Audi Showed up to the Geneva Auto Show with another Audi Q8 Concept finished in Krypton Orange and featuring a few changes compared to the e-Tron concept that we saw at the Detroit Auto Show earlier in 2017. More important that the little changes in its design, there’s a new mild-hybrid drivetrain that produces 476 horsepower and can propel the Q8 up to 62 mph in less than five seconds and to a top speed that’ll get you close to God. And while doing so, it has a total range of 745 miles between fill-ups, but keep in mind that we don’t have official fuel economy figures yet, so we can’t say how efficient it really is with complete certainty.

The Chairman of Audi’s Board of Management, Rupert Stadler, said, “The drive system of the Audi Q8 Sport concept is a major step towards optimizing efficiency and sustainability in large-volume series production. The combination of mild hybrid technology and a TFSI engine sets a new benchmark for the synthesis of electromobility and combustion engines. In the future, this combination will be used in many Audi models.”

So, as you can see, we actually have quite a bit to talk about, so click on the “continue reading” link below to get all of the juicy details.

The Revised Looks

The overall profile of the new Q8 Concept doesn’t change, but it does have its own distinct features to make it stand out next to its e-Tron brother. First off, Audi threw in a new grille that features a honeycomb mesh. Instead of having a lip that shoots up in the corners and curves around the corner vents, the insert that traverses the center of the air dam travels to the corners when it wraps around the bottom and shoots upward along the outer edge of the corner vents – it’s a much cleaner look. The headlights are the same, however, the inner and bottom edges of the corner vents – which are larger on this model in comparison to the e-Tron Concept – are now finished in the same color as the body. The side skirts are finished in black as is the cladding on the lower fascia that now includes a rear vent with honeycomb mesh and new exhaust outlets. Audi sure is trying to tease us a lot before presenting an official production car, huh?

All told, it’s not a bad evolution of the original concept. And, it’s enough to let us forgive the fact that the interior of this concept is identical, including color choices and materials, to the interior of the e-Tron. I guess this time we don’t get to eat our cake too, but hope is not lost yet because there’s plenty more to talk about thanks to what’s lurking under the hood.

The Motivator of Hybrid Motivators

Under the hood sits a trifecta that includes Audi’s 3.0-liter, TFSI, V-6, an electric compressor, and a mild hybrid system – a first for any Audi vehicle. There’s a starter generator mounted between the crankshaft and the transmission that recuperates power but serves dual duty, as it can run in the opposite direct and act as an electric motor. The electoral portion of the drivetrain sucks 48-volts from a 0.9 kWh lithium-ion battery that is stashed under the rear cargo area. The battery isn’t large enough to provide any real all-electric range, but it’s big enough to allow slow movement in stop and go traffic without help from the engine and will allow you to maneuver and park without using a drop of gas.

So, with that in mind, that 3.0-liter delivers a total of 450 horsepower on its own and an undisclosed amount of torque. When the electric motor kicks in to run along with the engine, total power output is increased to 469 horsepower and 516.2 pound-feet of torque, with a total of 125.4 pound-feet coming from the electric motor alone. That electric compressor that I mentioned earlier supplements the twin turbos to help reduce turbo lag through the early stages of the powerband before the turbos spool up, a feature you might recognize from the most recent Audi SQ7. The engine drinks gas from a 22.5-gallon fuel tank, which – in combination with the power from the hybrid system – is enough to go 745 miles between fill-ups. Audi says the drivetrain offers up “the performance of a true eight-cylinder engine, yet with the fuel consumption of a frugal four-cylinder.” If you do the math, that range computes to about 33 mpg, so Audi might be reaching with that last statement a little bit.

The concept rolls on 23-inch wheels that are wrapped in 305/35-series tires and 20-inch ceramic brake discs help make coming to a stop quickly a bit easier. It’s equipped with an adaptive air suspension system with control damping to offer up a wide range of driving characteristics that make it possible to enjoy a nice smooth Sunday ride or you can dial in the stiffness and ride height for a more spirited experience. All told, this Q8 Concept can hit the 62 mph sprint in 4.7 seconds on the way to a top speed of 170.9 mph – not too bad for an SUV of this size.

The Verdict

Okay, I’m just going to come out and say it. If Audi doesn’t come correct with a production model that has 90-percent DNA from these Q8 concepts, we should riot. The Q8 Sport Concept is beautiful, has delicate and strategic lines, an impressive technological presence, and has the performance credentials to kick the hell out of BMW and Mercedes. And, if you don’t believe me, here are their specs:

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