Test way: Audi Q8 gasoline

The Audi’s “coupe” SUV received a 3.0-liter hybrid-light petrol engine, with 340 horsepower and an ocean of treats. We went to look it up in the North, and we couldn't stop driving

Test way: Audi Q8 gasoline

Udi's premium vehicles have been a soldier for us recently, and the test vehicle completes the latest puzzle from the German luxury car maker - a crossover "coupe" scheduled to clash with the BMW 6X and Mercedes GLE450 coupe. Udi's box office is based on a Q7 facelift several months ago, and they both share a platform with other luxury crossovers from Volkswagen - not only Tuareg but Bentley Bentiaga, Lamborghini Oros and Porsche Cayenne. With relatives of the all-so-prestigious zen, it is not surprising that the base price of 8Q gasoline is NIS 632,000 (just like the price of the diesel version we have already examined), and in the increased test version of the package "Lekshari" costs NIS 658,900. Is it worth the money? That's not the question, in this hyper-luxury segment. The question is whether it speaks on the right strings and meets the very high expectations of the luxury segment?

Even with 2.2 tonnes and two meters wide, the 8 Q is not afraid of twisty roads

Test through Audi Q8 petrol (Photo: Rami Gilboa, Rami Gilboa)

Muscular whale

With good will, I can recognize the exquisite swelling of the back wings of the mythical Audi Quatro-sport DNA but with 2.2 tons and five meters from the bumper to meet, large and far from the Q8, to the history-changing rally car. And yet, in our eyes, there is a carved and muscular-looking motor, two feet wide and sculpted and meticulously up to the last curve of the metal. The pictures do wrong with the Q8, on the road it looks much bigger than the photos. The Q8 arrival effect is impressive and powerful; An octagonal grill enclosed in a decisive white frame, fighter jet air conferences, impressive lighting units and a terrific hood ...

In terms of introverted "audio", the Q8 is extremely extroverted and powerful

Test through Audi Q8 petrol (Photo: Rami Gilboa, Rami Gilboa)

The forceful appearance also continues in the long wall, where the main difference between Q8 and Q7, his half-twin brother, can be seen. While the 7 is a kind of elevated station wagon, the 8 is a kind of 'coupe' car as far as this term has been recently stretched, with a roof slanted backward in a sporty looking diagonal. It's not an elegant A7 coupe for example, because the Q8 wants to be both a coupe and a crossover, both sporty and limo for transporting five adults. Because that's why we get a car that skips both sections, in the same design dilemma that bothers competitors to BMW or Mercedes. The Q8’s roof remains fairly horizontal to the rear wheel environment, and from there it dives down; This leaves an important headspace for passengers in the rear, but does not allow the Q8 to look truly sporty and flowing in appearance. The stylist and young-looking rear spoiler, some will say the Q8 is even sexy - as much as Leviathan can be sexy.

Huge 21-inch rims complement the impact, leaving you indifferent - young people and adults, sitting students and motorcyclists who have just finished a serious mud huddle around the Highway 6 refreshment station. Q8 stands out and attracts attention, it's hard to stay indifferent. At dusk, the Q8 boasts an impressive display of lights that includes a bright LED bandwidth to the full width of the vehicle, signaling a dynamic direction, the whole package (no LED matrix lighting).

An elegant spoiler and an extensive LED bar complete the backside signature. The exhaust openings for decoration only

Test through Audi Q8 petrol (Photo: Rami Gilboa, Rami Gilboa)

Family living room

The Q8 passenger compartment is reminiscent of the A7 flagship, it is incredibly spacious, designed-finished-upholstered and technologically up to the latest, indulgent and crowded with auxiliary engines controlling the seats, closing the doors and other luxuries. Q8 perfectly expresses the manufacturer's slogan "Progress through technology". Dips include fine leather of several types and textures, polished aluminum, and a glossy black driver's environment (which covers fingerprints after a few touches).

