2019 Audi Q8 Arrives In The US With A Single Engine Option And Lots Of Attitude

The time has come for the new 2019 Audi Q8, the company’s new SUV flagship to hit the US market.

Customers in the US will be offered one engine option in the Q8’s launch phase, meaning a new turbocharged 3.0-liter TFSI V6 unit with 335hp and 369lb-ft of torque, paired to a mild hybrid setup. The engine comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and sends its power to the Quattro all-wheel drive system.

Audi says the engine is new, featuring its twin-scroll turbocharger within the vee and having a revised valvelift system for better response and performance. The mild-hybrid system runs through a 48-volt electrical architecture and includes a 10Ah battery and a belt alternator starter.

The Quattro all-wheel drive system features a torque split of 40:60, front to rear. The official 0-60mph figure is set at 5.6 seconds.

The new Q8 wants to become the more exciting brother of the Q7 in Audi’s range and not by just looking at it; the chassis rides on an adaptive suspension as standard, with an air suspension and all-wheel steering being optional. Add to that the rear-biased Quattro and the better maneuverability, and the end result should be a sporty, yet refined and luxurious SUV.

Audi USA will offer for the 2019MY an optional Year One package, which includes 22-inch Audi Sport anthracite alloy wheels, a black optic exterior kit with roof rails and a black Singleframe grille, S-line bumpers, red brake calipers and more.

All Audi Q8s will come with standard features like LED lights with dynamic turn signals, a three-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, leather upholstery, front heated eight-way powered front seats and more. The MMI Touch Response is also offered as standard, featuring a 10.1-inch upper display for the infotainment and a 8.6-inch lower display for the climate and other functions.

Pricing for the 2019 Audi Q8 starts from $68,395 for the base Premium model (including a $995 destination fee). Next up in the range we find the Premium Plus model, which starts from $72,395 while sitting at the top of the range is the Prestige model, asking from $77,545.