Audi’s flagship Q8 and performance-focused SQ8 have arrived in South Africa, boasting design tweaks and enhanced technology. Here is how much they will cost in South Africa.
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Jumping straight in, the Q8 now features a more refined exterior, highlighted by the redesigned front and rear aprons. The addition of HD Matrix LED headlights with digital daytime running lights is new, offering four unique light signatures that add character to the vehicle’s appearance. In addition, the rear lights have also been upgraded to digital OLEDs with four customizable designs, enhancing the visual appeal at both ends. Audi has introduced new wheel designs, colours, and interior contrast stitching, aligning the Q8 with the brand’s modern, minimalist design philosophy.
Sascha Sauer, Head of Audi South Africa, described the upgraded Q8 as the “epitome of Vorsprung durch Technik,” embodying the brand’s approach to design, technology, and performance. “The Q8 continues to set the standard for sporty SUVs with a coupé aesthetic, and we’re eager for our customers to experience this evolution,” he remarked.
Audi’s Singleframe grille on the Q8 adopts a more dynamic octagon design, featuring vertical inlays in a teardrop shape on the base model and an L-shape on the S line and SQ8 versions, creating visual depth and establishing it among Audi’s top models. Air intakes on the Q8 have been redesigned for a more robust look, integrated seamlessly into the SUV’s architecture. The updated Q8 also wears Audi’s latest two-dimensional rings on its grille, B-pillar, and rear, offering a cleaner, contemporary visual.
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In terms of lighting technology, the Q8 now comes with high-intensity Matrix LED headlights as standard, with an option to upgrade to HD Matrix LED with Audi’s laser light. These advanced headlights provide an increased high beam range beyond 70 km/h, and digital light signatures add another layer of personalization. At the rear, the digital OLED lights with proximity indicators activate when another vehicle approaches within two meters, enhancing safety and visibility. Further upgrades include customizable turn signals and welcome/leaving sequences, making the lighting system as functional as it is stylish.
Audi Q8 Pricing:
Q8 45 TDI quattro:
- Platinum Edition –R1 968 700
- Black Edition – R2 011 700
Q8 55 TFSI:
- Platinum Edition – R2 015 400
- Black Edition – R2 058 400
The SQ8’s pricing will be revealed closer to its launch date.
The interior offers a broader selection of customization options, with nine decorative inlays available. Options like natural ash wood and carbon twill are available on select models, including the sporty S line package and SQ8 TFSI. Additionally, Audi Sport GmbH now provides new exterior colours, including Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red.
Driving technology has also been upgraded in the Q8, with adaptive air suspension now standard on all models for a balanced and controlled drive. All-wheel steering, which is standard on the SQ8, enhances agility by turning the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front at low speeds, improving manoeuvrability. At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction, improving stability. An optional sport differential and electromechanical active roll stabilization (eAWS) further enhance handling, reducing body lean in corners and providing a more precise steering response.
In terms of powertrain, the entry-level Q8 45 TDI comes with a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine producing 183 kW and 600 N.m, reaching 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds with a top speed of 220 km/h. The Q8 55 TFSI offers 250 kW and 500 Nm from a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, hitting 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. For those seeking greater performance, the SQ8 TFSI leads with a 4.0-litre V8 engine, delivering 373 kW and 770 N.m, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds. The SQ8 also features torque vectoring and 23-inch alloy wheels, with braking enhanced by large brake discs on both axles.