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A 496-hp electric powertrain gives the 2024 SQ8 e-tron a kick in the pants and a credible place among the brand's hotted-up models.
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Based on the comfort-oriented Q8 e-tron SUV and available in two wholly conventional looking body styles—squareback and fastback (called the Sportback)—the SQ8 e-tron duo offers much the same luxury treatment as their tamer cousins
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A 106-kWh battery pack should deliver decent driving range, although not as much as rivals such as the BMW iX and the Tesla Model X.
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Equipment highlights across the lineup include adaptive air suspension, quattro all-wheel drive, progressive steering, S-specific exterior styling and a Park Assist Pack that includes a 360-degree camera.
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The Tour Pack includes adaptive cruise with active lane assist, emergency assist, predictive efficiency assistant, turn assist and swerve assist.
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All SQ8 e-tron models come with a 106.0-kWh battery pack that can be charged up utilizing 170 kW DC fast-charging connection.
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Of course, there's a plethora of upscale features as well, including leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, heated front and rear seats, a power-operated rear liftgate, and a power-adjustable steering column—all standard.
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The first impression is that of a largely digital experience, as the SQ8 e-tron's dashboard is packed with multiple high-resolution screens that include Audi's digital gauge cluster—called Virtual Cockpit—and two flush-mounted touchscreens in the center.
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Inside, electrically adjustable front super sport seats with S embossed logo in Valcona leather are standard, along with comfort and safety features such as Audi Virtual cockpit plus, keyless-go, head-up display, Bang & Olufsen sound system, four-zone automatic climate control, extended LED interior lighting pack and three-spoke flat bottomed steering wheel in perforated leather.
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The City Assist Pack adds Audi pre-sense rear, exit warning, cross traffic assist front and rear, lane change assistant and park assist with parking aid.