• The Audi SQ8 TDI is set to make its Australian debut in April
• Sansom:"The successful Audi Q family has a new flagship in the formidable SQ8 TDI"
• Pricing starts at $165,500*, with a very high level of equipment 

Zetland, February 7, 2020 – Audi is bolstering its performance SUV model range with the addition of its first-ever Audi SQ8, equipped with pioneering technology and an innovative compromise between crushing performance and intelligent efficiency. The new model is set to extend the success of the Q8, with a distinctive, sporty silhouette that gives the performance SUV incredible road presence.

The all-new Audi SQ8 TDI is one of the fastest performance SUVs on the market, with its 4.0 TDI V8 engine and twin turbochargers. Its twin turbochargers are mated to an electric powered compressor (EPC) to extract maximum power across its full rev range, drawing power from its 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system (MHEV). This also serves to show off its truly impressive efficiency credentials.

The SQ8 TDI engine produces 320kW with peak torque of 900Nm from 1250-3250rpm, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in a staggering 4.8 seconds. Despite this, fuel efficiency is just 7.8L/100km, with emissions of 205 grams of CO2  per kilometre. Powered is delivered to the road via a slick-shifting, eight-speed automatic transmission and the legendary Audi quattro all-wheel drive.

To further harness the impressive engine performance, the SQ8 TDI offers outstanding driving dynamics to increase stability on the road. Key highlights include all-wheel steering, adaptive air suspension and electromechanical active roll stabilisation – which is also powered by the 48V MHEV electrical system.

"The very first SQ8 TDI takes its place as our new SUV flagship with a formidable on-road presence," said Paul Sansom, Managing Director of Audi Australia.

"It packages striking design, truly innovative technology and incredible dynamics into the ultimate performance SUV. With the well-known Australian affinity for performance vehicles across all segments, it's no surprise we've had such strong interest in this vehicle ahead of its arrival," said Sansom.

The new face of Q family offers a strikingly sporty exterior design and in Australian vehicles, is equipped with a vast range of features as standard including: S body styling (S front and rear bumpers, grille, side sills and rear tailgate spoiler), 22-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights with dynamic rear indicators, red brake callipers, adaptive air suspension sport, exterior mirrors in aluminium look, privacy glass, power assisted door closure and metallic paint.

The intelligent, contemporary interior design of the SQ8 TDI provides exceptional comfort and versatility, equipped with a generous level of features as standard, with highlights including: S sport front seats, premium Valcona leather upholstery with diamond pattern stitching, 3-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, 4-zone climate control air conditioning, colour interior ambient lighting package, control buttons in black glass with haptic feedback, extended aluminium look for centre console buttons, electric steering column adjust, headlining in black cloth, centre door armrests and console in leather.

Like the Q8, state-of-the-art connectivity and infotainment create a unique driving experience in the SQ8 TDI with a suite of innovative features including, MMI touch response system with 10.1-inch (lower) and 8.6-inch (lower) touch screen, Audi virtual cockpit and Audi Smartphone Interface with the integration of approved apps (Android auto, wireless Apple CarPlay). Audi connect plus navigation provides a range of entertainment and information services through the high-speed internet access from the embedded SIM in the SQ8 TDI.

The all-new Audi SQ8 TDI will arrive in Australia in April.

Pricing*

(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)

– ENDS –

The Audi Group, with its brands Audi, Ducati and Lamborghini, is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium segment. It is present in more than 100 markets worldwide and produces at 18 locations in 13 countries. 100 percent subsidiaries of AUDI AG include Audi Sport GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy).
In 2018, the Audi Group delivered to customers about 1.812 million automobiles of the Audi brand, 5,750 sports cars of the Lamborghini brand and 53,004 motorcycles of the Ducati brand. In the 2018 fiscal year, AUDI AG achieved total revenue of €59.2 billion and an operating profit before special items of €4.7 billion. At present, approximately 90,000 people work for the company all over the world, more than 60,000 of them in Germany. Audi focuses on sustainable products and technologies for the future of mobility.