Audi is presenting the Audi Q8 concept at the 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). It serves as a prelude to a production model that will be introduced in 2018. Propulsion is provided by a plug-in hybrid with 330 kW (443 bhp) of system output and 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft) of torque.

Audi says that thanks to a wheelbase of three metres, the show car offers plenty of space for passengers and luggage, and that despite the sloping, coupe-like roofline, even the rear-seat passengers enjoy ample head and shoulder room. The control concept uses large touchscreens in the cockpit and is rounded out by an expanded version of the Audi virtual cockpit and a contact-analogue head-up display. The latter uses intelligent augmented reality technology that merges the real and the virtual worlds.

“The Q8 concept is an Audi in peak form. It demonstrates the strengths of our brand in both technology and design while providing a glimpse at a future full-size, production SUV,” said Dietmar Voggenreiter, Member of the Board of Management for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG.

“With its next-generation display and control solutions, we are enabling customers to experience connectivity in a whole new way.”

The distinguishing feature at the front of the 2.04-metre-wide Audi Q8 concept is the octagonal Singleframe grille with honeycomb insert. It is sculpted and significantly wider than in today’s Audi production models. Six upright double bars structure the radiator grille while simultaneously emphasising its height. A mask painted in a contrasting colour frames the grille.  A distinctive aluminium blade forms the bottom edge of the bumper.

The flat, wedge-shaped headlights of the Audi Q8 concept are integrated progressively into the exterior and connected from a design perspective to the surrounding air inlets. The individual lighting units have glass covers, but the headlights as a whole are open. The aluminium housing for the headlights carries over the sculpture of the Singleframe. The clear geometry gives the Audi Q8 concept an unmistakable look. An x-shaped, blue laser light signature highlights the digital Matrix laser technology used for the low and high beams. Located below the edge of the bonnet is a narrow LED light guide that emits the light for the dynamic turn signals and the daytime running lights. It wraps around the outside of the headlights, where its ribs create an innovative e-tron signature. All lighting functions are dynamic.

The doors do not have window frames, thus contributing to the flat roofline. The Audi Q8 concept is 1.70 metres tall. All lines on the body are designed to climb upward dynamically toward the rear – the bottom edge of the side window, the shoulders, the dynamic line and the sill lines.

Other design features are the quattro logo milled below the rear doors and also the exterior mirrors with their multifaceted edges. The doors are opened via touch sensors. As soon as the door detects hand contact, it opens easily and swings to a defined opening angle.

The extremely flat and very wide C-pillar is is intended to recall the Audi Ur-quattro from the 1980s, as are the strongly flared shoulders over the wheels. This places the concept car in a logical line with the show cars of the Audi Prologue series. The proportions of the Audi Q8 concept are intended to emphasise the front and rear wheels equally – that too is typical quattro. The strongly accentuated wheel arches feature a double design. The sill region of the doors shines in brushed aluminium for a contrast to the show car’s Bombay blue paint finish.

Audi says the interior of the Q8 concept offers opulent spaciousness for four persons and their large suitcases. The luggage compartment has a capacity of 630 litres. Virtually floating above the centre tunnel is a console for the shift-by-wire lever, with which the driver controls the eight-speed tiptronic transmission purely electronically.

The colours and materials in the Audi Q8 concept are designed to provide for a cool atmosphere. One highlight is the three-dimensional, engineered grain on the instrument panel, doors and floor. High-gloss carbon applications with a new, abstract fabric structure as well as aluminium strips and frames set accents. Their brushed finish is relatively dark. Brightness increases gradually from the headlining to the centre console in graduated shades of grey from steel grey to pastel silver.

The interior architecture of the Audi Q8 concept merges with a new control and display concept. Information and commands are passed primarily through touch displays augmented by the Audi virtual cockpit and a contact analogue head-up display.

The contact analogue head-up display projects important displays onto the windshield in the driver’s direct field of view, seemingly placing them in the real environment. A navigation arrow, for example, appears in the same position as an actual arrow on the road – an intelligent application of augmented reality.

The Audi virtual cockpit has a resolution of 1920 x 720 pixels and displays graphics with more detail than ever before. In “auto” display mode, the 12.3-inch TFT display offers space for maps, lists and additional information. The top-down map view visualises the selected route. When zooming in, the current position and surroundings are displayed in 3D. Through the buttons on the steering wheel, the driver can switch to “performance” mode. The needles of the speedometer and powermeter now appear in a foreshortened, three-dimensional display.

All other monitors in the Audi Q8 concept are touch displays. Audi was also able to reduce the number of buttons, switches and levers thanks to the touchscreens. The interior now appears even neater and cleaner.

The Audi Q8 concept uses production technologies for the drive system and suspension. The plug-in hybrid combines impressive performance with high efficiency. The combustion engine is a 3.0 TFSI producing 328 bhp and a maximum of 368.8 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor generates 100 kW (134 bhp) of power and 243.4 lb-ft. Together with a decoupler, it is integrated into the eight-speed tiptronic. The complete system produces 330 kW (443 bhp) and 516.3 lb-ft of torque. The Audi Q8 concept accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 5.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 155mph. According to the standard applicable for plug-in hybrids, it returns up to 122mpg in the NEDC, corresponding to 53 grams CO2 per km.

The lithium-ion battery located in the rear consists of 104 prismatic cells. With a capacity of 17.9 kWh, it enables an electric range of 37 miles, and the total range with the TFSI engine is up to 621 miles. A full charge with 7.2 kW output takes about two and a half hours.

When driving, the hybrid management system controls the operating states of the Audi Q8 concept. The predictive efficiency assistant, which in production models supports the driver, provides the hybrid management system with highly detailed information about the near surroundings for this purpose. Route data from the navigation system and Audi connect Car-to-X services are also considered.

There is a choice of three driving modes: “EV” mode prioritises electric driving, while in “hybrid” mode the decision regarding the drive type is left largely to the hybrid management system. In “battery hold” mode, it saves the available electric energy for a later time.

The technology study also uses high-end production solutions for its wide-track suspension. The adaptive air suspension sport – an air suspension system with controlled damping – allows a wide range from cushioned cruising to firm and tight handling. In addition, it sets the ground clearance in two levels, with 90 millimetres height difference, to the ideal level in each case. The front and rear suspensions are engineered as lightweight five-link designs.

Audi mounts 305/35-series tyres on the large 11J x 23 wheels. The five intertwining Y spokes project a filigreed, three-dimensional and powerful image. Ceramic brake discs measuring 20 inches in diameter effortlessly decelerate the Audi Q8 concept.