9 Audi Q8 concept

The Audi Q8 concept was unveiled at the 2017 North American International Auto Show, featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

A production model will be introduced in 2018, set to take on the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE as the first alternative full-size SUV from the brand.

The Audi Q8 concept uses production ready technology for the drive system and suspension. The combustion engine is a 3.0-litre TFSI petrol unit producing 333PS and a maximum of 500Nm of torque. The electric motor generates an additional 100kW of power and 330Nm.

Together its hybrid powertrain develops 700Nm of torque, delivered through a Quattro four-wheel-drive system - meaning the Q8 concept is capable of accelerating from 0 to 62mph in just 5.4 seconds.

The concept returns up to 122mpg in the NEDC, corresponding to 53g/km of CO2 and has an electric-only range of 37 miles.

Audi says that passenger and luggage space is still ample despite the coupe-like roofline, but it does have gargantuan proportions at more that five metres long and 2.04 meters wide.

The boot can handle 630 litres of luggage but, in this concept model at least, there is only seating for four.

Driver information is presented via an updated version of Audi’s virtual cockpit and a head up display with interaction provided through touch displays.

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.