Audi SQ8 Bookings Commence Ahead of March 17 Launch

Audi has officially started accepting bookings for the upcoming SQ8 in India ahead of its launch on March 17. Interested buyers can reserve an SQ8 by paying a booking fee of ₹5,00,000 through the Audi India website or myAudi Connect application. The SUV will be slotted between the regular Q8 and the high-performance RS Q8.

Audi SQ8: Design & Features

On the outside, the Audi SQ8 feels very familiar to the standard Q8 with the ‘S’ badging on the tailgate to differentiate it from the latter. The only other visual difference between the two variants is a slightly wider air dam on the front bumper. Up front, it will flaunt Audi’s signature singleframe grille and a sporty bumper with silver inserts in the front. At the rear, the SQ8 features a full-width light bar, a diffuser-style bumper, quad exhaust outlets, and a roof-mounted spoiler, all of which enhance its sporty appearance.

Inside the cabin, things remain largely unchanged. It continues with Alcantara and leather upholstery, along with twin 12.3-inch displays for the infotainment system and instrument cluster, that feature ‘S’-specific graphics. The equipment list is expected to include a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, and powered front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions.

Audi SQ8: Powertrain

Powering the Audi SQ8 is a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 TFSI petrol engine that delivers 500 bhp and 770 Nm of peak torque. Audi says the SQ8 can sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in just 4.1 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250 kmph. Power is delivered through Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Adaptive air suspension and all-wheel steering further improve both agility and ride comfort.

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Audi SQ8: Expected Price & Rivals

Audi is likely to price the upcoming SQ8 around ₹1.90 crore (ex-showroom), positioned between the standard Q8 and the RS Q8. The Audi SQ8 will go up against the likes of Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 AMG Coupe and Porsche Cayenne GTS.