Audi on Tuesday launched the Audi SQ8 in India, strengthening its SUV portfolio. Starting at ₹ 1.77 lakh (ex-showroom), the SQ8 sits between the standard Audi Q8 and the more powerful Audi RS Q8, which is priced closer to ₹ 2.4 lakh.
The company said the new model is aimed at customers looking for a balance between performance and price.
Audi highlighted that SUVs now account for nearly 60% of its sales in India, underscoring the growing importance of the segment in its overall strategy.
The launch of the SQ8 is part of efforts to expand the portfolio and capitalize on the demand for powerful yet relatively affordable luxury executive vehicles, Audi India head Balbir Singh Dhillon told The Hindu .
The SQ8 is powered by a 4.0-litre engine, a configuration the company believes will appeal to enthusiasts looking for more performance in this price range. “There is a clear desire among buyers for more powerful vehicles at this price point, and the SQ8 addresses that gap,” Dhillon said.
The move also comes as Audi struggles to regain momentum after supply-side constraints affected volumes. The company sold around 4,500 units in the 2024-2025 calendar year, compared to 5,812 units the previous year, a 22.6% decline, which it attributed in part to limited availability of the model.
The SQ8 comes with a 10-year free roadside assistance package, along with service and maintenance offers aimed at enhancing the ownership experience.
Published – 17 March 2026 22:40 IST
