The new Audi SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron will arrive Down Under from the second quarter of 2024, with prices to start at $173,600 plus on-road costs.
As with its predecessor – the e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback – there are two body styles on offer with one main option package. Compared to the outgoing range, prices are up by about $8000.
That increase in price is offset somewhat by drivetrain developments, largely centring around a 30 per cent increase to driving range thanks to a new, larger nickel-cobalt-aluminium (NCA) battery which can also be charged faster (170kW v 150kW).
SQ8 Sportback e-tron
Other changes include improved aerodynamics thanks to the refreshed design, larger alloy wheels as standard (previously a $1600 option).
Performance is unchanged, with the 370kW/973Nm tri-motor electric drive system carrying over for the facelift. Both body styles will sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds, with top speed limited to 210km/h.
SQ8 e-tron models come standard with adaptive air suspension sport, a specially tuned version of Audi’s air-sprung chassis that is more performance-focused than the standard Q8 e-tron range.
Pricing
SQ8 e-tron
- Audi SQ8 e-tron: $173,600
- Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron: $180,600
Prices exclude on-road costs
Standard Equipment
Exterior
- 22-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels
- Red brake calipers
- Matrix LED headlights
- Electric, heated side mirrors
- Auto-dimming
- Memory function
- Aluminium-look finish
- Metallic paint
- Rear privacy glass
- Panoramic sunroof
Interior
- Valcona leather upholstery
- S Sport seats incl. S logo embossed
- 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus
- 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio
- 4-zone climate control
- S floor mats
- Aluminium-look interior trim
- Electric steering column adjustment
- Head-up display
- Audi smartphone interface
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wired Android Auto
- Audi phone box light
- Wireless smartphone charger
- DAB+ digital radio
- 2 x USB outlets, front
- 2 x USB outlets, rear
Assistance
- Adaptive cruise control
- Speed limiter
- Traffic jam assist
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian, cyclist detection
- Collision avoidance assist
- Exit assist
- Intersection assist AEB
- Parking sensors front, rear
- Rear cross-traffic assist
- Side assist
- Blind-spot warning
- Turn assist AEB
- Tyre pressure monitor
- 360-degree cameras
Options
Sensory package ($TBA)
- Digital Matrix LED headlights
- Door entrance LED lights front, rear
- Soft-close doors
- Heated outer rear seats
- Manual sunshades, rear
- Extended leather package
- Upper, lower dashboard elements
- Air quality package
22kW AC charging package ($TBA)
Servicing and Warranty
In addition to Audi’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, buyers of the SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron receive six years of free scheduled servicing and roadside assist.
Further, both electric SUVs come with a six-year public charging subscription to the Chargefox network.
The high-voltage battery, meanwhile, is warranted for eight years.
