The large, luxury SUV sector has been heating up recently, and it’s expected to get even hotter with the forthcoming Audi Q8. Bentley and Maserati each have a hyper-SUV set to launch within the next few years, while Land Rover has diversified its lineup, now including a variety of Discovery models and a diesel engine option. Audi recently unveiled the all-new Q7 at this year’s North American International Auto Show, garnering much critical praise. However, the brand still lacked an advanced, capable flagship SUV that can square off against the likes of the Mercedes GL and Range Rover.
According to numerous reports, the answer will be the Audi Q8, a range-topping model that will become the face of Audi’s SUV lineup. During a recent press interview, Audi CEO Rupert Stadler stated that a larger SUV would “strengthen the brand significantly if it arrived prior to 2020.” In preparation for the Audi Q8’s launch and an expanded lineup altogether, the company will reportedly invest nearly $28 billion into increasing the technological capabilities and efficiency of their production plants.
Few details have surfaced concerning the Audi Q8’s specs–we can, however, expect S and RS variants of the Q8, with power outputs potentially topping 500 horsepower for the RS models. Given that Bentley is set to release the Betayga in late 2015, the Q8 could share the Bentley’s platform, albeit with a different body and interior.
The Q8’s size and opulence may fare well in the Chinese market, something that would please Audi as it seeks to become the world’s top producer of luxury vehicles. The company will have its work cut out –in addition to the Bentley Bentayga, BMW plans on releasing the X7 in the near future, thereby bringing their own premium SUV to market before the Audi Q8. Nonetheless, with Audi’s trend of undercutting the German titans in price, the Q8 should still be a hit when it arrives within the next few years.
For more on Audi’s newest SUVs, please enjoy this TFLcar.com “Almost Everything You Ever Wanted to Know” video on the 2016 Audi Q7:
Frank caught automotive fever early in life. Hailing from a long line of car fanatics, he was able to recite the year and model of every car that passed him by age five. His passion and love for the automobile have only grown since then. When not thinking about cars, he is reading, writing, learning, or dreaming about them. His area of expertise is in the realm of German and Italian cars, of which Porsche is a favorite. Frank currently resides in the heart of NASCAR country in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his family. He enjoys driving exotic cars in the beautiful Carolina weather.
