Photo: Audi
About a year after revealing the sexy new Q8 SUV model, Audi has unveiled the SQ8, a performance version with a mighty 4.0 TDI engine. The model is aimed squarely at the European market, but there might be a TFSI version coming to the States.
Everything about the SQ8 is predictable, but that's good. Audi isn't surprised us with downsized engines or super-fake exhaust tips that are just pieces of trim (like it did with the S6 and S7). Instead, we're just getting the same powerful engine technology as in the SQ7, but in a much sexier package. Is it on the same level as the luxury of the Bentayga or the performance of the Urus? No, but it doesn't need to be.
As we've already stated, the SQ8 uses a 4.0-liter TDI with two turbochargers in a hot V. They're also sequential to generate more power. And for an added boost, an electric supercharger pumps in air into the intake just before the turbos can spin up. The outcome is 435 HP (320 kW) and 900 Nm of torque (664 lb-ft).
Audi says that the 0 to 100 km/h sprint is taken care of in 4.8 seconds, but we wouldn't be surprised if it's a little faster in the real world. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).
It's not just the engine that borrows technology from the SQ7. Thanks to the 48-volt electric architecture, the SQ8 comes with active roll stabilization. Further assistance comes from a limited slip differential.
As for styling, we think they've done just enough. The grille was already super-large on the regular model, so they just changed the mesh pattern, tweaked the diffuser and a rear diffuser. There is a lot of matte silver detailing everywhere which we love, but there's probably going to be an option to have everything black.
The interior is mostly the same, save for the flat-bottomed steering wheel with perforated leather. The debut model shows carbon trim and burgundy red leather on seats that are quite similar to the S line. The aluminum pedals aren't that different from what you'd find in a Golf, though.
As we've already stated, the SQ8 uses a 4.0-liter TDI with two turbochargers in a hot V. They're also sequential to generate more power. And for an added boost, an electric supercharger pumps in air into the intake just before the turbos can spin up. The outcome is 435 HP (320 kW) and 900 Nm of torque (664 lb-ft).
Audi says that the 0 to 100 km/h sprint is taken care of in 4.8 seconds, but we wouldn't be surprised if it's a little faster in the real world. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).
It's not just the engine that borrows technology from the SQ7. Thanks to the 48-volt electric architecture, the SQ8 comes with active roll stabilization. Further assistance comes from a limited slip differential.
As for styling, we think they've done just enough. The grille was already super-large on the regular model, so they just changed the mesh pattern, tweaked the diffuser and a rear diffuser. There is a lot of matte silver detailing everywhere which we love, but there's probably going to be an option to have everything black.
The interior is mostly the same, save for the flat-bottomed steering wheel with perforated leather. The debut model shows carbon trim and burgundy red leather on seats that are quite similar to the S line. The aluminum pedals aren't that different from what you'd find in a Golf, though.
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