2019 Audi Q8

Crossover coupes are old hat for German luxury car brands by now. BMW is the segment veteran with its X4 and X6, and Mercedes-Benz more recently followed their lead with "couped" versions of its GLC and GLE crossover models.

Now it's Audi's turn with the Q8, which leapfrogs the larger Q7 to become the company's most upscale utility offering. This five-seater four-door actually shares its wheelbase with the Q7, but is a smaller vehicle overall with a lower roofline, truncated tail and an emphasis on looks over interior space.

The Q8 also skips the Q7's four-cylinder entry-level powertrain to go straight to a 3.0L turbocharged V6 that works with a 48-volt electrical system with regenerative braking to produce 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. There's also an automatic engine stop-start system, an eight-speed transmission and, naturally, Quattro AWD.

Audi doesn't seem concerned with catering to this segment's more enthusiastic drivers, who will find more performance in the BMW X6 M and AMG versions of the Benz SUV coupes. But as the equipment lists below show, Audi is keen to position the Q8 as a premium vehicle right off the bat, having loaded this utility up with kit that fits an $81,000-plus starting price.

What we'll be curious to see is whether subsequent model years bring a V8-powered SQ8 to raise this new car's performance profile.

Trim offerings begin with Progressiv (there's no entry-level Komfort variant as is offered with the Q7), which comes standard with 20-inch wheels, navigation, the MMI infotainment system, 360-degree exterior camera views, self-levelling LED headlights with high beam assist, LED taillights, LED daytime running lights, parking distance sensors, four-zone automatic climate control, electric parking brake, adaptive suspension, heated steering wheel with electric tilt-and-telescopic adjustments, Audi drive select drive modes, panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats with driver memory and four-way lumbar, heated rear seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, passive keyless entry, forward collision detection with city-speed automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, active cruise control and heated/auto-dimming/power-folding side mirrors.

Technik trim adds 21-inch wheels, power door closers, adaptive windshield wipers, touch-sensitive dashboard controls, head-up display, premium ambient lighting, rear door sunshades, leather dash trim, HD matrix LED headlights, Bang & Olufsen stereo and a phone box with signal boost and wireless charging.

Both trims offer a driver assistance package that injects some semi-autonomous ability with features like intersection and traffic jam assists. Both trims also offer an S line sport appearance pack, and Technik can be had with air suspension and four-wheel steering to aid handling and high-speed stability.

Other extras include 21-inch wheels for Progressiv trim, and 22-inchers for the Technik model.

Audi's fuel consumption estimates for the Q8 are 14.0/10.7 L/100 km (city/highway).