The Audi SQ8 will arrive in the United States this spring and the automaker has announced pricing will start at US$ 89,000. Designed to slot between the Q8 and the upcoming RS Q8, the SQ8 features a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 petrol engine that produces 500 hp and 769 Nm of torque.

The engine is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission which sends power to a rear-biased quattro all-wheel drive system. This enables the crossover to rocket from 0-96 km/h in just 4.3 seconds. Speaking of performance, the SQ8 comes with all-wheel steering and can be equipped with an optional Sport Package. The latter adds active roll stabilization , red brake calipers and a quattro sport differential.


On the styling front, the crossover is a tad more aggressive as it features a sporty diffuser, a four-tailpipe sports exhaust system and 21-inch wheels wrapped in all-season tires. Customers looking for something more unique can opt for the Black-optic package. It features black accents on the grille surround, mirror caps and roof rails as well as 22-inch wheels with an anthracite finish. Moving inside the cabin, buyers will find a heated flat-bottomed steering wheel and Valcona leather sport seats with diamond stitching. The latter are perforated and have heating and ventilation.

Other highlights include a panoramic sunroof, ambient interior lighting and a four-zone automatic climate control system. There’s also a wireless smartphone charger, a Bang & Olufsen audio system and aluminum spectrum trim. Of course, there’s also a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch infotainment system and an 8.6-inch lower display for adjusting climate control, comfort and convenience settings.


An assortment of options will be available including massaging front seats, heated rear seats and extended leather upholstery. The crossover can also be equipped with a color head-up display, a Wi-Fi hotspot and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D advanced sound system. Customers can also choose carbon vector or gray oak high-gloss wood trim.

On the safety front, the SQ8 comes with assortment of driver assistance systems including Audi pre sense city which helps to detect vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists in the vehicle’s path. The model also has pre sense rear, side assist, rear cross traffic assist, vehicle exit warning and a surround view camera system. Customers can also add options such as adaptive cruise assist, intersection assist, turn assist and traffic sign recognition technology. Besides the base model, there will be a Prestige variant that costs US$ 94,500. Audi didn’t go into specifics, but confirmed it features additional standard equipment such as the aforementioned head-up display.