LARGE LUXURY SUVs don’t come much bigger or more luxurious than Audi’s Q8. The new Q8 50 TDI quattro joins the Q8 55 TFSI, adding a desirable diesel (with mild-hybrid technology) for buyers to consider.
Naturally, the new Q8 continues the same striking exterior design with strong contours and athletically tight surfaces that complement the large Singleframe grille in octagonal design. The big difference is under the bonnet with power being delivered by the highly efficient 3.0 V6 TDI engine.
The Audi Q8 50 TDI produces 210kW and 600Nm of torque. As a result, the Q8 50 TDI can reach 100 km/h from rest in an impressive 6.3 seconds. The drivetrain is mated to the smooth-shifting eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission with quattro all-wheel drive technology. Fuel efficiency is also assured, with savings of up to 0.7 litres per 100km, assisted by the 48 Volt mild-hybrid technology (MHEV).
“The Q8 is characterised by its aggressive and contemporary design language, and it also boasts an incredible level of standard features inside and out,” said Shawn Ticehurst, Product Planning and Pricing Director.
“We are pleased to now offer the 50 TDI variant in the Q8 range, given the popularity of powerful and efficient diesel engines in this segment,” said Mr Ticehurst.
Safety is assured in the all-new Audi Q8, including no fewer than 39 driver assistance systems to provide both active and passive safety protection for occupants. Some highlights include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive drive assist (adaptive cruise control with stop & go, with traffic jam assist), lane departure warning, pre-sense front and rear, lane change warning, cross traffic assist rear, Head-up display and 360-degree cameras, including kerb view for easy manoeuvring. Both Audi Q8 models have been awarded a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
The Audi Q8 50 TDI quattro and Q8 55 TFSI quattro have incredible road presence, and are equipped with a generous amount of standard equipment to match. Highlights include:
- S line exterior package, with 21-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights with high beam assist
- Adaptive suspension with damper control
- Electric opening/closing tailgate
- MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch response and Audi virtual cockpit
- Audi connectplus, smartphone interface and wireless charging
- DAB+ digital radio
- Audi sound system (10 speakers, 6ch amplifier, 180w)
- Audi music interface with 2x rear USB outlets
- Electrically adjustable/foldable exterior mirrors, with heating and memory
- Electrically adjustable seats in Valcona leather, with 4-way lumbar support
- Front seat ventilation and heating
- Sliding rear bench seat with 40:20:40 split fold
- Convenience key
In addition, the $11,100 Premium plus package includes 22-inch alloy wheels in 5-arm design ($1000 additional for 22-inch alloy wheels in 5-V-spoke design) , Adaptive air suspension, HD Matrix LED headlights, privacy glass, 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, 4-zone air conditioning with rear touch control panel and the colour interior lighting package. An optional Full leather package, with a suite of additional items in fine Nappa leather is also available for $8900.
The Audi Q8 50 TDI is offered with the comprehensive Audi service plan package, priced at $2040 for three years or $2960 for five years.
The Audi Q8 50 TDI quattro is on-sale now, available to purchase through the new Audi online purchase platform.
Pricing (plus on road costs)
| Q8 50 TDI quattro | 210kW | $129,900 |
| Q8 55 TFSI quattro | 250kW | $129,900 |
Once we have tested and assessed the new Audi Q8 50 TDI quattro, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.