Audi India has launched the Audi SQ8 luxury SUV at Rs. 1.78 Cr (ex-showroom). The SQ8 is part of Audi’s flagship Q8 line-up and is slotted between the standard Q8 and the range-topping RS Q8. To keep it distinguishable from the other two models, the SQ8 gets some cosmetic tweaks. Here is everything you need to know about the Audi SQ8.
Audi SQ8: Dimensions and Design
The Audi SQ8 is 5,004 mm long, 1,995 mm wide, 1,708 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,998 mm, and 604-litre boot space.
While the overall of the SQ8 is the same as the Q8, there are some performance-oriented character elements. Up front, the SQ8 features the traditional Audi grille with sleek silver housing and silver inserts. Sharp Matrix LED headlights flank the grille, adding a sporty touch. Moreover, compared to the standard Q8, the SQ8 gets larger functional air ducts with silver surrounds. The side profile highlights the familiar coupe-SUV design of the Q8 range and chrome finishing on the window frames for added contrast. The SQ8 features 21-inch alloy wheels as standard, which can be upgraded to 22 inches at an additional cost. At the back, the SQ8 features connected LED tail lamps, a silver trim on the rear bumper, an aggressive diffuser, and quad-tip exhaust outlets.
The Audi SQ8 is available in eight colour schemes: Ascari Blue, Mythos Black, Daytona Grey, Glacier White, Chilli Red, Waitomo Blue, Satellite Silver, and Sakhir Gold.
Audi SQ8: Interior and Features
On the inside, the Audi SQ8 packs an all-black colour theme, and while the interior layout is the same as that of the standard Q8, it gets performance-focused touches, for example, the ‘S’ badges on the 3-spoke steering wheel and seats, stainless steel pedals, an aluminium footrest, illuminated aluminium door sills, and customizable sports seats. The rather clean dashboard gets a gloss-black panel in the centre, and below the main 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits another 8.6-inch touchscreen for operating the 4-zone climate control and other vehicle settings.
In terms of features, the SQ8 offers a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless phone charger, 4-zone climate control, a head-up display, a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit display, soft-close doors, a powered tailgate, and powered front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, and more.
For safety equipment, the SQ8 offers 8 airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, and 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.
Audi SQ8: Engine and Transmission
The SQ8 is powered by a Q8’s 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, which also powers the range-topping RS Q8. However, in the SQ8, this engine produces 507 PS power and 770 Nm peak torque, which is 133 PS and 80 Nm less than the power and torque this engine produces in the RS Q8. For transmission, the SQ8 gets an 8-speed automatic gearbox, and the power is sent of all four wheels from Audi’s famous quattro all-wheel-drive system. Audi claims that the SQ8 can sprint from 0 to 100 km/hr in 4.1 seconds, and its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/hr. For better performance, the SQ8 gets some dedicated mechanicals such as an air suspension, rear axle steering, a rear axle sport differential, and active roll stabilisation.
Audi SQ8: Price and Rivals
Here is a look at the price list of the Audi Q8 range.
| Variant | Price (ex-showroom) |
| Audi Q8 | Rs. 1.13 Cr |
| Audi SQ8 (new) | Rs. 1.78 Cr |
| Audi RS Q8 | Rs. 2.34 Cr |
The SQ8 will rival Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe and Porsche Cayenne GTS.
