With the New Year upon us and advancing fast, Audi is in a hurry to round out their U.S. showrooms for the 2020 model year. January finds the German luxury performance brand adding a pair of Quattro-outfitted SUVs to flesh out its current lineup: the SQ7 and its sibling, the SQ8.
Both models sport the same engine—a 4L V8 biturbo—that pumps out up to 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. Both claim the same 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds, and top speed of 155 MPH. The Quattro system gives the pair the added benefit of sending up to 80% of the power to the back axle, and emphasizing torque dominance on one side of the car or the other for on-the-fly conditions compensation and, as a result, better handling.
Within, both models are outfitted with active roll stabilization. Inside, both get S sport seats, with heating and ventilation. The differences between the models may come down to preferred aesthetics: the SQ7 is equipped with Alu-optic design features, the SQ8 receives Black-optic. Wheel options for the SQ7 include 20 and 21 inch rims; the SQ8 brings them up to 21 and 22 inches. Onboard tech? Unknown at this time. The SQ8 will presumably represent an upsell in that department, too.
Audi is finalizing details for both at this time, and will have more information in the coming months. Expect to see the 2020 SQ7 and SQ8 in dealerships in the spring.