Australian pricing and specifications for the first Audi SQ8 TDI have been announced ahead of the diesel V8-powered SUV’s arrival in April.
Priced at $165,500 plus on-road costs, the Audi SQ8 TDI will top the Q8 ‘coupe’ SUV range that arrived Down Under in 55 TFSI and 50 TDI guises last year.
That is until the third quarter of this year, when the bahnstorming Audi RS Q8 -- powered by a 441kW/800Nm petrol V8 -- becomes Audi’s flagship SUV.
While the RS Q8 is claimed to hit 100km/h in an astonishing 3.8 seconds, the SQ8 TDI is said to be a second slower at 4.8sec, but is much more efficient with fuel consumption of 7.8L1/00km.
Matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive, both super-SUVs are powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
The latter replaces the alternator and starter motor to give the engine an extra torque boost under heavy acceleration and from a standing start, while also powering technologies like all-wheel steering, adaptive air suspension and electromechanical active roll stabilisation.
In the Audi SQ8 TDI, the diesel bent eight produces 320kW of power and a huge 900Nm of torque, the latter over 1250-3250rpm. By comparison, the 3.0-litre petrol 55 TFSI and diesel 50 TDI models deliver a respective 250kW/500Nm and 210kW/620Nm.
Standard exterior features include an Audi Sport 'S' body kit comprising unique front and rear bumpers, grille, side sills and tailgate spoiler, 22-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights with dynamic rear indicators, red brake callipers, adaptive air suspension sport, aluminium-look mirrors, tinted windows, power-assisted doors and metallic paint.
Inside, the Audi SQ8 TDI comes with sports seats, diamond-patterned 'Valcona' leather trim, aluminium highlights, black cloth headlining, a three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, four-zone climate control, ambient lighting and glass-surfaced black control buttons with haptic feedback.
Rounding out the tech package is Audi's Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, 10.1- and 8.6-inch touch displays in the centre console and Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity.
How much does the Audi Q8 cost?
Q8 50 TDI – $128,900
Q8 55 TFSI – $128,900
SQ8 TDI quattro – $165,500
RS Q8 – (TBC, arrives Q3)
* Excludes on-road costs