Spyshots: Audi Q8 Testing In Nurburgring

Having earlier confirmed that the new Q8 SUV will enter production in 2018, Audi promptly sent one unit out for testing at the Nurburgring, which was caught in action by our European spy photographer.

Though the camo obscures much of its design details, the side profile view corresponds closely to the two earlier Q8 Concepts shown earlier in Detroit and Geneva. The window shutlines indicate frameless doors for the production model.

Set to be positioned as a coupe-like SUV in similar vein to the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, the Q8 is mechanically based on the same MLB Evo platform that also underpins the current Q7.

Thus far, Audi has previewed two possible engine-drivetrain layouts with the Q8 concepts. The first Q8 Concept shown in Detroit had a 442hp/700Nm PHEV setup, whilst the Q8 Sport Concept shown later at Geneva featured a 476hp/700Nm mild hybrid powertrain.

We expect the production model to additionally incorporate a range of conventional petrol and diesel engines from higher variants of the Q7.

Pictures: SB-medien