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2020 Audi SQ8 revealed, here in 2020

Audi Sport has revealed the latest addition to its performance SUV range – the new SQ8.


Scheduled to arrive in Australia during the first half of 2020, the SQ8 TDI features the same turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 diesel as the related SQ7, augmented by two conventional turbochargers and an additional electric compressor.

Outputs are rated at 320kW and 900Nm, with the latter on tap between 1250 and 3250rpm, with Audi claiming a 0-100 time of 4.8 seconds. Top speed, meanwhile, is electronically limited to 250km/h.

Standard features include a sports-tuned version of Audi’s air suspension, which varies the level position of the body by up to 90mm depending on speed and terrain. There’s also an optional sport differential, which offers active torque vectoring on the rear axle, along with available four-wheel steering.

Another high-tech item is electromechanical active roll stabilisation, which comprises of a small electric motor between the two halves of the stabiliser on each axle.

“When driving straight ahead, they largely act independently of each other, which reduces sprung mass vibrations on uneven roads,” Audi says of the technology.

“At a sportier pace however, the stabiliser halves work as a unit by being turned in opposite directions. This makes the handling of the SQ8 TDI tighter and significantly reduces its roll angle when cornering.”

In terms of equipment, the SQ8 TDI gets model-specific upgrades like a new grille insert, underbody protection inserts for the front and rear bumpers, air inlets, a sports exhaust system, and 21-inch alloys (22-inch rims are optional).

LED headlights are fitted as standard with high-beam assist, too, while HD Matrix units are optionally available.

Inside, the SQ8 gets brushed matte aluminium inlays (carbon-fibre or oak also available), sports seats with ‘S’ embossing and contrast stitching, rotor grey or arras red leather upholstery, and the usual array of high-res displays for the driver and infotainment setup.

As with other Audi Sport models, the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit driver’s display has model-specific sports displays, while Amazon Alexa is now integrated into the MMI infotainment software for the first time.

The MMI interface also gets an LTE Advanced moule as standard, which facilitates a WiFi hotspot, Audi connect services, and online features for the navigation system.

Select European cities will see Car-to-X features offered as well, which show traffic sign and hazard information drawing upon Audi’s fleet in addition to the latest service and traffic light information.

“The car receives data from the traffic light central computer, allowing the driver to choose their speed to match the next green light,” Audi says in its press release.

“While waiting at a red light, the Audi Virtual Cockpit shows the remaining time until the next green light.”

“The system thereby contributes to a predictive and efficient driving style and facilitates a steady flow of traffic.”

As for driver assistance tech, there’s adaptive cruise assist – essentially adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist and lane keep assist combined.

There’s also a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, intersection assist, and an efficiency assistant – which predictively accelerates and decelerates the SQ8 based on sensor information, navigation data and road signs.

Australia

Audi’s local division says it expects the SQ8 to arrive Down Under during the first half of 2020.

Further details regarding pricing and specification will be announced closer to launch, so stay tuned to Drive for all the latest.

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