Well, it is a known fact that Audi India has been delaying its launches for a while now but not anymore. This year, the German carmaker has a bunch of line-up for the Indian market and they have kicked off 2020 with the Q8 SUV. The launch of the Audi Q8 was seen by Virat Kohli and carries an ex-showroom price of Rs 1.33 crore. And yes, he is the first customer of the Q8 in India.
The SUV replaces the Q7 as the flagship SUV and is available in a petrol engine only. The 3.0-litre TFSI, turbo petrol engine produces a total of 340 bhp along with a peak torque of 500 Nm and is in a BS6 state. Transmission sticks to an 8-speed automatic gearbox and it gets the Audi Quattro all-wheel-drive system. 0-100 km/h sprint can be achieved in a mere 5.6 seconds and the top speed sticks to 250 km/h.
What's new is that the petrol engine gets a 48V mild hybrid system. The system incorporates a lithium-ion battery and a belt alternator starter. At the time of braking, it recovers up to 12 kW of power and feeds it back to the battery. MHEV technology reduces up to 0.7 litres per 100 kilometres.
Also Read: Mercedes EQC SUV Launch In April 2020: Details
Now, coming to the design of the new flagship SUV then at the front the Q8 features the signature trapezoidal grille like seen in the A8L, except for the fact that it is now wider than before. The HD Matrix headlamps come with signature LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and the coupe-like roofline surely bags an eye. Don't miss out on the pronounced air intakes seen at the front which enhances the aggressive character of the SUV.
Moving onto the side profile then the dual-tone 18-inch alloy wheels come as standard and 21-inchers are an option for those who want that extra grip on the road. The rear profile marks an agile spoiler followed by dual exhausts and connected taillights. There is a LED strip that connects the taillights.
Audi Q8 gets twin screens, one for the instrument cluster and other a touchscreen unit. The 10.1-inch large display controls the infotainment system controls and the navigation system. Another 8.6-inch screen used by driver displays air-con controls and other convenience features.
Feature-wise, the flagship SUV gets power-adjustable front seats with memory function for the driver, electric sunshades for the rear side and manual for the rear window, electric luggage compartment cover, adaptive air suspension, rearview camera, 4-zone automatic air conditioning, a large panoramic sunroof, park assist are just some of the few features we've mentioned.
Also Read: Audi To Launch Their Flagship SUV Q8 On January 15 Details
It also gets electric steering wheel adjustment, Air quality package with Air Fragrance dispenser, leatherette upholstery, Virtual cockpit system and comes with connected features.
Safety features on the SUV include 8-airbags, tyre-pressure monitoring system, anti-theft wheel bolts, ISOFIX mount child seats, ABS, EBD, ESP Traction Control and among others.
Audi Q8 can be an affordable option for people looking for Lamborghini URUS and Maserati Levante. The main rivals of this flagship SUV stick to Mercedes GLE Coupe, Range Rover Sport, Porsche Cayenne Coupe and BMW X6.
In other news, the wait for the A8L is over as Audi India has announced that the flagship sedan will be launched next month. It will also get connected features. All the cars scheduled for the 2020 line-up will get BS6 engines.
