Audi unveils new SQ8, will arrive in Australia by the first half of 2020

The premium car manufacturer, Audi Sport, has taken the wraps off its new performance SUV, SQ8. It will hit the Australian market during the first half of the next year. The car will arm one of the most powerful diesel engines, which is also its main highlight.

The Audi SQ8 TDI comes with a lot of model-specific upgrades. The front and rear bumpers get underbody protection and the coaster rides on 21-inch alloys along with the option to choose 22-inch alloy wheels. After that, it features a new grille insert, a sports exhaust system, and air inlets. As for the headlights, it is fitted with LED technology along with having the high-beam assist. There is also an option to upgrade it to HD Matrix.

Getting inside the car, one will be welcomed with sports seats having the contrast stitch and ‘S’ embossing. The inlays are built with brushed matte aluminium and the option to go with carbon-fibre or oak. The car gets a Virtual Cockpit driver’s display of 12.3-inch and it is supported by the MMI infotainment software along with Amazon Alexa integration.

Audi SQ8 TDI is powered by a turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 oil-burner that is aided by an additional electric compressor and two conventional turbochargers. The engine is capable of pushing out a maximum power of 429 hp along with a peak torque of 900 Nm. The 0 to 100 kmph sprint can be done in just 4.8 seconds before attaining the top speed of 250 kmph.

To assist the driver, the car comes with adaptive cruise assist that includes lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and traffic jam assist. The SUV also features a 360-degree camera, intersection assist, an efficiency assistant and blind-spot monitoring having the rear cross-traffic alert.

The premium nameplate equips a sports-tuned variant of Audi’s air suspension that helps to adjust body’s level up to 90mm, which depends on the terrain and the speed of the car. A sport differential unit comes as an option.