The last round of the 2019 Euro NCAP tests has just concluded. From among the vehicles tested, the Audi’s new flagship SUV, the Q8, secured the maximum possible safety rating of 5 stars. However, it was not the only SUV to get a 5-star rating as the Euro-spec MG ZS EV also received the same.
These ratings are valid for the Q8 in 45 TDI, 50 TDI and 55 TSI quattro tiptronic forms and for both left- and right-hand layouts. As is the norm for the Euro NCAP, the ratings are based on the entry-level variant of the model in question, hence, the safety features on the Q8 tested includes eight airbags, seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters, speed assist, lane keep assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) for pedestrians and cyclists in both city and inter-urban settings, and more, as standard.
Coming to the actual results, the Q8 performed notably well in the adult occupancy category getting 93 percent (scoring 35.3 out of 38 points) and the child occupancy category, receiving 87 percent rating (43 of 49 points). The vulnerable road users rating was 71 percent (34.5 of 48 points), while in the safety assist system category, the Q8 got 73 percent (9.5 of 13 points).
Audi will launch its range-topping SUV on January 15, 2020, in India. The model will be brought to our market as a full import and its prices are expected to start from around the Rs 1 crore (ex-showroom) mark. When it arrives, the Q8 will rival the likes of the Range Rover Sport, Porsche Cayenne and the upcoming BMW X6, which is also expected to launch in 2020.
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
Glenn Noronha
Viraaj Bhatnagar
