WeeklySA_AdminSELECTABLE: The market launch of the Audi Q8 takes place this month, with the SQ8 following shortly thereafter
By Ali Mphaki
The range opens with the 45 TDI quattro, a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine that delivers 183kW and 600Nm. From a standing start, the Audi Q8 45 TDI accelerates to 100km/h in 7.0 seconds before topping out at 220km/h.
This engine is followed by the Q8 55 TFSI, which features a six-cylinder engine with 3.0 litres of displacement and direct fuel injection that delivers 250 kW. It offers a maximum torque of 500 Nm. With its turbocharged petrol engine, the Q8 55 TFSI accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.
It reaches its electronically governed top speed at 250km/h. All V6-engines in the Audi Q8 work together with an eight-speed tiptronic, quattro permanent four-wheel drive, and the mild hybrid system, which can achieve a fuel-consumption of up to 0.5L/100km in customer operation.
The revised exterior aesthetic with new front and rear aprons underscores the strong character of the SUV coupé. For the first time, Audi is equipping the Q8 with HD Matrix LED headlights featuring digital daytime running lights and a quartet of selectable light signatures. Digital OLED rear lights with four selectable rear light designs complete the expanded light offering. New wheels, colours, decorative inlays, and seats with contrast stitching highlight the car’s top position among the Q models.
The market launch of the Audi Q8 takes place this month, with the SQ8 following shortly thereafter. Audi South Africa will offer both the 45 TDI and 55 TFSI in Platinum Edition and Black Edition trim lines.
The new SQ8 TFSI advances sportiness even further – it impresses with a redesigned spoiler at the front and an expressive diffuser at the rear.
The larger air intakes feature honeycomb grilles across their surface. Characteristically, Audi opts for a sporty aluminium look for the exterior mirror housings, the inlays in the Singleframe and the edging of the side air intakes.
As part of the product upgrade, the SQ8 TFSI now runs on the 4.0 TFSI with 373kW and 770Nm of torque with fast-shifting eight-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. With this engine, the SQ8 TFSI accelerates from zero to 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds, with an electronically governed top speed of 250km/h. To achieve a sporty sound, there is an exhaust flap on each tailpipe that modulates the sound depending on load and rev speed.
Audi offers different-design 23-inch alloy wheels for the SQ8 TFSI. The brake discs on the front axle measure 400mm; on the rear axle, they span 350mm. The black brake callipers, which come optionally in red, bear the S logo that defines Audi’s look on the front axle.
The market launch of the Audi Q8 takes place this month, with the SQ8 following shortly thereafter. Audi South Africa will offer both the 45 TDI and 55 TFSI in Platinum Edition and Black Edition trim lines. Over and above the former variant’s generous standard specification, Black Edition trim includes a Black styling package plus, Black mirror housings, a Singleframe surround in black, as well as privacy glazing for the rear windows.
Prices for the 45 TDI quattro start at R1,968,700 for the Platinum Edition and R2,011,700 for the Black Edition. The Q8 55 TFSI Platinum Edition, meanwhile, costs R2,015,400 for the Platinum Edition and R2,058,400 for the Black Edition. The SQ8’s pricing will be revealed closer to its launch date. Like all Audi models, the Q8 boasts a 5-year/100,000km Audi Freeway Plan comprehensive service and maintenance plan.
