by wiondrive news desk
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.
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
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.
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.
The Tour Pack includes adaptive cruise with active lane assist, emergency assist, predictive efficiency assistant, turn assist and swerve assist.
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.
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.
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.
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 and more.
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.