In addition to the Q8 e-tron, which was introduced in June of last year, Audi has also introduced the SQ8 e-tron and the SQ8 Sportback e-tron electric SUVs for the Malaysian market. With a single front axle motor and a dual rear axle motor configuration, the pair are billed as the nation’s first tri-motor EVs.
The outside styling of the two recently released SQ8 versions differs most, with the Sportback e-tron model having a more, um, sportier appearance. The single front axle motor generates 157kW and 355 Nm, while the two EV SUVs’ respective rear dual-motor setups each provide 138kW and 618Nm, for a total system output of 370kW and 973Nm.
The pair is said to have a top speed of 210 km/h and a 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds. According to Audi, precise torque output and torque vectoring are made possible by the independent operation of each rear axle motor. The SQ8 e-tron is said to have a range of 458 km, whereas the SQ8 Sportback e-tron has a longer range of 471 km because of its body style’s lower drag coefficient. This is true despite their similarities.
The two recently released Audi electric SUVs have 114 kWh batteries that can be charged with up to 170 kW of DC power in just 31 minutes, allowing for a 10-80% state of charge. Additionally, these models can be charged with AC power using a Type 2 connection at home or in public. Depending on the charging port, this can take anywhere from 9.1 to 11.3 hours to fully charge these models. Both cars have convenient side-by-side charging outlets, and an onboard charger supports up to 22 kW of AC charging.
Inside, the SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron have front seats covered in Valcona leather, a material that is also used for the lower interior areas and top dashboard. Additionally, they include LED entrance lights, carbon and aluminium trim inserts, an ambient lighting package, and an Audi Virtual Cockpit with a head-up display, two MMI touch displays, and haptic buttons. In addition, iOS and Android smartphones can be used with the Audi MMI interface. The onboard audio is compensated for by a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen system that delivers 705 watts of power.
The SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron come equipped with Park Assist, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, swerving assist, turn assist, and front and rear cross traffic assist. Additional features include front, side and rear airbags, a direct tyre pressure monitoring system and ISOFIX child seat anchors and top tethers.
Due to discounts offered to battery-electric vehicles sold in Malaysia, the Audi SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron are priced at RM519,990 and RM529,990, respectively, without insurance and duties. Magnet Grey, Ultra Blue, Chronos Grey, Mythos Black, Plasma Blue, Daytona Grey, and Glacier White are the colour options for the two.
A two-year, unlimited warranty is included with both cars as standard. Additionally, for RM13,000, this may be upgraded with the Audi Assurance Package (AAP), which includes free scheduled maintenance for the first three years, free roadside assistance for the first five years, and a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage.