In the center of the center console are two multimedia monitors (10.1 and 8.6 inches) that access the wealth of German technology. The upper display controls the car systems and smartphone coupling, the lower controls the sophisticated air conditioner - there are a number of options here that are a bit difficult to deal with, certainly while driving. Behind the steering wheel is a 12.3-inch virtual dashboard that lets you choose your favorite display. Want more? Alternating ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof opens, heating for front seats (but no cooling or massage, bass), peripheral cameras, and more.

Udi Q3 Sportsback in Israel. Starting at NIS 260,000

The leather seats are wide and comfortable in the style of a spacious living room, less ergonomically supportive. You will not get a third row of seats here and the trunk is smaller than in Q7, and is less useful; It can carry 605 liters of luggage, but they unfold in depth, and the slanted rear window reduces the usability level. The loading threshold is relatively high, but it can be lowered with the help of air suspensions. The rear windows do not go down, not bad.

Space and abundance are almost perfect, embedded with advanced technology

Test through Audi Q8 petrol (Photo: Rami Gilboa, Rami Gilboa)

Station or cash register?

This is the main question separating Q7 and 8 and the choice completely personal; I die on fast stations that give me high usability with seven seats + exciting contrast between their large dimensions and their exciting performance. But it's just me; Many customers who walk around with NIS 680,000 do not want to go to the station. They are looking for a more stylish, sporty, and upscale looking vehicle. For them, Udi introduced Q8, and the car does its job well.

The price of diesel and gasoline versions is completely the same, so the choice has to come from other motives. The prospects are not bothered by the fuel costs, and the diesel engine's performance is also very good; It has 286 hp and 61 lb., with a 6.3-second acceleration from zero to 100. The gasoline figures are slightly better, 340 hp and 51 kgs, with 5.9 seconds from zero to 100. The dynamic disparity between the two engines is not great, but their character is different - the diesel is calm and pushes at a relatively low rpm, the gasoline is more alive and lightly leaps to a high rpm, while making a surprisingly fun sporting sound.

Q8 right, muscular and extroverted. Q7 on the left, slightly more introverted, useful and more comfortable

Test through Audi Q8 petrol (Photo: Rami Gilboa, Rami Gilboa)

Diesel or light hybrid gasoline?

Personally, I would go for the diesel because I prefer its less frivolous nature, and because it gives a longer travel range between fuels. Although equipped with a lightweight hybrid system, 8Q gasoline did not amaze me with fuel consumption better than 11 miles per liter, in a non-demanding urban ride (on a slightly more sporty ride, it only spent 6-7 km / h). 600 miles inter-city, and similar driving will make the diesel 700-800 miles or more; that means fewer visits to the gas station, certainly if the driving involves urban driving.

Those who are really looking for extreme performance will have to import the flamboyant SQ8 version with a diesel engine of 430 hp and a 90kg monorail torque or the fastest 8 - 600 hp RSQ8, accelerating to 100 km / h in 3.8 seconds . If you ask me, the two engines offered in Israel will suffice for you - in most cases you will find yourself cruising aristocratic with the over-sized cruiser, enjoying a treat and refinement north of half a million shekels. Want to sharpen tires? This is not the car for you ...

Both engines are powerful and very fleshy. The gasoline engine is slightly sportier, more thirsty

Test through Audi Q8 petrol (Photo: Rami Gilboa, Rami Gilboa)

On the winding road

The colossal dimensions of Q8, its heavy weight and high center of gravity, do not create expectations for tire burn. The white whale leaps out of his place in royal dignity and after a few meters he comes to life. The accelerations are up to 100-120 extremely fast and strong and from there a short distance to 250 km / h, the official bulletin claims. The Audi Q8 is a fine Grand Tourer devouring freeways and mountainous roads with no sense of effort, exits lightning speed bypass, gives a great sense of security.

