Audi SQ8 e-tron makes U.S.A launch

Audi has launched the SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron - the performance-oriented variants of the Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron respectively, that replace the former Audi e-tron S and Audi e-tron S Sportback.

Confused? Don't worry. Here's what you really need to know.

496bhp and 973Nm of torque give the electric SUVs a century sprint time of 4.6 seconds

The new models continue to come with three electric motors. Two of these are positioned at the rear, while the last powers the front wheels. These motors give both models a total of 496bhp and 973Nm of torque, and when the car is set into its boost mode, will see it launch from zero to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds.

Audi has, however, improved the battery pack of the electric SUV, so the new models will now offer a total of capacity of 106kWh (114 kWh gross), as opposed to the 95kWh capacity from before.

This updated battery, combined with a host of aerodynamic and other efficiency updates, Audi states, gives the new cars a U.S.A EPA estimated range of 407km when driven with 20-inch wheels.

The combination of a 10.1-inch and 8.6-inch display has been retained for the Audi SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron

You'll be able to tell this new Audi SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron apart from the Audi e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback by looking at the front of the cars.

Here, the grille design has been significantly changed, and now sports an illuminated light bar at its top. As with other Audi 'S' models, the new car gets silver rocker-panels, and aluminum-look mirrors. These will match the new grille and rear diffuser. Audi states that the SQ8 e-tron also gets new fenders that are more flared compared to those on the 2024 Q8 e-tron, so the car is now wider overall by 39mm.

In the cabin, the Audi SQ8 e-tron models get 12-way adjustable seats complete with the S-logo at the front. These are wrapped in Valcona leather and feature contrast diamond stitching, available in either Black, Rotor Grey, or Arras Red. The models also get a carbon square structure interior trim finish as standard in the U.S.A, replacing the open pore wood offerings of the Q8 e-tron.

The use of a 10.1-inch upper display paired with a lower 8.6-inch display with haptic touch technology above the centre console has been retained for this new SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron, allowing a clean, uncluttered interior design.