If you’ve been looking for a luxury SUV that has enough “punch” to pin you to your seat but isn’t as wildly aggressive (or expensive) as the RS Q8, Audi just dropped exactly what you need. The Audi SQ8 has officially landed in India, carrying a price tag of Rs. 1.77 crore (ex-showroom).
Positioned right between the standard Q8 and the track-focused RS Q8, this new “S” model is for those who want that V8 music without going full “supercar” mode every morning.
What’s Under the Hood? (The Good Stuff)
Let’s talk about the heart of the beast. While the regular Q8 is a sophisticated cruiser, the SQ8 is a different animal. It packs a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine.
To put it in simple terms:
- Power: 500bhp (That’s a lot of horses!)
- Torque: 770Nm (Enough to pull a house, almost.)
- 0-100kmph: Just 4.1 seconds.
In the real world, this means overtaking on Indian highways will be effortless, and the 8-speed automatic gearbox ensures the power is always there when you tap the pedal.
Does it Look Different?
Yes, but it’s subtle. Audi hasn’t gone overboard with wings or loud stickers. Instead, you get:
- A very cool matte silver finish on the grille and mirrors.
- Proper quad exhaust tips (because four pipes sound better than two).
- Sharp, new alloy wheel designs that fill up those big arches beautifully.
- Signature LED Matrix headlamps that do a little “dance” when you unlock the car.
Step Inside: Luxury Meets ‘S’ Line
The interior is where you’ll spend your time, and Audi hasn’t cut any corners. It feels like a high-tech lounge. You get the dual 12.3-inch screens (Audi’s Virtual Cockpit), but with special S-Line graphics.
The best part? The front seats aren’t just leather chairs; they come with heating, cooling, and a massage function. So, even if you’re stuck in Mumbai or Bangalore traffic, you can at least get a back rub while listening to your favorite tunes via wireless Apple CarPlay.
Final Thoughts: Is it Worth It?
At Rs. 1.77 crore, the Audi SQ8 is definitely a “rich man’s toy,” but it’s a practical one. It gives you the legendary V8 performance that petrolheads crave, wrapped in a body that can actually handle our speed breakers and monsoon roads.
It’s fast, it’s loud when you want it to be, and it’s arguably one of the most handsome SUVs on sale today. If you have the budget and want something more “special” than a standard German SUV, the SQ8 is calling your name.
What do you think? Is the SQ8 the best V8 SUV for India, or would you rather save up for the RS version? Let us know in the comments!
Ducati Goes Dirty: The Desmo450 MX Lands in India at Rs 17.23 Lakh!
If you thought Ducati was only about sleek Panigales screaming down the Buddh International Circuit or Multistradas munching highway miles, think again. The Italians have officially decided to get their boots muddy in India. Ducati has just launched the Desmo450 MX in our market, and it’s priced at a jaw-dropping Rs 17.23 lakh (ex-showroom). Now,…
Continue Reading Ducati Goes Dirty: The Desmo450 MX Lands in India at Rs 17.23 Lakh!
If you grew up in the 90s, the name ‘Tata Sierra’ probably triggers a massive wave of nostalgia. It was the “cool” car with those iconic large curved glass windows. Fast forward to today, and the Sierra is making headlines again—not just for its looks, but for keeping us safe. The Bharat NCAP (B-NCAP) results…
Continue Reading Tata Sierra Scores 5 Stars: Is This India’s Safest Family SUV Yet?
Gone are the days when buying a car in India was a simple binary choice: Petrol for refinement or Diesel for the long-haul mileage. If you’ve stepped into a showroom lately, you probably felt more like you were at a buffet than a car dealership. From Strong Hybrids and “iCNG” to the silent hum of…
If you thought the standard S 1000 R was a handful, BMW Motorrad just decided to hold its beer. The German giants have officially launched the BMW M 1000 R in India, carrying a price tag of Rs 33.50 lakh (ex-showroom). Now, let’s be real—for that kind of money, you could buy a very decent…
Continue Reading The Beast with Wings: BMW M 1000 R Lands in India at Rs 33.50 Lakh
If you’ve been planning to add a new truck or bus to your fleet, you might want to fast-track that decision. India’s commercial vehicle giant, Tata Motors, has just announced a price hike across its entire CV range, effective from April 1, 2026. Here is a quick breakdown of what is happening, why it’s happening,…
Continue Reading Tata Motors CV Prices Set to Rise from April 1st: What Fleet Owners Need to Know
If you were a car lover in India back in 2012, you know the craze for the original Renault Duster. It basically taught Indians what a “compact SUV” should feel like—tough, comfortable, and ready for any road. After a long break, the legend has finally returned. Renault has officially launched the third-generation 2026 Duster in…
Shreejith Kotyan is an automotive enthusiast and the founder of AutomotiveDekho.com. He specializes in daily news coverage of the car and bike industries, turning his passion for performance and engineering into a go-to resource for the latest industry updates.