SQ8
The Audi SQ8 arrived in 2019 as the performance version of the Q8 SUV coupé. Its history is notable for a major powertrain split between markets: the European launch used a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 diesel, while the gasoline SQ8 TFSI adopted a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 in several markets, including North America. The model combines quattro all-wheel drive, distinctive exterior treatment, and a chassis tuned for stronger road-holding than the regular Q8. At the same time, the SQ8 e-tron name identified the high-performance version of Audi’s electric SUV previously known simply as the e-tron. These are therefore two separate branches of the nameplate: the combustion-powered SQ8 derived from the Q8 and the electric SQ8 e-tron descended from the e-tron family. (porscheholding-newsroom.at)
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Variants by year
Make: Audi · Model: SQ8
4 / 4 versions shown
2023
2022
2019
Audi SQ8 photos
Model summary
Data from the ScanRacer library, organized to compare versions quickly.
Model introduction
The Audi SQ8 arrived in 2019 as the performance version of the Q8 SUV coupé. Its history is notable for a major powertrain split between markets: the European launch used a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 diesel, while the gasoline SQ8 TFSI adopted a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 in several markets, including North America. The model combines quattro all-wheel drive, distinctive exterior treatment, and a chassis tuned for stronger road-holding than the regular Q8. At the same time, the SQ8 e-tron name identified the high-performance version of Audi’s electric SUV previously known simply as the e-tron. These are therefore two separate branches of the nameplate: the combustion-powered SQ8 derived from the Q8 and the electric SQ8 e-tron descended from the e-tron family. (porscheholding-newsroom.at)
History
Audi introduced the SQ8 in 2019 to add a higher-performance Q8 derivative, positioned below the future RS Q8 in the brand’s sporting hierarchy. In Europe, the SQ8 TDI launched with a 3,956-cc twin-turbocharged V8 diesel, quattro all-wheel drive, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain gave the performance SUV a distinctive character, combining substantial torque and long-distance ability with the efficiency advantages traditionally associated with diesel. (porscheholding-newsroom.at) Markets that did not receive the diesel version were served by the gasoline SQ8 TFSI. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 produces 373 kW, or 507 PS, and 770 Nm in the updated version introduced with the Q8 range revision. It retains quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed tiptronic transmission, but its response, sound, and operating character are clearly different from those of the SQ8 TDI. (audi.com) In 2022, Audi added the SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron to its electric SUV family. These models are the high-performance versions of the heavily updated vehicle previously sold as the Audi e-tron. They use three electric motors, deliver 370 kW in boost mode, and employ a 114-kWh gross battery. European deliveries began in 2023. (audi.com)
Generations
The combustion-powered SQ8 did not pass through several completely redesigned generations during the 2019–2023 period. It is better understood as the first Q8 performance generation, developed through engine, equipment, and styling updates. The 2019 European launch was the SQ8 TDI, identified by its V8 diesel. Depending on the market, the same name was later used for the gasoline-powered SQ8 TFSI with a V8 engine. This powertrain change should not be treated as a new generation; it mainly reflects different regional product and emissions strategies. (porscheholding-newsroom.at) The most visible exterior evolution came with the Q8 facelift introduced for the 2024 model year, after the 2019–2023 period covered here. Audi revised the lighting signatures, selected body details, and front-end presentation while retaining the basic Q8 architecture. (audi.com) The SQ8 e-tron should be considered separately. It is not an electric generation of the SQ8 TDI or SQ8 TFSI, but the performance version of Audi’s large electric SUV formerly sold as the e-tron and subsequently renamed Q8 e-tron. The SUV and Sportback versions use a three-motor layout, with two motors on the rear axle enabling electric torque vectoring. (audi.com)
Key differences
The main difference between combustion-powered SQ8 versions is the engine and the market in which each was sold. The European SQ8 TDI uses a 3,956-cc twin-turbo V8 diesel, while the SQ8 TFSI uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo gasoline V8. The diesel’s layout generally favors low-speed torque and long-distance cruising; that is a cautious interpretation of the powertrain, not an absolute statement about every driving condition. The TFSI places greater emphasis on engine response and high-rpm power. (porscheholding-newsroom.at) The SQ8 e-tron is mechanically much more distinct. It replaces the combustion engine and automatic transmission with three electric motors, a 114-kWh gross battery, and electric all-wheel drive. With 370 kW and 973 Nm in boost mode, it can match or exceed the performance of the combustion models in some measures, but weight, charging, and usable range become central considerations. (audi.com)
Photo recognition
A first-generation combustion SQ8 is easiest to identify from its Q8 profile: a sloping roofline, large Singleframe grille, and five-door body. Sporting details commonly include more aggressively shaped bumpers, aluminum-look or gray exterior accents, large wheels, and a firmer or lowered suspension depending on specification. The rear usually carries four visible exhaust outlets. These clues are not conclusive by themselves, because some styling elements can also appear on S line vehicles or be replaced later. (autobild.de) The SQ8 TDI is best confirmed through its engine designation, market documentation, or vehicle identification data; exterior appearance alone may not reliably separate it from an SQ8 TFSI. The SQ8 e-tron is easier to distinguish because it has no conventional exhaust outlets, uses electric-specific front-end detailing, and may display SQ8 e-tron badging. The Sportback version has a more sharply sloping roof than the conventional SUV body. (audi.com)
Important versions
The key versions are the SQ8 TDI, launched in Europe in 2019 with a twin-turbo V8 diesel, and the SQ8 TFSI, offered in selected markets with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo gasoline V8. The TDI is especially significant as the original European specification, while the TFSI represents the gasoline configuration most clearly documented in markets outside Europe. (porscheholding-newsroom.at) From 2022 onward, the SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron expanded the nameplate with fully electric powertrains. They use three motors, produce 370 kW in boost mode, and differ mainly in SUV and Sportback body design. These versions belong to the Q8 e-tron family and should not be confused with the combustion-powered SQ8 models. (audi.com)
The name “SQ8” follows Audi naming, with its rules and its exceptions. Decode a Audi name
References
- Der neue Audi SQ8 TDIPorsche Holding Newsroom
- Superior performance: the Audi SQ8 with a V8 TFSI gas engineAudi
- 2023 Audi SQ8 Review, Pricing, and SpecsCar and Driver
- https://www.audi.com/en/audi-sq8-e-tron-14991audi.com
- https://www.audi.com/en/audi-sq8-e-tron-until-2025-14991audi.com
- https://media.audi.com/is/content/audi/country/me/assets/brochures/en/sq8-sportback-e-tron.pdfmedia.audi.com
- https://www.audi.com/en/publications/dimensions/dimensions-sq8-e-tron-1427audi.com
- https://www.audi.com/en/publications/dimensions/dimensions-sq8-sportback-e-tron-1428/downloadaudi.com
Technical specifications
Structured data available for versions linked to this model.
| Version | Power | Torque | Top speed | Drivetrain | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 500 chevaux | — | — | Traction intégrale / Automatique à 8 vitesses | — |
Frequently asked questions
- What years was the Audi SQ8 produced?
- ScanRacer's referenced versions cover 2019 - 2023.
- How many Audi SQ8 examples are documented on ScanRacer?
- 9 published scans from 2 members, with the latest photo added in August 2026.
- What is the power output of the Audi SQ8?
- The sourced technical data lists 500 chevaux.
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