Audi Q8 2019 pricing and specs confirmed

The 2019 Audi Q8 range will hit showrooms early in the new year, lead at first by a petrol-powered version with a diesel model to follow by mid-year.

The two-model line-up of the petrol-powered 55 TFSi and the diesel 50 TDI is priced and specified identically, making it simple for customers to understand the value on offer in both instances.

That price point is $128,900 plus on-road costs, which positions the 55 TFSI petrol version as something of a bargain against its rivals, while the 50 TDI is a touch over the odds when compared with the likes of the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, which Audi pinpointed as its targets in this market.

The 2019 Audi Q8 range will hit showrooms early in the new year.

The 55 TFSI model is powered by a 3.0-litre petrol V6 engine producing 250kW of power and 500Nm of torque. It uses an eight-speed automatic transmission with quattro all-wheel drive, and is backed by a 48-volt mild hybrid system that helps it save a little bit of fuel by allowing coasting at high speeds and engine shut off when decelerating. Claimed consumption is rated at 9.2L/100km.

The 50 TDI version of the Q8 is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine producing 210kW of power and 620Nm of torque. It employs an eight-speed auto transmission, and has quattro all-wheel drive. This model, like the petrol, has a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, and claimed consumption is rated at 6.7L/100km.

Standard equipment across both model grades includes 21-inch alloy wheels, S line exterior styling pack, adaptive suspension with damper control, adaptive cruise control with lane change assist, a 360-degree camera with kerb view (so you don't mark those huge rims, obviously!), 'Valcona' leather upholstery, front seats with electric adjustment plus heating and ventilation front seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddle-shifters, LED headlights and daytime running lights with auto-high beam lights, three-zone climate control, a head-up display, Audi's 12.3-inch 'Virtual Cockpit' instrument cluster, and Audi's new MMI touch response control screen with 10.1- and 8.6-inch screens for media and car controls.

There's the expected connectivity of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus you get sat nav GPS, DAB digital radio, and a 10-speaker sound system.

The 50 TDI version of the Q8 is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine producing 210kW of power and 620Nm of torque.

Safety is covered with auto emergency braking (AEB) up to 250km/h, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist (including steering assist up to 60km/h), lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a forward cross-traffic alert known as 'Intersection Assist'.

Plus there's a 360-degree surround view camera system with AI graphic interface an adjustable view system, front and rear parking sensors, and semi-autonomous park assist for those who are nervous about marking the huge rims.

Audi is offering a number of options including the 'Premium Plus' package ($11,000) that bundles a bunch of goodies that customers typically want when shopping for a high-end model in the range.

There's the expected connectivity of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus you get sat nav GPS, DAB digital radio, and a 10-speaker sound system.

It includes 22-inch wheels, adaptive air suspension, privacy glass (tinted windows), HD Matrix LED headlights with dynamic indicators front and rear, quad-zone climate control with a rear touchscreen display, and LED interior ambient lighting.

Other options include a panoramic sunroof ($3550), massage front seats ($1050), a choice of two Bang & Olufsen stereo upgrades (the more expensive of which has 23 speakers and costs $12,100), and the 'Dynamic Steering' package ($4500) with all-wheel steering and variable ratio steering rack.

Audi Q8 2019 list pricing (before on-road costs):

55 TFSI 3.0-litre petrol V6 8-sp auto - $128,900
50 TDI 3.0-litre diesel V6 8-sp auto - $128,900

Is it us, or is the Audi Q8 more affordable than expected? Tell us what you think in the comments below.