2018 Audi Q8 spotted in China

KUALA LUMPUR: The next flagship in the Q series is once again spotted and this time on the roads of China by Auto China. The two camouflaged test mules were spotted up close, reflecting the front headlights, grille, and rear profile. The upcoming Q8 is based on the concept sharing the same badging which is expected to make its global debut next year. Although the car is developed by the manufacturer, it is the final stage testing before the launch that has resulted in a couple of spied images that are surfacing on the internet.

Though the whole body was under heavy camouflage, the images reflect the grille outline, and headlamp profile quite nicely. The front grille has a single frame design which is somewhat similar to the one that is featured on the 2018 Audi’s A8. Test mules of Q8 also feature rectangular black mesh and lowered down air inlets on the either side of the grille which might vary on the production ready model. Even the alloy wheels design is similar to the ones spotted in the previously spied images of Q8 back in August.

The interior images were not spotted this time but, it is expected that the Q8 dashboard will be an amalgamation of one seen in the Audi Q7 and Audi A8. In the test mule, the instrument cluster seems to be an analog unit but, it will be Audi’s Virtual Cockpit in the production spec model. Unlike Q7, the upcoming flagship SUV of Audi will be strictly a 5-seater and will be based on MLB platform. This is the same platform which also underpins the Audi Q7, upcoming Lamborghini Urus, and Bentley Bentayga.

Under the hood, a 3.0-litre Turbo V6 petrol and a 4.0-litre V8 diesel will be the options available. In addition to the standard version, Q8 will be also available in the RS variant which will be based on the Q8 Sport concept and join the lineup later.

Source: Auto China

Image Credit: Auto China