Audi today has launched the SQ8 e-tron and the SQ8 Sportback e-tron electric SUVs for the Malaysian market, joining the Q8 e-tron that was launched in June last year. The duo are touted to be the first tri-motor EVs sold in the country, each featuring a dual-motor setup on the rear axle and a single front axle motor.
The main difference between the two newly launched SQ8 models are their exteriors, with the Sportback e-tron model featuring a more, well, sportier look. Under the hood of both EV SUVs, each of the rear dual-motor setup produces 138kW and 618Nm, while the single front axle motor outputs 157kW and 355 Nm for a total system output of 370kW and 973Nm.
The duo are claimed to be able to hit 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds, and have a top speed of 210km/h. Audi adds that each rear axle motor operates independent of the other, enabling precise torque output and vectoring. Despite their similarities, the SQ8 e-tron is touted to have a range of 458km, while the SQ8 Sportback e-tron has a longer range of 471km due to the lower drag coefficient of its body style.
For charging, the 114 kWh battery on both newly launched Audi electric SUVs can receive up to 170 kW via DC charging, enabling for a 10-80% state of charge in just 31 minutes. These models also can receive AC charging via Type 2 cable for home or public charging, which brings a full charge between 9.1 hours to 11.3 hours, depending on the charging input. For convenience, both cars have charging sockets on both sides of the vehicle, while an onboard charger allows for AC charging at up to 22 kW.
Moving on to the inside, the SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron get front seats in Valcona leather, which is also applied to the upper parts of the dashboard and lower cabin sections. They also come with trim inserts in carbon and aluminium, ambient lighting package, LED entrance lights, as well as Audi Virtual Cockpit with head-up display, with two MMI touch displays and haptic buttons. Additionally, the Audi MMI interface supports iOS and Android devices, while a 705-watt 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen system makes up for the onboard audio.
Assistance systems in the SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, swerve assist and turn assist, and front and rear cross traffic assist, along with Park Assist. Also included are child safety packages with ISOFIX child seat anchors and top tether, and a direct tyre pressure monitoring system, plus front, side and rear airbags.
The Audi SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron are priced at RM519,990 and RM529,990 respectively, without insurance and duties courtesy of the incentives given to battery-electric vehicles sold in Malaysia. In terms of colours, the two are available in Magnet Gray, Ultra Blue, Chronos Gray, Mythos Black, Plasma Blue, Daytona Gray and Glacier White.
Both vehicles are covered by a two-year, unlimited warranty as standard. This can also be optioned with the Audi Assurance Package (AAP) for RM13,000 that brings a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty, free scheduled maintenance for the first three years, and complimentary roadside assistance for the first five years.
