Audi has brought the SQ8 to Indian shores! Launched at an introductory price of ₹1.78 crore, the SQ8 sits between the regular Q8 and the hot-shot RSQ8 in the brand's flagship SUV lineup. As a result, it gets a few dynamic styling elements inside out, without going all in like its elder sibling, and the same 4-litre twin-turbo V8, albeit with slightly less power.
Exteriors
The SQ8 offers signature S-line elements such as a new revised grille, bigger air intake, sporty bumpers and quad exhaust pipes at the rear. It gets Audi's signature DOT-matrix LED headlamps with LED tail lamps. The overall silhouette is similar to the Audi Q8 and RSQ8, with the SQ8 offering distinctive silver trim on the grille and parts of the front and rear bumper.
Powertrain
The SQ8 is powered by a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that also does duty on its bigger sibling, the RSQ8. On the SQ8, it produces 504bhp and 770Nm of torque. The engine is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox with quattro all-wheel-drive system, which sends 60 per cent of the power to the rear wheels and 40 per cent of the power to the front wheels. Audi claims it can reach 0 to 100kmph in just 4.1 seconds while the top speed is electronically limited to 250kmph.
It is also equipped with Audi's active air suspension with adaptive dampers and active roll bars to help with its sporty driving dynamics. Four-wheel steering is offered to make the car nimble at low speeds and also increase stability while cornering at higher speeds.
Interiors
On the inside, the SQ8 gets distinctive S-line treatment, with S badges on the seats and the steering wheel. The steering wheel has a flat bottom to remind you that you are driving a sporty car. The interior is trimmed with leather and a generous amount of Alcantara sprinkled all over. It gets a 12.3-inch digital driver's display, a 10.1-inch infotainment screen and an 8-inch display to control functions like the climate control and other connectivity features.
Other features include a panoramic sunroof, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless phone charger. Bang and Olufsen sound system is standard, along with heated and ventilated seats with massage function and a heads-up display for the driver.
Price and competitors
The SQ8 is launched in India at a price of ₹1.78 crore and sits between the Q8, which sits at ₹1.13 crore, and the RSQ8, which starts at 2.34 crore. Its main competitors are the Porsche Cayenne GTS, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53, and the BMW X5 M Sport. Bookings have already started for the SQ8, and deliveries are expected to start in April 2026.
