The V8 Middle Child is Here: Audi SQ8 Hits India at Rs 1.78 Crore!
If you thought the Audi Q8 was just a pretty face, think again. Audi India has just dropped the SQ8, the performance-tuned “middle child” that bridges the gap between the luxury-focused Q8 and the track-ready monster, the RS Q8.
For the enthusiast who wants supercar-slaying performance without sacrificing the ability to actually drive over a speed breaker, the SQ8 might just be the perfect “Salah” from the salahcar.
The Heart of the Beast: V8 or Nothing
The headline here is under the hood. While the standard Q8 makes do with a V6, the SQ8 inherits the legendary 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 from its RS sibling.
- Power: 507hp (down from the RS Q8’s 640hp, but still massive)
- Torque: 770Nm
- 0-100 kmph: A blistering 4.1 seconds
- Top Speed: Electronically limited to 250 kmph
It’s paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox and, of course, the legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Spicy Looks: S-Specific Sauce
You’ll know it’s an SQ8 the moment you see it in your rearview mirror. It features:
- The Grille: A massive Singleframe grille with a honeycomb pattern and a matte silver surround.
- The Shoes: Standard 21-inch alloy wheels (upgradeable to 23s if you’re feeling extra).
- The Rear: The signature quad-exhaust setup that lets everyone know this isn’t your average grocery getter.
- The Lights: HD Matrix LED headlights with customizable light signatures and connected OLED taillights.
Interior: Luxury Meets “S” Portiness
Inside, it’s a tech-fest. You get the dual-touchscreen setup (10.1-inch and 8.6-inch) and the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit, but with S-specific graphics. The cabin is draped in Valcona leather and Alcantara, featuring “S” embossed sport seats that come with heating, cooling, and even massage functions.
To top it off, a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system ensures that if the V8 isn’t making enough noise for you, your playlist will.
The Salahcar Verdict
At Rs 1.78 crore, the SQ8 is roughly Rs 65 lakh more than the standard Q8 but a whopping Rs 56 lakh cheaper than the RS Q8.
It’s for the buyer who wants the status of a flagship SUV, the soul of a performance car, and the practicality of a daily driver. It competes directly with the likes of the BMW X5 M60i and the Porsche Cayenne.
