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CALVIN KIM: Here's ann odd thought.
Two row SUVs are actually big hatchbacks.
Bear with me for a second.
They're go anywhere, do anything vehicles
with a lot of cargo space and a lot of capability.
Don't believe me?
Well, check out cars like the Cayenne and the Range Rover.
They're sporty and off-roadable.
And the 2019 Audi Q8 joins that fray.
Is it a weird segment, you ask?
I don't think so.
Cars like the Bentayga, the Urus,
and even Mercedes' venerable G wagon
prove that there is a market for two row SUVs
that's only growing.
Since the Q8's all new, there's really no previous model
to go off of on appearance.
But compared to Audi's other SUVs, there's a lot of changes.
This angular design is all new.
And in particular, Audi-philes specifically
will notice the vertical streaks.
Audi calls this a mask.
And this particular model has the Black Optic package which
makes this surround black.
And another one of Audi's trademark design elements
are these LED headlights.
There are two available, and they're both LEDs.
The standard model just uses traditional LED elements,
and they basically work like bi-xenon or halogen light.
But the option headlight is the HD Matrix Beam headlights,
and that uses a lot more LEDs to selectively turn on and off
to be able to direct the light beam where it needs to go.
Unfortunately, that functionality
is not available in the United States.
Audi is very hopeful that the regulations will pass
that will allow that to happen.
And if that does, a software update
will make that functionality active.
Here on the side of the Q8, it's pretty much typical
Audi, a lot of good body creases.
The lines all flow very well.
One of the things that Audi was very specific about mentioning
is this C pillar, this rearmost buttress, if you will.
It's supposed to look like the same C pillar angle
on Audi's famous Sport Quattro Rally Hatchback.
Honestly, it does look good.
And the benefit of it is it has a high roofline
to keep headroom, really good for rear seat passengers.
Another thing that they have is frameless doors just
like their sports cars.
Now, frameless doors look cool, but they introduce some noise.
So Audi made sure to put dual pane glass on all the Q8s.
One of the things that Audi really wanted to do
is have a really big door opening
so that you can get in and out really easily.
Some things that parents will really appreciate
is a force on climate control locks out when you
turn on the child safety locks.
And your cover for the panoramic roof, it's not a mesh.
It's solid.
So a child or even you if you don't like it
won't get the full brunt of the sun.
Another area where the Q8 differentiates itself
from its more "coupe roofline" is these is here in the trunk.
Due to the strong C pillar and the roofline angle,
the space back here is actually extremely usable.
The seats fold 40-20-40, so long skis, odd-shaped luggage
can all fit.
And again, that high roofline means
you can stack stuff pretty high.
Audi says the Q8 is their new flagship.
But you might be asking, they've got the Q7.
And that's a three row, seven seater SUV, and you'd be right.
So how is the Q8 the flagship?
Well, simply it's dynamically a better vehicle.
It doesn't have the compromises the Q7 has in order
to have that third row.
So who would buy the Q8?
Well, somebody that prefers the driving dynamic and really
doesn't need that third row.
But having said that, Audi made sure to have the Q8 still be
very functional for families.
Under the hood of the new Q8 is pretty much
the same powertrain that's been out in the A6, A7, and the A80.
It's a turbo-charged V6 with 8-speed automatic.
It's a mild hybrid so that it has a very smooth start-stop
characteristics, and it gives you
a little bit extra charge, if you will,
on initial acceleration.
It makes 335 horsepower.
And frankly, it performs very well.
One difference though compared to the Audi sedans
is that this has a 40-60 split Quattro system.
And while this system is adaptive--
you can send power front and rear as needed--
it likes to sit at 40-60 with a bias towards the rear.
That means the Q8 through corners
mind of takes on a more rear-drive car
feeling, which kind of enhances its sportiness.
This particular model has the optional sport package
which includes air suspension, which allows
you to change the ride height.
Which is really great if you like
to do a little bit of off roading,
because you can increase the ground clearance.
Or if you load a lot of cargo, you
can actually drop the floor to make
the lift over height a little. bit lower.
But more importantly, the sport package
also gets you rear steer, which makes this Q8, while a big SUV,
makes it handle like one that's much smaller.
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Having been in the car for over eight hours.
I feel like I've drawn a fairly good conclusion
about the new 2019 Audi Q8.
At the beginning of this video, I asked a couple questions.
Number one, is there a good market for a two row
lifestyle-oriented SUV.
Well, the answer to that question is absolutely yes.
SUVs, particularly in the luxury segment,
are blowing up like crazy.
Audi would be absolutely remiss not to have something
to compete in that category.
And number two, is the Q8 a good version of that?
And again, that answer is yes.
They are able to combine very good and aggressive looks
while still keeping it very functional.
That additional roof height in the back
makes those rear seats absolutely livable.
And you can fit four adults absolutely no problem.
Your kids fit in their no problem.
It really makes you wonder if you need that three row look,
the bigger, bulkier look.
I don't think so.
On the flip side, the Q8 presents a good value.
A starting price is a little over $67,000,
and well-equipped one is just over $75,000.
So thumbs up for. that. .
We can't wait to get the Q8 and its competitors
in the office for a possible comparison test, stay tuned.
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