Audi Q8 News

Audi has once again catered to individual market demands, this time developing separate versions of its SQ7 and SQ8 high-performance SUVs for Europe and North America

Audi has ripped the covers of its flagship RS Q8 SUV at this year's Los Angeles motor show, armed with a stonking 441kW/800Nm twin-turbo petrol V8.Due to hit Australian showrooms in the third quarter next year, the RS Q8 large SUV will wear a pricetag nor

Audi has revealed a new S version of the Q8, which is the latest addition to its stable of performance SUVs which already includes the SQ5 and SQ7. Using the same 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 diesel engine as the larger SQ7, the 320kW/900Nm SQ8 TDI (as it's officially known) is claimed to be capable of a 4.8 second 0-100km/h sprint - 0.1 seconds quicker than the SQ7 - and an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. Like the SQ7, the SQ8 uses a mild-hybrid system that uses a 48-volt lithium-ion battery, as well as a clever alternator that recovers up to 8kW of energy during braking to aid both performance and efficiency when accelerating.The SQ8 uses the same adaptive air suspension system with optional four-wheel steering as the SQ7, as well as a rear-biased sports differential with rear axle torque vectoring and new active anti-roll bars. Naturally, Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system is standard, as is an eight-speed automatic transmission. Some global markets such as North America will receive a V6 turbo-petrol, but Audi Australia has confirmed that we will join Europe in only receiving diesel.More stylistically aggressive than the standard Q8, the SQ8 features deeper air intakes, a more pronounced grille, quad tailpipes and 21-inch wheels (22s are optional) to set it apart from regular Q8 models. Optionally available are carbon ceramic brakes and matrix LED lighting. Inside, the SQ8's changes are more subtle than the exterior with unique interior trims and colour combinations, an S-specific version of the company's 'Virtual Cockpit' 12.3-inch digital dials, embossed S logos, stainless steel pedals and aluminium door sill inlays. Amazon Alexa has also been integrated into the multimedia system for the first time in an Audi. Audi Australia spokesperson Shaun Cleary has confirmed with CarsGuide a “first half of 2020” local arrival for the SQ8 TDI. Pricing and specifications are yet to be announced, but expect a healthy premium over the $128,900 Q8 55 TFSI quattro.

The 2019 Audi Q8 range will hit showrooms early in the new year, lead at first by a petrol-powered version with a diesel model to follow by mid-year.

Images of Audi’s newest SUV - the 2019 Audi Q8 - have been leaked online.