Technical design flourishes include a full-width light across the rear. It incorporates a new LED arrangement that projects a striking 3D shape and emphasises the car’s width.

Although the Q8 is shorter than the Q7 on which it is based, this is entirely down to the smaller overhangs at the front and rear of the car. As such, interior space is nearly identical, although the Q8 has a strict five-seat layout, whereas the Q7 can be had with seven. The Q8 is 130mm longer than the Range Rover Sport, as well as being 100mm lower and 10mm wider. Its wheelbase is also 70mm longer, underlining the additional interior space that it offers. Boot space is 650 litres with the seats up and 1755 litres with them down, compared with the Q7’s 770/1955 litres.

While the roofline is 40mm lower than that of the Q7 at its highest point above the front doors, the slope is achieved in part by design sleight, particularly with the use of the dropping roof spoiler. As a result, and based on our opportunity to sit in the car, space in the rear is sufficient even for tall adults.

The Q8 is also 27mm wider than the Q7, a result of engineers seeking ways to make the car more stable and agile. Aluminium has also been extensively used on the retuned five-link front and rear suspension, in order to save weight, although the car’s total weight is yet to verified. The mechanical centre differential is set to transfer power 40% front, 60% rear as standard, while buyers can also opt for the four-wheel-steering system pioneered on the SQ7 to improve low-speed manoeuvrability and high- speed stability.

As standard, the car has seven selectable driving modes that alter the settings for the suspension, steering and engine, ranging from off- road modes to more sporting set-ups. The Q8 can also be specified with one of three different types of suspension, two of which employ air springs to improve comfort.

Inside, the influence of the new A8, which was revealed last year, is evident, most notably with the new control system for the major functions, which are spread across two large touchscreens. The upper 10.1in screen controls the infotainment and navigation functions, while the lower 8.1in screen controls the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. While these allow the dashboard to have very few buttons on it and give the interior a minimalist look, in the A8 the system has drawn some criticism for its usability.