The 2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron has arrived, adding an extra dose of performance to Audi’s flagship luxury electric SUV.
Three electric motors power the new Audi SQ8 e-tron and Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron – one at the front axle and two positioned in the rear – offering 94 more horsepower and 309 Nm of torque more than the 2024 Q8 e-tron.
The three motor drivetrain offers superior straight-line performance, along with improved dynamics and traction capabilities thanks to standard electric torque vectoring. The additional rear motor also increases the SQ8 e-tron’s peak output to 496 hp and 973 Nm of torque. In its boost mode, the 2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 4.2 seconds.
In terms of appearance, the 2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron are immediately identifiable by distinctive silver rocker-panel accents and aluminum-look exterior mirror housings, matched by similar treatments on the front fascia and rear diffuser.
When compared to the 2024 Q8 e-tron, the SQ8 e-tron is also differentiated by flared fenders that widen the body overall by 39 mm. 20-inch 5-V-spoke design wheels are standard.
Six-piston fixed aluminum red calipers at the front clamp 400 mm diameter two-piece steel brake rotors to provide stopping power. In the rear, sliding single piston red calipers are mated to 350 mm diameter ventilated steel brake rotors.
The SQ8’s interior features standard 12-way adjustable power S-logo embossed front sport seats wrapped in Valcona leather with contrast diamond stitching, with available colors of Black, Rotor Gray, and Arras Red. Inside, SQ8 e-tron models are further differentiated with the addition of a performance themed Carbon square structure interior trim finish as standard, replacing the open pore wood offerings of the Q8 e-tron.
As in the Q8 e-tron, the SQ8 e-tron offers standard four-zone automatic climate control with a heat pump and comfort pre-conditioning.
The SQ8 e-tron incorporates the Audi MMI touch response operating system as standard. Its two large high-resolution displays – an upper 10.1-inch and lower 8.6-inch display with haptic touch technology – provide a clean, uncluttered interior design. Beyond operation with the two touch displays, many features can be activated through natural voice control.
The digital display and user experience in the SQ8 e-tron are complemented by the standard Audi virtual cockpit with full HD resolution display. Specific graphics depict all the important aspects of electric driving, from charging performance to range; various driver assistance functionalities, such as Adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance; and of course basic driving information, like vehicle speed. All SQ8 e-tron models also come standard with a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 3D sound.
