NEW AUDI Q8 50TDI QUATTRO

Yet another striking five-seat SUV from Ingolstadt, the luxurious Q8 is initially badged 50 TDI and introduces a new 210kW V6 diesel. The car is a bit shorter and lower than a Q7 but has wider tracks and standard sports-tuned air suspension that support its more sporting brief.

First acquaintance highlighted both engine strength and a smoothness of acceleration that make the Q8 a refined, big-hearted performer. Mild hybridisation (48v subsystem and strong engine starter/generator) helps create the seamless pace. Start hammering the Q8 along rural roads and you begin to appreciate torque vectoring from the clever centre differential and optional four-wheel steering.

As you’d expect in a 5m-long SUV, cabin space for five is deeply impressive, and you even notice a little more elbow room than you get in a Q7. Sitting in the rear is as comfortable as relaxing in a Business lounge and noise suppression is truly limo-like.

The big news up front is Audi’s new split-level MMI Touch system that dominates a super-stylish dashboard. It’s beautifully integrated and simple to navigate.

Attracting attention on the outside are distinguishing features that add aggression, a sense of width and a more sporting profile. Note the huge, protruding octagonal grille, heavily blistered arches and blacked-out rear light bar. The brightwork is customisable for colour and some will no doubt opt to have it blacked-out, too, to make that confronting nose as imposing as possible.