Audi India will launch the SQ8 variant of its flagship SUV on March 17. The Audi Q8 is currently offered in standard and range-topping RS Q8 guises, with the SQ8 slotting between the two. Beyond performance, the mid-spec variant is also likely to feature distinct exterior and interior bits to differentiate it from the rest of the line-up. We expect the Audi SQ8 price to be around Rs 1.9 crore, ex-showroom, considering that the standard and the RS Q8 variants are priced at Rs 1.13 crore and Rs 2.34 crore, respectively.
- SQ8 shares its 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with the hotter RS Q8 variant
- 0-100kph sprint is done in 4.1 seconds, 0.5 seconds slower than the RS Q8
- Distinctive silver detailing has been applied to certain exterior parts
Audi SQ8 engine and gearbox
507hp, 770Nm
The SQ8 shares its 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with the 640hp, 850Nm RS Q8. However, the petrol mill has been detuned here to produce 507hp and 770Nm; the standard version, for reference, gets a 3-litre turbo-petrol motor belting out peak outputs of 340hp and 500Nm. Transmission duties are handled by an 8-speed automatic gearbox, sending drive to all four wheels. Audi claims that this setup sends the SQ8 from a standstill to 100kph in 4.1 seconds.
Audi SQ8 exterior and interior
Silver grille inserts; S-specific badging on steering wheels and seats
Up front, it gets a distinctive silver surround for the massive grille, flanked by LED Matrix headlights. This detailing extends to the L- or J-shaped grille inserts (depending on the side you’re viewing), the sculpted bumper air inlets, the outside rearview mirror (ORVM) housings, the slim trim on the rear bumper, and under the doors. In international markets, 21-inch wheels are standard, with 22-inch units offered as an option. Carbon-ceramic brake discs are also standard in some countries. Beyond these cosmetic changes, the overall silhouette of the car remains the same.
The interior has a mix of leather and Alcantara upholstery, and the ‘S’ badging on the seats and steering wheel adds to the sporty undertone. Stainless steel pedals and a matching footrest, along with aluminium inlays on the door sills have been provided. Like the standard Q8, the SQ8 features Audi’s twin-screen MMI setup and a 12.3-inch driver’s display with S-specific graphics. Other cabin highlights include multi-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, a Bang & Olufsen sound system and powered seats with heating, ventilation and massage functions. That said, the final equipment list will depend on how Audi chooses to spec the India-bound SQ8.
Suraj Viswanathan
Dipan Sur
Lenny D'sa
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Rivan RS 
Ameya Dandekar
