Just days before the India launch of Audi's flagship SUV - the Q8 - images showing the SUV at a dealer event have surfaced online. The images show the side and rear of the SUV. Given the model will be brought into India as a full import, unsurprisingly, there's no visual difference to the international-spec Q8.
Audi has said the Q8 for India will be highly customisable and no two versions in India will look the same. The spied model is sporting 21-inch rims. Audi will offer rims up to 22-inches in India. The SUV's interior will also be offered with a whole range of colour, trim and equipment options.
Audi will offer the Q8 in India solely in 55 TFSI form that gets a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine and 48V mild-hybrid tech. There's no plan for a diesel for India. The 55 TFSI has a claimed 0-100kph time of 5.9 seconds. A brief drive in the Q8 55 TFSI revealed more than adequate performance and well sorted dynamics.
The Audi Q8 is expected to be priced in the region of Rs 1.5 crore (estimated, ex-showroom) with options adding to the price tag. Audi will pitch the Q8 as an SUV for individualists and will sell the SUV in limited numbers to maintain its exclusivity.
The Q7 was once the ride of choice for India's celebrities and industrialists. Audi would want the Q8 to evoke the same response among India's swish set.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
