scaling the summits of the french pyrenees in the sporty AUDI SQ8 SUV

following their first ever class-topping and all-conquering Q8 in 2018, AUDI now welcomes a faster and even more sporty SUV in 2019, the SQ8. leaving the extreme natural climate of chile behind, designboom tested the new model in a location legendary for extreme endurance, technicality and speed in sports: the french pyrenees. here, the large SUV coupe matched the performance, weaving up the mountain paths and giving all onlookers – herds of cyclists, holiday-makers and free cattle alike – a glance at the all-new exterior and more.

all images courtesy of AUDI AG

at first look, the AUDI SQ8 is most distinctive for its smooth, slowly descending roofline that then abruptly concludes with a small overhang and steep window at the rear. it aesthetically unites the sporty sharpness of a coupe with the length typically attributed to a station wagon. this not only creates an image of sportiness but also one that is very spacious when you get inside or open the trunk.

a thick single-form grille dominates the SUV’s front. it is interrupted on either side by intrusions of body panels that then feature angular air inlets below and sharp LED headlamps above. dynamic, eye-catching quattro blisters grove from the side of the front onwards towards the rear, where it passes over the expanded wheel arches that fit 22-inch wheels. the rear completes its sporty design by infusing styling from some of AUDI’s most iconic sports models. last but not least, aluminum details such as the wing mirrors add a literal line of elegance to their top model SUV.

once opening the pillarless doors and stepping inside, the highlight aluminum details continue across the honest, contemporary cabin as well. this contrasts with the mix of leather, alcantara and new trimmings as well as the five enveloping sports seats. spanning the width of the interior, the dashboard is dominated by a black panel that adds intrigue, elegance and clarity. the dual-screen infotainment system is placed in its center, allowing the driver and front passenger with easy reach to configuring driver performance and cabin comfort controls.

with an eight-cylinder diesel with twin-turbo charging, the SQ8 has the sporty performance to match its design. it produces 435 hp and 900 Nm of torque to accelerate from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.8 seconds and to a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). thanks to the eight-speed automatic gearbox, the power is instantaneous and so is its ability to overtake. an added extra is that, when cruising at relatively low speeds, one of the two turbochargers automatically turns off to boost fuel economy.

the dynamic nature of the SQ8 does not stop there though. whether powering along the french motorways or climbing the steep, curving mountain paths of the pyrenees, the large SUV handles with perfect balance. this is aided by advanced suspension technologies, such as sport differential, roll stabilization and all-wheel steering, that ensures the driving experience feels natural, easy and, most importantly, fun on the roads. add this to its comfort, spaciousness and even efficiency, and the AUDI SQ8 completes a supreme sporty design.