15:57 24-04-2026

New Audi SQ8 debuts in Beijing with V8 power

At the Beijing auto show, Audi officially unveiled the new SQ8, a performance SUV powered by a 500-hp V8 and priced from 113.98 million yuan. Aimed at the premium segment, it blends sports-car pace with SUV comfort, making it one of the standout premieres of the show in China.

Visually, the SQ8 gets a revised grille and a more aggressive front bumper. The black grille is now paired with a light strip, while the headlights feature laser high beam technology. The profile remains instantly recognizable, but looks more expressive thanks to the sloping roofline, large wheels and sportier body kit.

At the rear, there is a full-width LED light signature, a black panel with the Audi logo and the brand’s signature quad exhaust outlets, all underlining the model’s sporting character.

The cabin follows a sporty theme with leather seats and a digital layout. At the center is the updated Audi Virtual Cockpit system with expanded data display functions.

A premium Bang & Olufsen audio system with 23 speakers is also fitted, while the interface gets exclusive S-series graphics. The overall focus is on combining comfort with digital technology.

Under the hood sits a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 500 hp and 770 Nm of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system.

The sprint to 100 km/h takes just 4.1 seconds, putting the model firmly into true sports-car territory while retaining the practicality of a crossover.

The new Audi SQ8 remains one of the few models in its segment to combine a classic V8 with modern technology. At a time when the market is moving en masse toward electric vehicles, that gives it special appeal for buyers who still value power, sound and driving involvement.