January 2019 will see the launch of the hottest new model from Audi, the Q8. The Audi Q8 combines the elegance of a four-door luxury coupé with the practical versatility of a large SUV. Richly equipped, comprehensively connected and tough enough for off-road duty, it is a confident companion for business and leisure.

“This new model from Audi is arguably the most exciting in years! It will come packed with the latest technology, the latest design cues and a new coupé shape that is completely unique to the Audi brand. It’s not even here yet and the first shipment is sold-out!,” Damien Kerr, head of business for Audi told the Jamaica Observer’s Auto magazine.

As if the coupé styling wasn’t enough, courtesy of the elegantly sloping roofline, the imposing Singleframe in octagonal design front grill makes the Audi Q8 the new face of the Q family, standing above the Q7 in the brand’s SUV range. The sporty cues continue with frameless doors unique to this segment, and numerous details hint at the design of the original Quattro such as the blistered wheel arches that can house up to 22-inch wheels.

Quattro’s influence is more than visual as the driving dynamics are pure Audi. . The purely mechanical centre differential transfers the forces to the front axle and rear axle at a ratio of 40:60 as standard. When required, it transfers the majority to the axle with the better traction. That, plus as much 10.0-inches of ground clearance, short overhangs and hill descent control, means the Audi Q8 can keep going even after the pavement ends. The Q8 can be optioned with adaptive air suspension than can adjust the ride height by up to 3.5 inches.

Ultimately, as an Audi, the Q8 must exude luxury and technology that are beneficial to both efficiency and practicality. These can be best seen in the dual display MMI system sporting an upper 10.1-inch display is used for controlling the infotainment and the navigation system. The driver uses the 8.6-inch display below that for heating and air conditioning, convenience functions and text input, the latter with his or her wrist resting comfortably and ergonomically on the selector lever. Vehicle instrumentation is shown in the fully digital Audi virtual cockpit consisting of a high-resolution 12.3-inch display. Operation can be handled via multifunction steering wheel, touch or a new voice recognition system that works with natural conversation.

The Q8’s all-wheel-drive system now boasts new mild hybrid technology that can recover up to 12 kW of power under braking. This power can be fed back for long coasting phases with the engine deactivated and a start-stop range that begins at 22 km/h. Multiple systems support the driver such as optional adaptive cruise assist, efficiency assist, crossing assist, lane change warning, kerb warning and the standard 360 degree cameras. One highlight is the remote garage pilot, which allows the driver to guide the SUV into a garage and back out again autonomously using the MyAudi phone app.