Near-Production Audi Q8 Spotted With Minimal Camouflage

It's been about since Audi first showcased the Q8 concept at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, last January. After images of several prototype models heavily draped in camouflage, we finally get to see the near-production version of the much-anticipated coupe-SUV in some of its recently surfaced spy images. Similar to the model that was recently spotted in India, this prototype model of the Audi Q8 is also painted in black with some black masking tape to disguise the taillamp design. We still do not have any kind of logo or badging on the SUV, which means the Q8 is not entirely ready yet and is possibly in the final stages of testing.

The Audi Q8 test mule spotted in India in 2017

Visually, the new Audi Q8 retains most of its design and styling cues from the concept model we saw last year, but in a slightly toned down avatar. Up front, the Q8 comes with Audi's signature single frame black grille, which we believe will come with chrome accents in the production model. The grille is flanked by a pair of sharp LED headlamps and a sculpted bonnet with muscular lines. The beefy front bumper also looks quite aggressive with the large air intakes on either end and the sleek central air dam.

Audi Q8 is based on the same platform as the Q7

From the sides, you see that the Audi Q8 comes with a sloping roofline, chrome surround for the window, and smart-looking alloy wheels. The SUV also comes with bulging shoulder line, large outside rearview mirrors, and roof rails. At the rear, the most integral feature is the wide LED taillamp that stretches from one end to the other similar to the concept model, however, most the middle section has been covered. The SUV also gets a roof-mounted spoiler and muscular rear bumper with integrated reflectors and fake dual exhaust pipes, one on each end, to hide the actual design.

Audi Q8 prototype was seen with fake exhaust ports to disguise the original design

Based on the earlier seen spy images with also know a bit about the cabin, which will take a fair bit of inspiration from the new-gen A8 sedan. The dashboard is almost button-less with a large display at the centre with the control unit place on the centre console in front of the shifter lever. The Q8 also gets a large all-digital instrument cluster and a sleek steering wheel.

Audi Q8 cabin takes inspiration from the new-gen Audi A8 sedan

While the actual engine details are still unclear, under the hood, the all-new Audi Q8 is expected to come with a 3.0 TFSI six-cylinder engine that will come with a mild hybrid setup and an electric powered compressor. Audi says the motor is capable of churning out 469 bhp of power and a whopping 700 Nm of torque. The powertrain comes mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and it is said to have an electric-only range of about 60 km.

New Spy Image Source: Motor1