Audi SQ8 Set For India Debut With V8 Power On March 17 – More Details Inside

Audi SQ8 Set For India Debut With V8 Power On March 17 – More Details Inside

When it comes to luxury SUVs in India, there is a clear line between comfort and outright performance and Audi is now preparing well for this market segment in India. The German luxury carmaker has confirmed that the Audi SQ8 will be launched in India on March 17, 2026 and it promises to be a serious performance machine without going all the way into extreme RS territory.

Audi SQ8 India Launch (AI-Generated Representational Graphic)

Audi currently offers the Q8 as its stylish flagship SUV and the RS Q8 as the performance cars. The SQ8 will sit between these two. This will be more aggressive than the regular Q8, but not as wild or expensive as the RS Q8.

Globally, Audi SQ8 is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine that produces 500 bhp and 770 Nm of torque, which means a serious muscle power. Power is sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic gearbox, thanks to Audi’s famous quattro all-wheel-drive system. Audi claims the SQ8 can sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in just 4.1 seconds with the top speed electronically limited to 250 kmph.

The regular Q8 uses a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 engine producing 335 bhp. On the other hand, the RS Q8 takes the same V8 engine but tuned much more aggressively to produce 631 bhp. So, the SQ8 offers a middle ground which will be powerful, but still usable for daily driving.

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Design-wise, the SQ8 retains the coupe-SUV silhouette of the Q8 but adds sporty touches. It gets a bold single-frame grille with a silver surround, larger air inlets in the bumper, bigger alloy wheels, S badging on the sides and darker exterior trim. At the rear, there is a full-width LED light bar and quad exhaust pipes.

Inside, the cabin remains luxurious and tech-heavy. Expect Audi’s fully digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreen setup, flat-bottom steering wheel and premium leather with Alcantara upholstery. Features such as multi-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, head-up display, ventilated and massage seats, and a premium sound system are likely to be part of the package.

In terms of pricing, the Audi SQ8 is expected to be introduced between Rs 1.49 crore and Rs 1.75 crore (ex-showroom). That places it right between the Q8 which is priced at Rs 1.13 crore and the RS Q8 which is priced at Rs 2.34 crore.

For buyers who want a luxury SUV with genuine sports car performance without stepping into the extreme RS territory, the SQ8 could be the perfect balance. With its March 17 launch, Audi seems ready to give Indian enthusiasts another reason to look at performance SUVs.

Shivani Sharmma is a passionate and driven automotive enthusiast with over seven years of diversified experience in journalism, content strategy, auto…

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