Audi Introduces ‘Sportier’ Version Of Q8 In India; SQ8 Launched At Rs 1.78 Crore

Audi India has introduced a new sporty version of the Q8 coupe-SUV, called the SQ8 in India at a price of Rs 1.78 Crore (ex-showroom). With upwards of 500 PS under the hood and an aggressive body kit, it presents a significant upgrade over the standard version, while retaining the high-quality interior and cutting edge features. Here is a detailed breakdown of what the SQ8 is like:

 

 

 

 

 

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2026 Audi SQ8: Price

Audi has launched the SQ8 in a single variant priced at Rs 1.78 Crore (ex-showroom). In the carmaker’s lineup, it is positioned between the standard Q8 and the more hardcore RSQ8. Bookings are already open for an amount of Rs 5 lakh.

2026 Audi SQ8: Exterior

The SQ8 retains the basic silhouette of the regular Q8 but adds some noticeable details to distinguish it as the sportier version. 

Up front, there is a reworked grille with honeycomb detailing, which also gets silver surrounds. The futuristic Matrix LED headlamps continue to give it a sharp look. The bumper, on the other hand, is now more aggressive and features larger air dams with silver inserts.

The SQ8 retains the sleek and sharp look in profile as well, but you now get to see larger X-inch alloy wheels, red brake callipers and silver ORVM covers.

At the rear, it gets a connected LED taillamp cluster with rectangular details, a large roof spoiler and a sharply raked windshield. Changes here are more subtle, with an updated bumper, quad-exhaust tips and the SQ8 badge being the most noticeable ones.

2026 Audi SQ8: Interior

Inside, you’d be hard pressed to find any differences. That is to say, it still retains the high-quality interior and exquisite materials found in the standard Q8. The dashboard has a sleek and classy look, with generous swathes of piano-black all over. There are some subtle changes, though, like a small SQ8 badge on the steering wheel, sportier aluminium pedals and some switches which are now finished in silver instead of black on the standard car. 

Furthermore, the silver insert on the door pads has been swapped out for carbon-fibre accents to convey the sporty nature of this variant. Aside from this, it still gets a three-screen setup for the digital instrument cluster, infotainment system and AC control screen.

2026 Audi SQ8: Features And Safety

Step inside and the focus is immediately on making life effortlessly comfortable while keeping things properly premium. The four-zone climate control lets everyone dial in their own comfort levels, while thoughtful touches like the optional ioniser and fragrance function elevate the cabin experience beyond the usual. Then there’s the convenience bit, park assist with 360-degree cameras takes the stress out of tight spots, soft-close doors add that subtle luxury feel, and the powered boot with a convenience key makes loading up fuss-free. Even the little things, like the Audi Phone Box with wireless charging and adaptive wipers that actually think for you, come together to make everyday usability feel properly sorted.

On the safety front, it’s reassuringly comprehensive too, with eight airbags, cruise control with a speed limiter, and Audi Pre Sense Basic working quietly in the background. If you want to push things further, options like night vision assist, a head-up display, and lane departure warning add an extra layer of confidence, especially on long or late drives. 

2026 Audi SQ8: Powertrain

The biggest change, and quite frankly, the biggest reason to opt for the Q8 is under the hood, where it gets powered by a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. Here are all the details of this powertrain:

As seen above, this power plant makes a mammoth 507 PS of power and 770 Nm of torque, which along with the Quattro all-wheel drive system propels the SUV from 0 to 100 kmph in a matter of just 4.1 seconds.

2026 Audi SQ8: Rivals

The Audi SQ8 goes up against other sporty SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 53, Porsche Cayenne GTS and Range Rover Sport SV.

ZigSays…

Sure, the SQ8 looks a bit sportier, but that absolute monster of an engine with supercar-levels of performance truly ensures that it's no ‘standard’ full-size luxury SUV, if there even is a thing like that. If you’d like a proper ‘sleeper’ to smoke the Ms and AMGs of this world, the SQ8 surely is a top contender, although at an eye-watering price.

Would you pick an SQ8 over a house? Let us know in the comments below!