Audi SQ8

The Audi SQ8 is essentially the new flagship S variant in Q8 SUV’s line-up that will be launched soon in the country. Powered by the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 diesel engine, the 2020 Audi SQ8 features a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that functions through a belt alternator starter connected to the crankshaft. This diesel-powered, five-seater performance car is specific to the US and European markets, albeit, a petrol version of the model will be available in other markets. In terms of pricing, the Audi SQ8 is likely to top out the production Q8 by $15,000 (estimate). 

The SQ8 shares underpinnings with Q8 SUV which is built on the same platform as Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentayga. All the aforementioned models are based on the parent company, Volkswagen’ Group’s MLB Evo architecture. Besides, the SQ8 is likely to borrow the four-wheel steering wheel and the central differential (equipped in the all-wheel-drive system) from Audi Q8, which helps split torque in 40/60 rear bias. 

Visually, the Audi SQ8 gets a redesigned grille in front with matte silver finishing. Also new are the LED-equipped headlamps, new aluminum finished mirrors and the restyled air-inlets. Moving to the sides, it gets 21-inch alloy wheels as standard and a choice of 22-inch unit that can be availed on request. The rear-end sports matte black finished diffusers with quad exhausts. An additional black styling package is expected to be offered on the SQ8, which is missing in the production Q8. 

On the inside, it is likely to get the same twin touchscreen set-up which comes with Audi Q8 and Audi’s virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster featuring graphics and displays specific to the S variant. Talking of the Audi SQ8 specifications, it will be available with a mighty 4.0-litre, turbo-diesel mild-hybrid V8 diesel engine tuned to put out a massive power of 435 hp against towering torque of 900Nm. This unit is claimed to be the most powerful engine in Europe by the German car giant. An eight-speed automatic transmission is paired to the oil burner which transmits drive to all four wheels. The adaptive air suspension will be standard on the coupe-styled SUV and it is likely to get an optional advanced suspension package with a sport differential. As for the 2.9-litre turbocharged V6 petrol unit, it will be added to the line-up later. While details for the petrol unit are still under the wraps, Audi is expected to use this engine in the new S6 and S7 models. 

In terms of performance, the 4.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine is claimed to achieve the 0 to 100 kmph sprint within 4.8 seconds with speed topping out at 250 kmph. The high displacing V8 unit has been designed to automatically turn off one of the turbochargers at low speeds which in turn boosts fuel economy. As for the 48-volt mild-hybrid system, it can produce around 11hp under braking and keep the engine active for less than a minute at speeds ranging between 55 km/h to 160 kmph. In its segment, the five-seater SUV will field against models including BMW X6, Porsche Cayenne, Maserati Levante, Mercedes-AMG GLE coupe and Tesla Model X.