Audi SQ8 spied undisguised

-    The SQ8 will slot in between the standard Q8 and the fully-blown RS Q8.

-    Might use the same diesel hybrid powerplant as the SQ7.

-    Expected to be revealed later this year with a market debut in 2019.

Audi revealed the Q8 as their flagship SUV just a few weeks back. And we know a fully-blown RS Q8 is on its way that will take the game further in the performance SUV segment. But ahead of that, a souped-up SQ8 was spotted near the ‘Ring sans any camouflage. It will be placed between the standard Q8 and the fully-blown RS Q8 but will have a diesel hybrid powertrain from the SQ7.

The test mule was wearing the same grille as the top-spec Q8. Even the wheels remained unchanged, but the SQ8 was sitting slightly lower than the standard car. When the S variant is revealed, we can expect some slight cosmetic changes. Under the hood, the SQ8 will not have a V8, instead, it will be powered by a V6 motor mated to an electric motor. The 20kWh battery pack will help the V6 to produce 470bhp and 700Nm. It will be joined by a maniacal RS Q8 with Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid plug-in punching out around 700bhp.

We expect the SQ8 to be revealed later this year. Pricing will be slightly more than the range-topping Q8. It will be manufactured at Audi’s Slovakia facility and will rival the likes of Range Rover Sport, Porsche Cayenne, and BMW X6M.