Audi India has launched the SQ8 at Rs 1.78 crore (introductory ex-showroom, India). This new trim slots between the standard Q8 and the range-topping RS Q8. It uses a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 from the RS Q8, slightly detuned to 507hp. Bookings for the SQ8 SUV are open.
Priced at Rs 1.78 crore, the new SQ8 is Rs 68 lakh pricier than the standard trim, while being Rs 56 lakh cheaper than the RS Q8.
Audi SQ8 engine and performance
Gets a detuned version of the RS Q8, does a 0-100kph run in 4.1 seconds
Audi has equipped the SQ8 with a slightly detuned version of the RS Q8’s 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. On the SQ8, this petrol engine produces 507hp and 770Nm, 133hp and 80Nm less than the more powerful RS model. The engine is mated with an 8-speed automatic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels (AWD). With the SQ8, Audi claims a 0-100kph sprint time of 4.1 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250kph.
To make the drive even more engaging, the SQ8 features hardware such as air suspension, rear axle steering, a rear axle sport differential, and active roll stabilisation.
Audi SQ8 exterior design
Features Matrix LED headlights, 21-inch rims and connected OLED taillights
The Audi SQ8 continues with the sleek silhouette of the standard Q8, but gets Matrix LED headlights as standard and larger functional air intakes on both sides of the bumper. It also gets headlight washers and silver surrounds on the grille and air intakes on the bumper. In profile, the SQ8 features 21-inch rims as standard, which can be upgraded to 22 inches at an additional cost, and there’s a chrome surround on the window frames for added contrast.
At the rear, it gets a connected OLED taillight setup, a roof-mounted spoiler and a black SQ8 badge on the tailgate. The rear bumper features a silver trim, an aggressive diffuser and quad-tip exhaust outlets.
Here are the dimensions and specifications of the Audi SQ8:
The Audi SQ8 is offered in eight colour options: Ascari Blue, Mythos Black, Daytona Grey, Glacier White, Chili Red, Waitomo Blue, Satellite Silver, and Sakhir Gold.
Audi SQ8 interior design and features
Dashboard design is similar to the regular Q8, but features some ‘S’ badges
Inside, the Audi SQ8 gets an all-black theme with similar design elements to the standard Q8. It features a 3-spoke steering wheel with physical controls and an ‘S’ badge, a 12.3-inch driver’s display, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and another 8.6-inch touchscreen for operating the 4-zone climate control. It gets a gloss-black strip on the centre of the dashboard. The seats have a leatherette upholstery and feature ‘S’ badges on the headrests.
Other features include a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless phone charger, soft-close doors, a powered tailgate and powered front seats with memory function. On the safety front, it gets eight airbags, a 360-degree camera with blind spot monitor, disc brakes on all wheels, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and a level-2 ADAS suite.
The Audi SQ8 locks horns with the Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe and Porsche Cayenne GTS.
Prices are ex-showroom, India
