Audi Q8 Coupe spy shots

A production prototype of the Audi Q8 Coupe has been spotted testing undergoing winter testing in Lapland ahead of its reveal in concept form at this weekend’s Detroit Motor Show.

The Q8 is based on the Q7 SUV platform but with a number of more aggressive and sporty touches.

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As expected it appears it will be a tamed down version of the concept, though it shares the sporty liftback roofline.

This will inevitably mean less headroom than the boxy Q7 though Audi is adamant it will still have a spacious interior with ‘four equally comfortable seats’.

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A broad hexagon grille and LED headlights and tail-lights can be also seen amongst the camouflage.

The Q8 is expected to come with the same e-tron hybrid drive system as the Q7, with a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine producing more than 200kW mated to a 94kW electric motor.

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Other engine options include the SQ7’s 325kW-hp 4.0-litre V8 for a high-performance SQ8.

The Q8 is expected to cost around the same as its Mercedes GLE Coupe and BMW X6 rivals, with an entry level of around $100,000.

It will be part of Audi’s push to defend its market leading position for luxury soft-roaders by doubling its SUV range with a range of new vehicles including the Q8, the affordable Q2 crossover and the all-electric Q6 based on the e-tron quattro concept which debuted at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show.

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The Q8 isn’t expected to reach showrooms until 2018.