2024 Audi SQ8 e-Tron goes on sale in the US

The race in the electric luxury SUV market in the US just got hotter. With the 2024 Audi SQ8 e-Tron, Audi has stepped up its electric game, delivering a vehicle that blends impeccable performance, luxury, and the brand's renowned German engineering.

The SQ8 e-Tron builds on its "civilian" sibling, the Q8 e-Tron, with more power, improved acceleration, and superior handling dynamics. Thanks to the innovative three-motor quattro drivetrain, your eco-friendly cruise to the grocery store will never be the same again.

What sets the SQ8 e-Tron apart? Well, it's more than just a fancy badge and some subtle design tweaks. The performance boost is hard to ignore. Adding a second rear motor escalates peak output to 496 hp and 973 Nm of torque in boost mode. That's no lightweight! Add to it intelligent torque vectoring that enhances cornering abilities, and you have a 3,290 kg EV that behaves like a much smaller and lighter vehicle. Let's just say it could make your roundabout journeys hard to forget.

The exterior flaunts a widened body, new larger wheels, and a wider track responsible for the SUV's impressive agility. With the silver rocker-panel accents and aluminum-look exterior mirror housings, the SQ8 e-Tron exudes a distinctive road presence. All that power and looks are paired with the latest generation quattro all-wheel drive, making the SQ8 a reliable companion for all your adventures.

Step inside, and the SQ8 e-Tron lavishes occupants with 12-way adjustable power S-logo embossed front sport seats, tastefully swathed in Valcona leather. And if you're a tech geek, there's more than enough to keep you occupied. The Audi MMI touch response system, the Audi virtual cockpit, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system all come standard.

Of course, performance isn't just about power, and Audi knows this all too well. The SQ8 e-Tron comes with a three-motor setup, offering enhanced power, torque, handling, and traction. The electric torque vectoring, in particular, promises to be a game-changer, rapidly distributing power between the rear wheels for swift, effective responses. If one of your tires hits a slippery patch of road, the SQ8 e-Tron's intelligent system shuffles the power to the other two motors in no time at all.

Audi has sold over 150,000 e-Tron SUVs worldwide since its debut back in 2019. As part of its commitment to sustainability, the brand aims to have a 30% electrified model portfolio globally by 2025.

Now, if you're already sold on the idea of driving home the 2024 Audi SQ8 e-Tron, you'll have to wait a little longer. The vehicle is expected to arrive in US showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2023. So, start saving now because luxury and performance like this do not come cheap. The SQ8 e-tron will start at €76,700 and the SQ8 Sportback e-tron will have a sticker price of €79,000 - that's all before taxes, destination charges, and the ubiquitous dealer markups.

Audi SQ8 e-tron

At the end of the day, Audi's new 2024 SQ8 e-Tron is not just an electric SUV; it's a statement. A statement of power, luxury, and sustainability, all wrapped up in a stylish, high-performance package. Is a 500-hp electric SUV from Audi powerful enough to claim the coveted S badge? Is it fast and luxurious enough to demand nearly €90,000? The sales numbers will provide the answers.

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