Audi has unveiled its Q8 coupe-cum-SUV, bringing a flagship to its Q range to rival models such as the BMW X6, Range Rover Sport and Mercedes-Benz GLE.

Audi Q8

Based on the Q8 Sport concept shown at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, the Q8 uses the same platform as the Q7 but is wider, shorter and lower than its sister model – giving it a more aggressive stance – and only comes with five seats.

Launching this summer in the UK and Europe, the Q8 will be offered with just one engine from launch – a six-cylinder 282bhp 3.0 TDI with a 48V mild hybrid system that provides a coasting function between 34 and 99mph, married up to quattro all-wheel drive. The engine is capable of 62mph in 6.3 seconds and a 144mph top speed and gets adaptive air suspension sport as standard with a sport setup. It can be adjusted to four modes with the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, varying the ride height of the body by up to 90mm.

A smaller 228bhp 3.0-litre diesel and a 335bhp 3.0 TFSI petrol will follow early next year.

In the UK, one trim – S line – will be offered from launch, bringing HD Matrix LED lights, 21-inch alloy wheels and MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch as standard. MMI brings an upper 10.1-inch display for controlling the infotainment and the navigation system, and lower 8.6-inch display for heating and air con, convenience functions and text input. It also features Audi’s fully digital virtual cockpit with a high-resolution 12.3-inch display for instruments and head-up display.

The S line will be followed by a high-end Vorsprung edition shortly after launch with all-wheel steering – which can turn the rear wheels by up to 5 degrees, 22-inch alloy wheels, head-up display and a full leather package as standard.

Driver assistance features are bundled into four packages, including the ‘Tour’ assist package which features adaptive cruise, efficiency and emergency assist including city safety features. The Park plus assist package, which will be added to the range later on, brings support during manoeuvering procedures and includes the remote parking pilot, which independently steers the Q8 into and out of a parking space while monitored by the driver, and the remote garage pilot, which works in a similar way.