Audi India has introduced yet another exciting model in the Q8 lineup, called the SQ8, priced at Rs 1.78 crore (ex-showroom). Positioned between the Q8 and RS Q8, the SQ8 is essentially a sportier version of the Q8 SUV that boasts significant upgrades over the standard model.
| Q8 Series Lineup | Ex-showroom Price |
| Audi Q8 | Rs 1.13 Crore |
| Audi SQ8 (NEW) | Rs 1.78 Crore |
| Audi RS Q8 | Rs 2.34 Crore |
Audi SQ8 – Design and Features
At first glance, the SQ8 looks largely identical to the standard Q8 coupe SUV. However, it boasts a host of visual enhancements to denote its performance-focused character. These include: –
- Reworked grille with honeycomb detailing and silver inserts & surrounds
- Aggressively designed bumper with larger air dams
- Lighter shade for the Audi logo
- Red brake callipers
- Silver accent on lower door trims and ORVM covers
- Updated rear bumper
- Quad-exhaust tips
Changes on the inside are quite subtle in the form of a small SQ8 badge on the steering wheel, sportier aluminium pedals, and a silver finish on some switches instead of black on the standard Q8. Additionally, the silver accent on the door pads has been replaced with carbon-fibre accents for added sportiness. Aside from this, it retains the same dashboard layout with three screen setup, comprising a 10.1-inch infotainment display paired with a lower touchscreen for the climate control system and a fully digital 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit display.
The other notable amenities of the Audi SQ8 include: –
- Soft-close doors
- Powered front seats with heating, ventilation and massage functions
- A head-up display
- Four-zone climate control
- Bang & Olufsen premium sound system
- Panoramic sunroof
- Multi-colour ambient lighting
- Audi Phone Box with wireless charging
- 360-degree camera
- Park assist
- Adaptive wipers
- Eight airbags
- Electronic stability control
- Cruise control with a speed limiter
- Audi Pre Sense Basic
Also Read: Mercedes-Benz V-Class Launched At Rs 1.40 Crore
What Powers The Audi SQ8?
Powering the Audi SQ8 is a 4-litre bi-turbo V8 petrol mill that produces a whopping power output of 507PS and a peak torque of 770Nm, allowing the SUV to complete the 0 to 100 kmph run in merely 4.1 seconds. That makes it 1.5 seconds quicker than the standard Q8.
Speaking of the transmission duties, the power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Rivals
The Audi SQ8 is stacked up against the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 53, Range Rover Sport SV, and Porsche Cayenne GTS.
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