2020 Audi SQ7 and SQ8 Coming This Spring With 500 Hp
The 2020 model year is a big one for Audi’s large SUVs. We’ve already told you about the changes being made to the Q7 and the addition of the super-sporty RS Q8, but there’s more on the way.
Set to go on sale in late spring, the new 2020 Audi SQ7 and SQ8 will fill a performance void in their respective lineups. They will directly take on the BMW X5 xDrive50i and X6 xDrive50i.
Both are equipped with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre TFSI V8 engine capable of generating 500 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels via an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. They accelerate from 0-96 km/h in 4.3 seconds on the way to a 250 km/h top speed.
A standard S-tuned adaptive air suspension improves the ride, while all-wheel steering can turn the rear wheels in the opposite direction of the front wheels to aid low-speed maneuverability and handling, as well as stability at higher speeds.
For superior performance and cornering prowess, an available quattro sport differential is able to adjust the front-to-rear torque split from 40/60 to 20/80 in addition to transferring torque from side-to-side at the rear wheels. Buyers can also add electromechanical active roll stabilization, which stiffens the front and rear stabilizer bars in sporty driving conditions.
The 2020 SQ7 and SQ8 are further differentiated with what Audi calls “Alu-optic” or “Black-optic” design elements, plus Matrix LED headlights and quad tailpipes. The former gets a new octagonal Singleframe grille. Wheel designs are available in a size of up to 22 inches.
Inside, look for S sport seats with heating/ventilation and unique cross-stitched leather, not to mention a flat-bottom steering wheel and aluminum pedals. The optional Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system turns the vehicle into a concert hall.
Pricing and packaging details will be announced closer to the models’ on-sale dates. For the record, the base Audi Q7 and Q8 start at $71,300 and $82,350, respectively.