Audi SQ8 India Launch Set For March 17: Here's What You Can Expect

Updated: Friday, March 13, 2026, 11:47 [IST]

German luxury carmaker Audi will launch the SQ8 performance SUV on March 17, expanding its Q8 line-up in the country. Bookings for the Audi SQ8 have already opened with a token amount of ₹5 lakh through the brand's website and the myAudi Connect app.

The Audi SQ8 will sit between the standard Q8 and the range-topping RS Q8 and prices for the sporty version of the German marque's flagship SUV will be revealed when it launches on the 17th of March.

Audi SQ8: Performance & Driving Tech

The Audi SQ8 is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine. This is, in essence, a detuned version of the engine that powers the RS Q8, and in the SQ8, it pushes out 507hp and 770Nm of peak torque. The SQ8's engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to all four wheels through Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system.

The SQ8's power output is lower than the RS Q8 Performance, which produces 640hp and 850Nm (133hp and 80Nm more than the SQ8). However, the SQ8 is a lot more powerful when compared to the standard Q8, which uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 that produces 340hp and 500Nm (167hp and 220Nm less than the SQ8).

Audi claims the SQ8 can accelerate from 0-100kph in 4.1 seconds, and the SUV's top speed is electronically limited to 250kph. The acceleration figure places the SQ8 between the Q8 and the RS Q8 in the line-up. The standard Q8 takes 5.6 seconds to reach 100kph, while the RS Q8 Performance completes the sprint in 3.6 seconds.

The Audi SQ8 comes standard with adaptive air suspension. The SQ8 also features rear-wheel steering and a sport differential as part of its performance hardware. The S Sport package also adds red brake callipers and active roll stabilisation.

Audi SQ8: Design & Features

The SQ8 retains the coupe-SUV silhouette of the Q8 but introduces sport-specific design elements in the form of larger air intakes in the front bumper, S badging and quad exhaust tips.

The SQ8 also gets Matrix LED headlamps as standard. Alloy wheel sizes on the international SQ8 model range from 21 inches to 23 inches, and we expect the India-spec. The rear design remains similar to other Q8 variants, with full-width LED-connected taillights, though it does gain the S badging on the tailgate.

A dual 12.3-inch screen setup for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system dominates the Audi SQ8's dashboard. The touchscreen infotainment unit supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The driver display includes S-specific graphics.

The cabin of the Audi SQ8 is upholstered mostly in Alcantara and leather, with the seats sporting S badging embroidered into them. Other highlights of the cabin include a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, multi-zone climate control, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system, along with powered front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions.

Audi SQ8: Expected Pricing & Rivals

The Audi SQ8 is expected to be priced around the ₹1.8-1.9 crore (ex-showroom) mark, positioning it between the "base" Q8, which is priced at ₹1.13 crore and the range-topping RS Q8 that commands a price tag of ₹2.34 crore (all prices are ex-showroom). The new Audi SQ8 will rival the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe and the Porsche Cayenne GTS in the Indian luxury SUV market.