Audi has expanded its flagship SUV lineup in India with the launch of the new SQ8, priced at ₹1.78 crore (introductory, ex-showroom). Positioned between the standard Q8 and the high-performance RS Q8, the SQ8 combines luxury with strong performance credentials.
The SQ8 is priced ₹65 lakh higher than the standard Q8, while being ₹56 lakh more affordable than the RS Q8 Performance, making it a balanced option in Audi’s premium SUV range.
Performance and Engine
The SQ8 is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine derived from the RS Q8, tuned to produce 507hp and 770Nm.
It comes paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system. The SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Key performance hardware includes:
- Adaptive air suspension
- Rear-wheel steering
- Sport differential
- Active roll stabilisation
Exterior Design
The SQ8 retains the coupe-style silhouette of the Q8 with added sporty elements.
Key highlights include:
- Matrix LED headlights
- Larger air intakes with silver accents
- 21-inch alloy wheels, optional 22-inch upgrade
- Connected OLED tail-lights
- Quad exhaust outlets and rear diffuser
The SUV is available in multiple colour options such as Ascari Blue, Mythos Black, Daytona Grey, Glacier White, and Sakhir Gold.
Interior and Features
Inside, the SQ8 features a premium all-black cabin with subtle ‘S’ badging.
Key features include:
- 12.3-inch digital driver display
- 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 8.6-inch climate control touchscreen
- 4-zone climate control
- 17-speaker Bang and Olufsen audio system
- Panoramic sunroof
- Wireless charging and soft-close doors
Safety and Technology
The SQ8 comes equipped with a comprehensive safety package:
- 8 airbags
- 360-degree camera with blind spot monitoring
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
- Level 2 ADAS features
Price Positioning in India
| Model | Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|
| Audi Q8 | ₹1.13 crore |
| Audi SQ8 | ₹1.78 crore |
| Audi RS Q8 Performance | ₹2.34 crore |
Final Take
The Audi SQ8 fills the gap between luxury and performance in the Q8 lineup. It offers significantly more power and advanced driving dynamics than the standard Q8, while remaining more accessible than the RS Q8. For buyers looking for a high-performance luxury SUV without going to the extreme end of pricing, the SQ8 presents a strong option.
