The visionary SUV

Sporty SUVs represent a relatively recent field of automotive design. Yet they are governed by a fundamental constant: A coupé-style sloping roof adds a dynamic touch to the lines of what are otherwise rather tall sports utility vehicles. But the Audi Q8 concept—the first study for an executive-class Audi SUV inspired by the primacy of sporty elegance—demonstrates yet again that Audi is going its own way. One that, for all its emotional impact, never strays from functionality—in all things great and small. What about door handles, buttons and switches in the interior? They are almost nowhere to be seen. Instead, we find digital solutions, intuitive operation and extensive use of touch-controlled displays. And lots of space. Particularly in the interior, architecture and function are increasingly combined into a single entity. Not the only way the new Audi Q8 concept whets appetites for what will hit the road in the years ahead.

“The Audi Q8 not only represents a completely new breed of SUV, it also previews in general terms how an Audi Q model will look in the future,” says Sascha Heyde, exterior design lead for the study. That’s because the Audi Q8 concept pursues a clear-cut, design-driven strategy of distinguishing between individual vehicle classes at Audi. This is exemplified by the sculpted Singleframe grille that is much broader than that of the current production models. Its look of confidence is emphasized by the octagonal shape, which is structured with six upright double bars. This new grille architecture will also shape the face of future Audi Q models. The adjoining outer air inlets have a deep and dynamic appearance—like the intakes of a turbine. “We deliberately incorporated very sporty elements to lend the SUV’s ruggedness a touch of delicate yet energetic elegance,” adds Heyde. These styling cues segue seamlessly along the sides of the vehicle. The extremely flat roof in combination with a very wide C-pillar echoes the design of the Audi Ur-quattro of the 1980s. The same applies to the strongly flared shoulders over the wheels, which have previously been used to assert the brand’s quattro genes in concept cars for the Audi prologue series as well as on current production models such as the Audi Q2. “Unlike most other SUVs, the entire vehicle is relatively flat and stands just 1.70 meters tall.

We wanted to create a coupé feeling but without a roof that sloped down too sharply,” explains Heyde. Not only does it create a design that stands out in the segment, it also benefits rear-seat passengers, the tallest of whom can fit comfortably into the rear seats. The optically very flat roof with its long roof edge spoiler extends far to the rear and combines with the exceptionally flat rear window to add dynamic appeal. A distinctive spoiler lip in the tailgate further accentuates the sporty DNA of a coupé. The light strip extending across the entire width of the rear end forms part of an e-tron light signature that points to the hybrid powertrain technology employed in the Audi Q8 concept. It serves as both the tail and brake light as well as the dynamic turn signal. Set in aluminum blades, the four outer lighting elements echo the design of the headlights. Audi is also particularly proud of the frameless doors that dispense with handles entirely. “Here too, we forged a link between an SUV and a sporty coupé,” notes Heyde. The doors open with the help of touch sensors. As soon as the door detects hand contact, it opens slightly before swinging to a predefined opening angle. “It remains to be seen to what extent we can carry this idea through to series production,” says Sascha Heyde, sounding a note of caution.

Once open, these doors afford access to the spacious, lounge-like interior of the Audi Q8 concept. Generously stretched lines lend the cockpit a sporty yet refined ambience. With its distinctly horizontal character, the instrument panel descends in steps toward the interior. The central control and display surfaces are integrated in what is known as the “black panel”—a glossy black strip framed by an aluminum clasp. When switched off, the screen is invisibly embedded in the surface, ensuring a harmonious flow of contours. When in operation, it blends seamlessly into the overall design idiom. The concept’s expressive styling is carried over into the ar­row-shaped decorative inlays in the doors, where integrated delicate aluminum bars serve as door openers. From the pronounced side bolsters to the head restraints, the ergonomic sport seats are made up of segments that appear to be separate geometric entities. Once seated, you are surrounded by the “wrap-around,” which begins in the front doors and runs in a horizontal arc along the lower edge of the windshield. The surfaces are free of any interruptions by recesses or gaps.

quattro permanent all-wheel drive translates the forces gen­erated by the Audi Q8 concept’s near-production-ready hybrid drive to the road. When cornering at the limit, it works closely with the wheel-selective torque control system—gently braking the inside wheels to further enhance vehicle dynamics and stability. The concept also draws on production solutions for its suspension. The adaptive air suspension sport—an air suspension system with controlled damping—opens up a broad range of options from cushioned cruising to taught handling. In addition, it sets ground clearance at two levels, with a 90 millimeter height difference, to the required level for every situation.