Audi India has officially confirmed the launch of the Audi SQ8 for the Indian market on March 17, 2026. This will mark the brand’s first product launch for 2026 and will further expand Audi’s performance SUV portfolio in the country. The SQ8 will slot neatly between the standard Audi Q8 and the range-topping Audi RS Q8 performance, offering a middle ground between everyday luxury and outright performance. Most recently, Audi India also inaugurated a new showroom in Hyderabad under the brand’s global Progressive Showroom Design language, signalling a new retail and product strategy for the year ahead.
Audi SQ8 – Expected Exterior Design
In terms of design, the Audi SQ8 retains a silhouette and overall stance very similar to the standard Audi Q8. Up front, it features a signature Singleframe grille with a distinctive silver surround, complemented by the brand’s new 2D Audi logo. The SUV also gets LED Matrix headlamps and a large front air intake finished with silver inlays around the air inlet surrounds, giving it a sportier and more aggressive fascia.
The side profile dimensions appear to be similar to both the Audi Q8 and RS Q8, maintaining the strong shoulder lines and muscular proportions. At the rear, the SQ8 continues with Audi’s signature connected tail-light design along with a sloping coupe-like roofline, reinforcing its sporty SUV-coupe styling.
Audi SQ8 – Expected Interior Design
Inside, the Audi SQ8 is expected to feature a premium mix of Alcantara and leather upholstery with S-specific badging on both the seats and steering wheel. The layout is largely similar to that of the standard Audi Q8, but with sportier touches. The cabin is expected to come equipped with a 12.3-inch driver’s display with S-specific graphics along with a separate touchscreen for climate and other touch-based controls.
Additionally, the SUV is likely to offer a panoramic sunroof, head-up display and a premium sound system from Bang & Olufsen. Features such as powered, ventilated and heated seats along with massage and lumbar support functions are also expected, although these details are based on the global-spec model and will be confirmed for the India-spec version at launch.
Audi SQ8 – Expected Powertrain
Globally, the Audi SQ8 is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing up to 507 horsepower and 770 Nm of torque. The RS Q8 uses the same engine in a higher state of tune, producing 640 horsepower and 850 Nm, whereas the standard Q8 is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 340 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque.
The SQ8’s V8 engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system and is capable of accelerating from 0–100 km/h in approximately 4.1 seconds. However, these specifications remain unconfirmed for the India-spec model at the moment and will be officially detailed at launch.
Audi SQ8 – Expected Pricing and Rivals
The Audi SQ8 is expected to be brought to India via the CBU route. Currently, the Audi Q8 is priced at ₹1.13 crore (ex-showroom), while the RS Q8 commands ₹2.35 crore (ex-showroom). Based on this, the SQ8 is likely to be positioned between the two, with an expected price range of ₹1.8 crore to ₹1.94 crore (ex-showroom), although final pricing will be announced at launch. Upon arrival, the Audi SQ8 will primarily rival the Porsche Cayenne GTS, which is also powered by the same 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine.