The Audi Q8 Concept Is A Coupe-Ish SUV With An Unbelievably Massive Grille

When Audi revealed a couple of teaser images for its incoming Q8 a few weeks ago, we were struck by one particular detail: its spectacularly massive grille. But now the car has been revealed in full at the Detroit Auto Show…yeah, we still can’t ignore it. I mean, look at it!

However, we’ll battle past the temptation to ponder how terrifying it might be to see that amazingly imposing front end closing in on your rear-view mirror, as this “coupe-like” SUV sounds rather interesting.

It has a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 3.0-litre V6 (329bhp and 369lb ft), plus an electric motor (134bhp and 243lb ft), which combine to give a total of 443bhp and 516lb ft. So, despite the Q8 being rather massive, it’s still capable of 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds. It’s good for up to 122mpg, while puffing out 52g/km of C02 according to the usual not-terribly-realistic lab figures.

Power is sent to all four-wheels, and there’s a system that brakes the inside wheels during boistrous cornering. The air suspension’s pretty slick too, and can be raised by up to 90mm if required.

While the car you see here is only a concept, a production version is going to be built, going on sale next year. Expect something like this, plus some door handles and minus the 23-inch wheels. Hopefully the mega grille will make it to the showroom version mostly un-changed…