Audi India is gearing up to introduce the SQ8 performance SUV to its Indian lineup on March 17, bridging the gap between the standard Q8 and the track-focused RS Q8 variant. This mid-tier performance offering promises to deliver supercar-rivaling acceleration wrapped in luxury SUV practicality.
Positioning and Expected Pricing
The SQ8 will occupy the sweet spot in Audi’s Q8 family hierarchy. With the base Q8 retailing at Rs 1.13 crore and the flagship RS Q8 commanding Rs 2.34 crore (both ex-showroom), industry watchers anticipate the SQ8 to arrive with a price tag hovering around Rs 1.9 crore, ex-showroom.
Performance Credentials
Powertrain Specifications
Under the hood, the SQ8 employs the same 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 powerplant found in its RS sibling, though calibrated for a different character. The engine delivers:
- Power output: 507 horsepower
- Torque: 770 Newton-meters
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic with Quattro all-wheel drive
- 0-100 kph acceleration: 4.1 seconds
While marginally slower than the RS Q8’s blistering 3.6-second sprint, the SQ8’s performance figures still place it firmly in supercar territory—impressive for a full-size luxury SUV.
Design Elements and Exterior Features
The SQ8 distinguishes itself through carefully executed aesthetic touches. Silver accents dominate the exterior theme, appearing on the expansive grille surround, J-shaped grille inserts, lower air intake surrounds, mirror housings, door trim, and rear bumper detailing.
Wheel options in international markets range from standard 21-inch alloys to optional 22-inch designs. Select global markets also receive carbon-ceramic brake discs as standard equipment, though Indian specifications remain to be confirmed.
Interior Appointments
The cabin blends performance-oriented design with luxury appointments:
Materials and Trim
- Leather and Alcantara upholstery combination
- ‘S’ badging on steering wheel and seats
- Stainless steel pedal cluster with matching footrest
- Aluminum door sill inlays
Technology and Comfort
- Dual-screen MMI infotainment system
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with SQ8-specific graphics
- Multi-zone automatic climate control
- Panoramic sunroof
- Head-up display
- Bang & Olufsen premium audio system
- Power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions
Market Positioning
The SQ8 caters to enthusiasts seeking RS Q8 performance credentials without the extreme pricing, while offering substantially more power than the 340-horsepower, 3.0-liter turbocharged engine in the standard Q8.
This strategic positioning should appeal to buyers who prioritize driving dynamics but prefer a more accessible entry point into Audi’s performance SUV segment.
Note: Final specifications and feature list for the India-spec SQ8 will be confirmed at launch on March 17.
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