The new Audi SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron will arrive Down Under from the second quarter of 2024, with prices to start at $173,600 plus on-road costs.

    As with its predecessor – the e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback – there are two body styles on offer with one main option package. Compared to the outgoing range, prices are up by about $8000.

    That increase in price is offset somewhat by drivetrain developments, largely centring around a 30 per cent increase to driving range thanks to a new, larger nickel-cobalt-aluminium (NCA) battery which can also be charged faster (170kW v 150kW).

    Other changes include improved aerodynamics thanks to the refreshed design, larger alloy wheels as standard (previously a $1600 option).

    Performance is unchanged, with the 370kW/973Nm tri-motor electric drive system carrying over for the facelift. Both body styles will sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds, with top speed limited to 210km/h.

    SQ8 e-tron models come standard with adaptive air suspension sport, a specially tuned version of Audi’s air-sprung chassis that is more performance-focused than the standard Q8 e-tron range.

    Pricing

    • Audi SQ8 e-tron: $173,600
    • Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron: $180,600

    Prices exclude on-road costs

    Standard Equipment

    Exterior

    • 22-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels
    • Red brake calipers
    • Matrix LED headlights
    • Electric, heated side mirrors
      • Auto-dimming
      • Memory function
      • Aluminium-look finish
    • Metallic paint
    • Rear privacy glass
    • Panoramic sunroof

    Interior

    • Valcona leather upholstery
    • S Sport seats incl. S logo embossed
    • 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus
    • 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio
    • 4-zone climate control
    • S floor mats
    • Aluminium-look interior trim
    • Electric steering column adjustment
    • Head-up display
    • Audi smartphone interface
      • Wireless Apple CarPlay
      • Wired Android Auto
    • Audi phone box light
      • Wireless smartphone charger
    • DAB+ digital radio
    • 2 x USB outlets, front
    • 2 x USB outlets, rear

    Assistance

    • Adaptive cruise control
      • Speed limiter
      • Traffic jam assist
    • Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
      • Pedestrian, cyclist detection
    • Collision avoidance assist
    • Exit assist
    • Intersection assist AEB
    • Parking sensors front, rear
    • Rear cross-traffic assist
    • Side assist
      • Blind-spot warning
    • Turn assist AEB
    • Tyre pressure monitor
    • 360-degree cameras

    Options

    Sensory package ($TBA)

    • Digital Matrix LED headlights
    • Door entrance LED lights front, rear
    • Soft-close doors
    • Heated outer rear seats
    • Manual sunshades, rear
    • Extended leather package
      • Upper, lower dashboard elements
    • Air quality package

    22kW AC charging package ($TBA)

    Servicing and Warranty

    In addition to Audi’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, buyers of the SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron receive six years of free scheduled servicing and roadside assist.

    Further, both electric SUVs come with a six-year public charging subscription to the Chargefox network.

    The high-voltage battery, meanwhile, is warranted for eight years.

    MORE: Everything Audi SQ8 e-tron

    James Wong

    James Wong is the Production Editor at CarExpert based in Melbourne, Australia. With experience on both media and manufacturer sides of the industry, James has a specialty for product knowledge which stems from a life-long obsession with cars. James is a Monash University journalism graduate, an avid tennis player, and the proud charity ambassador for Drive Against Depression – an organisation that supports mental wellness through the freedom of driving and the love of cars. He's also the proud father of Freddy, a 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI .

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