I did a test drive today on the all-new 2019 Audi Q8. General impressions? Top tech vehicle with lots of enjoyable features, digital cockpit, screens, and a fair starting price. Ther showroom unit was a Technik and so the one I tested on the roads of Montreal. Just took the same paths I drive almost every day and here are my impressions:
Drives & Looks Amazing!
While lighter colors seem better on this Audi (such as the orange from the showroom), the car looks great. A super aggressive and futurist front grille, frameless doors and the 22-inch wheels get you into an actual high-end looking piece of art. The entire driver area moves over when you jump in and comes back to you when you start it over. The level of integration of the driver position and the driving elements is phenomenal.
Just felt like if the interior design was wrapping me around!
The blue Q8 Technik of the test-drive.
The showroom "orange Q8 Technik": vehicle design language elements are way more visible and aggressive.
Digital Screens, 3D Backup Camera, 360 View...
I have to say this is one of the most tech vehicles I've ever driven, if not the #1. It is essentially a gadget with wheels from the most famous German high-end vehicle manufacturer. As soon as you jump in, you have screens: the digital cockpit, the top center one, and the one under. I don't know how these two are named respectively, but I will just leave it that way: "top center" and "bottom center."
Comes with tons of camera layouts (please, note I mean arrangements) relying on four advanced cameras that, combined, result in multiple tools to assist with backup, parking and distance scenarios. You can drag these around, see only the sidelines, reconcile different views and even see a 3D model from an external POV perspective.
Audi Q8 Dashboard with the 3 screens.
360 Camera View with the rendered 3D model (please note the LeaseCosts VW Atlas on the right)
Traffic Sign Recognition Hud Display (notice it on the center of the image)
Give it a Try; You Won't Regret It
So this is it. I don't go too far with reviews; there are excellent car reviewers out there. I would always start by:
TheStraightPipes Review
Test Drive in Montreal
If you are looking for test-driving one in the Montreal Area, I would recommend setting up an appointment to John Canelos, from Audi Popular. He is an Audi Brand Specialist, a great guy to talk with and very on top of the new features of the Q8. As I always say, the test drive experience requires someone who knows and explains to you what piece of art you have in your hands.
Drive safe Montreal!
