Whether they’re being used as daily drivers, or for the occasional dune bashing, high-riding vehicles have a special place in the hearts of Middle Easterners.
Customers now have a new model to add to their shopping list: the Audi Q8. Unveiled at the beginning of summer, it’s basically a more stylish version of the latest Q7 that goes up against the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.
Beneath that imposing yet sporty exterior lies the MLB platform of the Q7, Volkswagen Touareg, Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus. Thanks to clever packaging, it’s said to provide a more spacious cabin than that of its direct rivals, and once inside, users will be greeted by three screens: the upper and lower MMI touch, and the Virtual Cockpit.
Also Watch: First Reviews Of Audi’s New Q8 Are Here: Let’s See If The BMW X6 Should Worry
Other tech features include the head-up display, optional ambient lighting, Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, MMI navigation plus, Wi-Fi hotspot, Audi connect key and a host of driving assistance gizmos.
Buyers can choose between two 3.0-liter engines that are available at launch. The first one is a petrol unit, rated at 340 PS (335 hp / 250 kW), and the other one is a diesel, with 286 PS (282 hp / 210 kW). Next year the lineup will be expanded by a lesser diesel-powered model, called the 45 TDI, with 231 PS (228 hp / 170 kW).
For the moment, Audi is interested in reaching out to as many clients as possible. As we mentioned earlier, it has turned its attention to the Middle Eastern market, for which it has released a promotional video. The clip, which you can watch below was posted on its local YouTube channel and shows the Q8 drifting in the desert, among others things.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQn6ZZDZluU