Key highlights
- 2026 Audi SQ8 India launch next month
- Likely to be priced under Rs 2 crore
- Powered by the RS Q8-sourced 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine
Audi India has confirmed that it is bringing a new mid-spec performance version of its flagship Q8 SUV in India, called SQ8. Read below everything we know so far about it.
Also read: Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara launched at INR 10.99 lakh
What to expect from the upcoming 2026 Audi SQ8?
The upcoming SQ8 is going to be the third model in the Q8 lineup. The current Q8 is offered in Standard and RS Q8 variants, where the RS Q8 tops out the range with its sporty engine performance. However, the SQ8 will be positioned between both variants, and it will offer a mix of performance and comfort to the owners.
As far as the details are concerned, it shares its engine specs with the RS Q8, as it uses the same 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo petrol engine that develops 507bhp and 770Nm, figures that are considerably lower than the RS Q8. Moreover, it is 0.5 seconds slower than the RS Q8 in a 0-100 km/h sprint, as it does it in 4.1 seconds. So, the idea with the SQ8 is to offer a muted but powerful performance.
To make this model distinctive, it will get its own bit of exterior and interior styling. On the outside, it will get an S-spec front grille, brushed aluminium highlights around the body kit and mirrors, and S-spec alloy wheels with low-profile tyres. Meanwhile, the interiors are expected to get the Alcantara soft-touch leather, a D-cut S-spec steering wheel, S badging on the seats, door sills, and centre console, and ‘S’ infographics on the driver console and infotainment screen.
Since the Standard variant of the Q8 is priced at Rs 1.13 crore and the RS Q8 is priced at Rs 2.34 crore, we suspect that the SQ8 will be priced around Rs 1.9-2 crore (ex-showroom).