The 8 was excellent on Highway Six, and surprisingly excellent on high-speed mountain roads - with 285 sticky tires, 2.0 meters wide and efficient Quatro driving, it can be crowned as the high mountain knight. On technical and tight roads, it is less brilliant; Although advanced technology is still large and heavy, it is not enthusiastic about frequent changes of direction, sudden weight transfers, and so on. Let it fly on a highway, this is the strongest area of ​​the Q8.

Glossy black surface finished with aluminum foil, ambient lighting, and large touch screens

Test through Audi Q8 petrol (Photo: Rami Gilboa, Rami Gilboa)

Udi installed the best safety systems in Q8; Braking and maintaining an autonomous lane, alerting dead areas in the front and back, the car even scolded me for driving between two lanes ... I was surprised to find that there were only 6 airbags here. We also note that in urban traffic we are dealing with a very large vehicle, you need to know where the wheels and fenders are located. Israel does not have the rear steering function, but a 360-degree camera array facilitates maneuvering in the city.

Udi Q3 Sportsback in Israel. Starting at NIS 260,000

Test through Audi Q8 petrol (Photo: Rami Gilboa, Rami Gilboa)

Magic rug?

So far I have not found a defect in the German flagship because most of the discussion is about personal preferences between station and cash register, diesel fuel or gasoline, big or small. What disappointed me a little is the quality of the ride; I would expect such a vehicle to have a fine road iron, certainly with its active air suspension. I thought so, but I found that even in Comfort mode, it puts too much asphalt in my buttocks. As mentioned, on a fine road such as Highway 6 is perfect, but most of our roads are not - there is a corrugated to high-corrugated road, malicious battalions, and asphalt rips. You can't say the Q8 is "uncomfortable", but it doesn't filter enough of the way things go. The test car came with overly sporty 285 / 45R21 tires, and I recommend sticking to the standard 275 / 50R20; It's big enough and sporty, and may better insulate you from asphalt pains. There is a 22 inch tire option, I would not approach them.

And we will always remember that the twin brother Q7 will offer you all this goodness, with improved ride comfort, high usability and seven seats.

Drive good 4X4 to snow last year, do not go down with it

Test through Audi Q8 petrol (Photo: Rami Gilboa, Rami Gilboa)

The adaptive racks offer two space-driving options, one of which raises the vehicle by a few inches. There is downhill control but don't think about it at all, I don't believe that Q8 will find its way to a more demanding area than a well-leveled JNF trail. I suspect the Q8 offenses may be surprisingly good, but the high chance of tire-plastic damage is in dire straits Any space, however, if you decide to get off the rails and out of the way, write down the need for the spare wheel attached to the compressor when needed ...

Test through Audi Q8 petrol (Photo: Rami Gilboa, Rami Gilboa)

End of the journey

It was difficult for me to return the test vehicle that gave me great pleasure over hundreds of miles, Q8 is an extremely extravagant and unique crossover with an impressive presence and refinement of the highest available. The 8th is not the most sporty among its direct competitors but it is very practical and family-oriented, and brand advocates will find it a great temptation. For urban customers looking for the latest and most stylized word, the Audi Q8 might be a great choice.

Compulsory insurance from NIS 54 per month

By the insurance company WE SURE

On the technical side: Audi Q8 gasoline

Engine, propulsion: 3.0 liter turbo petrol, dual propulsion
Volume: 2,995 cc, 6V
Power / rpm (kW): 340 / 5,000
Torque / rpm (kg): 51 / 1,370
Gearbox: 8 gears, planetary

Measurements
Length (cm) : 498.6
Width (cm): 199.5
Height (cm): 166.3
Wheelbase (cm): 299.6
Trunk volume (liters) : 605
Tires: 285/45 R21

Performence:
0-100 acceleration : 5.9 seconds
Maximum speed: 250 mph
Fuel Consumption (KML, Test) : 8.2

Base price (NIS): 632,000
The price of the test vehicle for connections (NIS): 658,900

Competitors: BMW 6X, Mercedes GLE Coupe, Porsche Cayenne Coupe, Range Rover Sport