HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light as an additional high beam are optionally available. A darkened bezel distinguishes the top model visually from the base model. The Audi laser light acts as an extra high beam with a significantly greater range. Any of the five digital daytime running light signatures add a striking look. Customers can select the signatures via the MMI, one of which is a checkered flag design exclusively available to the RS Q8. For the first time, the RS Q8 uses largely digitalized OLED rear lights featuring five digital light signatures. In conjunction with the assistance systems, they have a proximity indication feature for greater road safety. Sporty from the wheels to the seams: Equipment options An extensive range of new paint finishes is available for the exterior, including three metallic options: Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red. In addition to the standard range, Audi exclusive fulfills customer requests for individual finishes. The RS Q8 and RS Q8 performance are distinguished primarily by the different standard colors and materials of many exterior components.
Innovative HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light as an additional high beam for a significantly increased beam range are available as a further option. New for the top-of-the-range headlights are digital daytime running light signatures. They give the partially electric Q7 and Q8 a characteristic and unmistakable appearance, allowing the user to select one of four individual light signatures via the MMI. For the first time, the vehicles also come optionally with largely digitalized OLED rear lights, which also have digital light signatures. Moreover, the digital OLED rear lights feature proximity indication in conjunction with the assistance systems. Like the product upgrade for the base versions, the electrified Q7 and Q8 have a significantly upgraded equipment range. In addition to contrasting colors for the seat stitching, customers can choose from nine decorative inlays and three new finishes. The wheel range includes five new designs for sizes ranging from 21” to 23” (depending on the model). Audi has also expanded the range of apps and driver assistance systems as part of the model upgrade. The standard equipment is also being expanded and now includes, among other features, 19” to 21” alloy wheels (depending on the model and equipment package), a rearview camera, park and high beam assist, and the convenience key.
Innovative HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light as an additional high beam for a significantly increased beam range are available as a further option. New for the top-of-the-range headlights are digital daytime running light signatures. They give the partially electric Q7 and Q8 a characteristic and unmistakable appearance, allowing the user to select one of four individual light signatures via the MMI. For the first time, the vehicles also come optionally with largely digitalized OLED rear lights, which also have digital light signatures. Moreover, the digital OLED rear lights feature proximity indication in conjunction with the assistance systems. Like the product upgrade for the base versions, the electrified Q7 and Q8 have a significantly upgraded equipment range. In addition to contrasting colors for the seat stitching, customers can choose from nine decorative inlays and three new finishes. The wheel range includes five new designs for sizes ranging from 21” to 23” (depending on the model). Audi has also expanded the range of apps and driver assistance systems as part of the model upgrade. The standard equipment is also being expanded and now includes, among other features, 19” to 21” alloy wheels (depending on the model and equipment package), a rearview camera, park and high beam assist, and the convenience key.
HD Matrix LED headlights with the Audi laser light are also available. They work with 24 LEDs and a high-power laser diode each and are immediately recognizable via a blue ambient light incorporated into the headlights that symbolizes the precision of laser technology. The laser light becomes active above 70 km/h (43.5 mph) and significantly increases the high beam range. New for the top-of-the-range headlights are digital daytime running light signatures. They give the Q7 its characteristic and unmistakable appearance by allowing the user to select one of four various light signatures via the MMI. However, not just the headlights’ extended range of functions is new, so is their design. The higher position of the daytime running lights gives the Q7 a wider appearance and more expressiveness. For the first time, the Q7 also features largely digitalized OLED rear lights (OLED = organic light emitting diode) as an optional extra, which also feature four digital light signatures. In addition – as in the Audi A8, Q8, and Q5 – the digital OLED rear lights have a proximity indication feature in conjunction with the assistance systems: When other road users approach the stationary Q7 from behind to within two meters (6.6 ft), the control units automatically activate all of the digital OLED segments. Additional functions include dynamic turn signals as well as various coming home and leaving home sequences that match each digital light signature. New decors, colors, and wheels expand the equipment range With the latest product upgrade, Audi has once again refined the equipment range for the Q7. The seams on the seat trim in the base model now come standard and in a contrasting gray color. There are also nine decorative inlays available to choose from.
