Top key points
- The 2023 Geneva International Motor Show is being held in Doha, Qatar, instead of Geneva, Switzerland, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Audi is hosting the public debut of the 2024 SQ8 at the show.
- The SQ8 is a mid-cycle refresh of the Q8 and features discreet styling changes, more advanced lighting technology, and a twin-turbo 4.0L V8 engine that produces 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.1 seconds.
- Audi is also going to sell the Q8 with a fully electric Q8 E-Tron / Q8 E-Tron Sportback, which are facelifted versions of the “old” E-Tron / E-Tron Sportback.
Audi
The 2023 Geneva International Motor Show is making headlines not just for its prestigious presence in the automotive world but also for its unique location. This year, the event has shifted its venue from its namesake city in Switzerland to the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, situated 2,900 miles away. The reason behind this move? A three-year hiatus prompted by the coronavirus pandemic. However, it’s important to note that there will still be a separate event in Geneva next year.
Among the major players attending this automotive extravaganza in Qatar’s capital is Audi. The renowned German luxury brand has chosen this platform to host the public debut of its 2024 SQ8, and it’s not holding back. Audi’s booth is showcasing the high-performance SQ8, resplendent in a fiery red finish, powered by a formidable twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine. This powerhouse generates an impressive 500 horsepower and a whopping 568 pound-feet (770 Newton meters) of torque.
2024 SQ8
The 2024 SQ8 is a mid-cycle update, arriving approximately five years after the initial launch of the Q8. This refresh brings subtle yet impactful changes to its design, coupled with advancements in lighting technology. At the front, Audi offers optional HD Matrix LED headlights featuring a laser high beam, while the rear lights now incorporate OLEDs.
The grille has been revised, introducing octagonal elements for added visual appeal. To enhance its sporty character, the SQ8 showcased at the 2023 GIMS boasts carbon fibre side mirror caps and rides on massive 23-inch wheels. Audi also plans to offer the high-performance SUV with more modest 22- and 21-inch wheel options.
Despite its substantial size and weight, the SQ8 showcases remarkable agility. It sprints from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.1 seconds, and its top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h). For those seeking even more power, Audi has teased the forthcoming facelifted RS Q8, with its debut expected in the coming weeks or months.
Looking ahead, Audi’s lineup will include not only gasoline and diesel variants of the Q8 but also a fully electric option, known as the Q8 E-Tron or Q8 E-Tron Sportback. These electric variants represent a facelifted iteration of the “old” E-Tron and E-Tron Sportback models.
Pros of the 2024 Audi SQ8:
- Powerful twin-turbo V8 engine with 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque
- Sleek and sporty design
- Luxurious and comfortable interior
- Advanced technology features
- All-wheel drive for all-weather performance
Cons of the 2024 Audi SQ8:
- Expensive price tag
- Poor fuel economy
- Limited third-row seating
- Some infotainment features can be difficult to use
Conclusion
The 2023 Geneva International Motor Show’s relocation to Doha, Qatar, brings with it exciting premieres and developments in the automotive world. Audi’s unveiling of the 2024 SQ8, with its potent V8 engine and striking design updates, is just one example of the innovations on display at this prestigious event. Stay tuned for more updates from the world of automotive excellence.
