• Distinctive styling, appointment and outstanding performance put the SQ8 e-tron models in a class of their own
• Three electric motors, 370kW and 973Nm of torque, for scintillating performance from the brand's large, luxury SUV models
• Mannering: "The SQ8 e-tron adds the brand's renowned 'S' performance and handling to an already impressive package"

Zetland, 07 December 2023 – Assuming their position at the top of the brand's luxury, all- electric SUV ranks, the SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron will arrive in Australia in 2024. Joining the recently released Audi Q8 e-tron models in Audi Australia's large, all-electric SUV range, the SQ8 e-tron models are immediately identified by their distinctive styling cues and offer even greater power and performance as well as fast-charging.

"The Audi 'S' models have always stood apart with their exceptional performance and handling as well as distinctive styling and additional equipment," says Jeff Mannering, Director of Audi Australia. "The new SQ8 e-tron models now apply that coveted 'S' treatment to the top of our electric SUV range with results that impress right across the board."

"The SQ8 e-tron makes a compelling case for those who value all of the benefits of electric mobility but equally want to enjoy the excitement and engagement of high-performance motoring without compromise."

Aerodynamic design: aesthetically powerful

The SQ8 e-tron continues Audi's new model designations and replace the Audi e-tron S models going forward. Available in both SUV and Sportback body styles, the SQ8 e-tron's strong design is further enhanced with the addition of an S exterior as well as featuring subtle additional design cues that point to its specialist nature. Featuring the new two-dimensional treatment of the brand's four-ringed logo, the Singleframe projection light which is unique to SQ8 e-tron and serves as a visual link between the Matrix LED headlights, providing the vehicle with its own unique light signature.

Both body styles have been optimised for reduced drag and maximum efficiency, a drag coefficient of 0.30 for the SUV design and 0.27 for the Sportback not only a testament to their aerodynamics but also enhancing their sporty look.

Less obvious visually but aiding in achieving the aerodynamic efficiency are controllable cool-air intakes and new wheel spoilers on the underbody of the vehicle which ensure streamlined airflow around the wheels.

This new S model rides on larger wheels than its predecessor, with 22-inch Audi Sport alloy rims in a distinctive five-arm interference design in titanium grey, while brake callipers are finished in red. The side mirrors are of course electrically adjusted and heated and feature auto-dimming and memory functions and as with all S models, they feature an aluminium-look finish.

Metallic paint (excluding Soneira Red), privacy glass and a panoramic sunroof are all standard equipment on the SQ8 e-tron models.

Advanced performance: the power of S

variants, the new SQ8 e-tron employs three asynchronous motors to deliver its unparalleled performance, with two driving the rear axle and another driving the front.

Boasting even greater power than its predecessor, the SQ8 e-tron's three motors produce 370kW and 973Nm of torque on boost, resulting in a 0 to 100km/h sprint of just 4.5 seconds, on the way to a governed top speed of 210km/h. This extraordinary acceleration, coupled with electric quattro all-wheel drive and adaptive air suspension sport give the SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron agility and handling that belie their size and level of luxury appointment

The SQ8 e-tron uses a powerful, 106 kWh (net) battery (114 kWh gross) – the largest battery currently available in a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). This offers DC charging performance of up to 170 kW which can deliver charging (under ideal conditions) from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 31 minutes.

Sumptuous interior: cutting-edge technology

As with all of Audi Sport's S models, the Audi SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron combine superbly crafted interiors with the very latest technology, infotainment and luxury appointment. With luxurious Valcona leather throughout and heated S Sport front seats embossed with the familiar S logo and with distinctive diamond pattern – the feel is sporty yet elegant.

Subtlety and seamless function are the driving factors in an interior that features the Audi virtual cockpit plus with three individual display options (e-tron, Sport and Classic) as well as the sublime Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system with 16 speakers.

Four-zone climate control allows the occupants to tailor the temperature to perfection while colour interior ambient lighting helps tailor the mood.

Numerous little touches abound, from the floormats with the S logo, to the gloss black finishes on the operating controls and aluminium look interior trim. The leather multi-function steering wheel is electronically adjusted and is also heated for the driver's comfort, while head-up display allows the driver to monitor speed and navigation without looking away from the road.

The extensive vehicle and infotainment functions are controlled via the touchscreen with audio and haptic feedback positioned within easy reach of the driver and front passenger. These include all of the connected functions available through the Audi connect plus such as navigation and infotainment as well as security and assistance.

Of course the likes of Audi smartphone interface (Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay) are standard inclusions, along with Audi phone box light with wireless charging (for mobile phones with the Qi standard), Digital radio DAB+ and two USB outlets both for the front seats with charging and connectivity and two more for the rear with charging function.

Advanced technology: safety and driver assistance

Of course safety is always a priority for Audi and the SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron are no exception, with an impressive complement of driver assistance and safety systems as standard equipment. These include Adaptive cruise control with speed limiter and traffic jam assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) including pedestrian and cyclist detection, collision avoidance assist, turn assist, exit assist, intersection assist, rear cross-traffic assist and lane charge warning (side assist).

The systems also include front and rear parking sensors and 360-degree cameras which include kerb view function for negotiating difficult parking situations, while a tyre pressure loss indicator notifies the driver if tyre pressures dip below optimal for whatever reason.

Additional equipment: Sensory package

SQ8 e-tron experience even further, a Sensory package will be offered which includes additional equipment and interior trim. From the addition of Digital Matrix LED headlights to door entrance LED lights for the front and rear, the Sensory Package includes both practical and cosmetic enhancements. Soft close and latching doors heighten the luxurious experience, along with heated outer rear seats, manually operated sunshades for the rear windows and the upper and lower dashboard elements upholstered in leather. Even the atmosphere within the sumptuous cabin receives attention with the addition of an air quality package.

Customers will also be able to opt for a 22kW AC charging package for even greater convenience, with an additional second onboard charger (up to 22kW three phase) and an Audi connect charger, up to 22kW AC three phase.

Peace-of-mind for Audi owners

The Audi SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron come with six years Audi scheduled servicing as well as six years Audi roadside assist and a six years public charging subscription to the Chargefox network – Australia's largest EV charging network of which Audi Australia is a founding partner.

The SQ8 e-tron models also come with the peace-of-mind of a five-year warranty and 12 years manufacturing warranty for bodywork against corrosion perforation for new vehicles, as well as an eight-year battery warranty.

Market Introduction

The new Audi SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron models will arrive in Audi dealerships in the second quarter of 2024.