2019 Audi Q8 delivers paramount performance in Chile

The 2019 Audi Q8 is a belated but welcome entry into "four-door coupe" SUV segment. 

The Q8 will square off against the Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Porsche Cayenne, BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.

The Q8 rides atop the same modular architecture shared with the larger Q7.

However, it's actually closer dimensionally to the Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentayga, which also ride on MLB EVO framework.

The Q8's cabin shares its tech and aesthetic with Audi's almost-here A6, A7 and A8 models.

The interior is all screens and slick detailing. The center stack is dominated by double-decker MMI  touchscreens.

Audi's reconfigurable Virtual Cockpit gauge cluster is optional, as is a head-up display.

A 3.0-liter turbocharged TFSI V6 with 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque is mandatory. 

It's backed by a 48-volt mild hybrid system for improved efficiency.

Shifting comes courtesy of ZF's ubiquitous and well-regarded 8-speed gearbox.

Behold the brave -- and controversial -- new look of Audi SUVs, complete with wide-frame octagonal grille and thin uprights. 

It's a face that's going to take a little getting used to.

The Q8's rear end is easier to appreciate, with its full-length taillight band emphasizing the Q8's planted stance.

The Q8's optional air suspension affords up to 10 inches of ground clearance, enough to allow for a fair bit of dirty work.

Audi isn't confirming them, but it's fair to expect much higher-power SQ8 and RSQ8 models in the not-too-distant future.

Keep clicking or scrolling for more images of the 2019 Audi Q8 and Chile's extraordinary landscapes.