2023 Geneva International Motor Show relocates to Doha: Audi unveils 2024 SQ8

Audi Debuts the High-Performance 2024 SQ8 at the Doha Edition of the Prestigious Auto Show

In an unexpected twist, the 2023 Geneva International Motor Show has found a new home over 2,900 miles away at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, marking its return after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. It’s important to note that a separate event is still planned for Geneva next year.

One of the major highlights at the Doha edition is Audi’s participation, with the public debut of the 2024 Q8, particularly the high-performance SQ8 variant. Audi has chosen to showcase the red-hot SQ8, powered by a potent twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine generating an impressive 500 horsepower and 568 pound-feet (770 Newton-meters) of torque.

The 2024 SQ8 arrives as a mid-cycle update, approximately five years after the Q8’s initial launch. It introduces subtle design revisions and incorporates advanced lighting technology. Optional HD Matrix LED headlights with laser high beams grace the front, while OLED taillights adorn the rear. The grille features new octagonal elements, and the show car displayed at the 2023 GIMS boasts carbon fiber side mirror caps and rides on massive 23-inch wheels. Audi will also offer the high-performance SUV with smaller 22- and 21-inch wheel options.

Impressively, despite its size and weight, the SQ8 accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.1 seconds and boasts an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). Audi enthusiasts can anticipate the facelifted RS Q8’s debut in the near future for even more performance.

Looking ahead, Audi will expand the Q8 lineup to include gasoline and diesel variants alongside the fully electric Q8 E-Tron and Q8 E-Tron Sportback, both of which are facelifted versions of the existing E-Tron and E-Tron Sportback models.