned to churn out 340 PS of max power and 500 Nm of peak torque. The top speed of this gigantic SUV is around 210 kmph. The engine comes mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox that offers seamless shifts. And of course, there’s the Audi’s Quattro drive system.

The new Q8 is also very efficient thanks to the hybrid tech that the company has used. It uses various magic tricks and algorithms to shut off the engine when it thinks is right and also bring it back to life exactly when you need it.

Another interesting feature of the Q8 that makes it a brilliant handler is its all-wheel steering. It’s just amazing. And when you take into account its air suspension setup, then it is a complete package. It can be driven enthusiastically without compromising on the ride quality.

This was our first impression of the all-new 2019 Audi Q8. There is so much more about this car that we can talk about. And if we did that, it would be an endless story. We would soon be coming up with more interesting stories about the Q8, so stay tuned for that. The 2019 Audi Q8 price is Php 6.6 million and it comes in only a single variant. Do let us know what do you think of the new Q8.

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