The efficient TFSI drive, the electrified e-tronquattro all-wheel drive and individual technologies such as the LED matrix light and the Audi laser light stand for a high level of innovative strength and “Vorsprung durch Technik”. Audi’s first all-electric racing car then made its debut in Formula E, before the brand took on the extreme challenges of the Dakar Rally and successfully completed it as the first manufacturer with an electric drive. Note to editors: The quotes of all drivers and co-drivers as well as the responsible persons will follow in another MediaInfo. Additional content: >> Press kit including gallery and videos: 2024 Dakar Rally
Many other innovations such as Audi Laser Light have been added to these pioneering feats in technology. The drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles won with the hybrid sports car in the 2012 and 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) complete the track record in Audi’s sports car era that ended in 2016. Success with electric drive concepts The company systematically continued the electrification of its motorsport program, which began in 2012 in endurance racing. Following the LMP program with the R18 hybrid sports car, Audi was the first German car manufacturer to compete in the all-electric Formula E racing series in the 2017/2018 season. With four victories and a total of eleven podium finishes, Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler clinched the team championship after twelve races. The brand with the four rings entered the famous Dakar Rally in 2022 with an innovative prototype. Audi made history in January 2024: the Audi RS Q e-tron was the first low-emission prototype with an electric drive, high-voltage battery and energy converter to win the world’s toughest desert rally. Entry into the premier class of motorsport Sustainability also plays an important role in the premier class of motorsport. From the 2026 season, Audi will be competing in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with its own factory team. The development of the drive unit (“Power Unit”) is in full swing at the Neuburg a. d. Donau site. Thanks to open competition, Formula 1 serves as a technology driver for both electric mobility and sustainable e-fuels.
The innovative headlights featuring HD Matrix LED technology and an additional laser light as well as the digital daytime running lights positioned on the upper horizontal edge give the Q8 an even more self-assured expression. In conjunction with the digital OLED rear lights, which are available for the first time in the Q8, the premium-class character of the model becomes even clearer. At the rear, an LED light strip together with black high-gloss trim and integrated Audi rings links the digital OLED rear lights across the entire width of the car. The Audi Q8 bears Audi’s new, modern corporate identity. Specifically, this is the newly two-dimensional rings that debuted in the Q8 e-tron. They are visually impressing through their greater precision. Instead of chrome, the new four rings come in contrasting white and black; as part of an optional package, the white of the rings is replaced with a dark gray that still looks like high-gloss black. In the Q8, the B-pillar now also bears the model, derivative, and technology identifier. A new kind of individualization: headlights and rear lights High-intensity LED headlights light up the road in the Q8 as standard; Matrix LED headlights are available as an option. HD Matrix LED headlights with the Audi laser light are also available, which work with 24 LEDs and a high-power laser diode each and are immediately recognizable via a blue ambient light incorporated into the headlights. The laser light becomes active starting at 70 km/h (43.5 mph) and significantly increases the high beam range. New for the top-of-the-range headlights are digital daytime running light signatures. They give the Q8 its characteristic and unmistakable appearance by allowing the user to select one of four individual light signatures via the MMI. It's not just the expanded range of functions in the headlights that is novel – their design is also fresh.
Then there is the laser light and rear lights, which always fascinate me, especially the way the light reacts when I lock or unlock the car. But I’m also a big fan of the Bang and Olufsen sound system. How does your environment react to the RS 6 Avant? Fehlberger: Last year in Munich, a biker chased me for a while and asked me at a red light if he could take a few pictures. It was probably because of the color, the huge wheels, or the car’s overall stately appearance. But maybe it was also because the car simply goes down well in Germany, the world Capital of station wagons. Is there anything you miss about your RS 6 Avant that you might expect from its successor? Fehlberger: I should have treated myself to the massage seats and maybe a little more sound [laughs]. I’d be happy if the next RS 6 would focus more on lighting with OLEDs.
Short biography Andreas Fehlberger (40), born in Munich and raised in Erding, is a hotel manager. After his training in hotel management, he completed his master’s degree in the hotel industry and trained as a specialist for the hospitality industry. His hobbies are sports and fast cars, such as the Audi RS 6.