Audi Q8 Concept previews Audi’s future range-topping plug-in SUV

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The Audi Q8 Concept has been revealed at the Detroit Motor Show previewing a future Q8 production SUV with a 443bhp plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Does the world need another huge premium SUV with a coupe roofline? No, but it’s getting one anyway, and this – the Audi Q8 Concept – gives us a pretty good idea what the Audi Q8 will offer when it arrives, probably next year.

Featuring an even more in yer face grille than the current crop of Audi SUVs, the Q8’s front end also boasts Matrix laser technology for the headlights and LED running lights which double as indicators.

The back end of the Q8 has LED lights from side to side and a look reminiscent of the original Ur quattro, frameless doors help create a flat roofline and all the lines on the body climb up towards the back and the strongly accentuated wheelarches shout intent. 

Inside, the Q8 comes with four individual seats wrapped in high quality leather, with a Virtual Cockpit integrated in to a black panel which extends across the dash, high gloss carbon, aluminium strips, heads up display and touch displays.

Power in this Q8 Concept comes from a combination of Audi’s 3.0 litre TFSI with 329bhp and a 134bhp electric motor – powered by a 17.9 kWh battery – delivering a combined 443bhp and 516lb/ft of torque, enough for a 0-62mph in 5,4 seconds and an electric range of 37 miles. But not at the same time.

It seems likely, when the Audi Q8 does arrive as a production model, that it will also get the option of a petrol and big diesel powertrains too, and even the possibility of an all-electric powertrain from the upcoming Audi Q6.