428bhp Audi SQ8 debuts with a turbodiesel mild hybrid

-    The new Audi flagship makes a whopping 900Nm of torque.

-    A full-blown RS Q8 will follow. 

The all-new Audi SQ8 comes in where the SQ7 left. The potent version of Ingolstadt’s flagship SUV comes powered with the same 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged diesel V8 punching out 428bhp and earth-shattering 900Nm. All of the torque is sent to all four wheels from lowly 1000rpm. 

What’s new is the mild-hybrid system which is a 48-Volt lithium-ion battery assisting electric-powered compressor which in turn assists the turbochargers at low revs and low-speed acceleration. This means that the SQ8 can cruise at speeds up to 20kmph with the engine switched off. And even with the added mild-hybrid weight, the SQ8 is no slouch. Which is evident in the 0-100kmph time of 4.8 seconds. However, the top speed is electronically limited to 250kmph. 

In terms of equipment, the SQ8 gets Audi’s air suspension apart from rear wheel steering, Audi's Drive Select dynamic handling system. Also part of the package are sport differential and electromechanical active anti-roll bars. The air suspension can raise or lower the SUV’s ride height by up to 90mm.

Appearance wise, the S characteristic add-ons such as aggressive air-intakes, quad-exhausts, massive 22-inch alloy wheels, extended body kit are all present. The cabin is laden with all the features from the standard car with added sporty equipment like sport seats, contrast stitching with Alcantara leather, and a host of S badging all around the cabin.

Petrol powered SQ8 is also on the cards. It is most likely to be powered by a 3.0-litre V6. However, what we are looking forward towards is the fully-blown RS Q8 which will probably be the most powerful SUV to roll out from Ingolstadt with almost 700 horsepower.