THE high-performance Audi SQ8 e-tron is now on sale in the UK priced from £97,500.

As the flagship offering within the new Q8 e-tron model lineup, the S version is fitted with a triple electric motor set-up as standard that develops 503ps and 973Nm of torque.

Both SUV and Sportback bodystyles of the SQ8 e-tron are available with specifications choices comprising Black Edition and Vorsprung which is priced from £114,500.

The SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron make use of the larger 106kWh battery that delivers a fully electric range of up to 276 miles on a single charge.

Performance figures for both are 0 to 62mph acceleration in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 130mph.

Recharging to 80 per cent capacity can be done in 31 minutes from a fast charger while a full recharge takes around 11-and-a-half hours from a home charging point.

Like the standard Q8 e-tron model line-up, the new S variants also show Audi's new corporate identity with the new two-dimensional Audi rings on the front and rear of the vehicle, plus the model designation now printed on the door-pillar.

The SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron line-ups comprise two trim levels - Black Edition and Vorsprung. Equipment highlights across the lineup include adaptive air suspension, quattro all-wheel drive, progressive steering, S-specific exterior styling and a Park Assist Pack that includes a 360-degree camera.

Inside, electrically adjustable front super sport seats with S embossed logo in Valcona leather are standard, along with comfort and safety features such as Audi Virtual cockpit plus.

Optional equipment on the SQ8 e-tron has been grouped into packs which now include an S Technology Pack Pro at £2,595 which comprises exterior grille illumination, a panoramic sunroof, USB-C ports in the rear and heated rear seats.

The Tour Pack at £1,995 includes adaptive cruise with active lane assist, emergency assist, predictive efficiency assistant, turn assist and swerve assist.

There is also a City Assist Pack (£1,125) which adds Audi pre-sense rear, exit warning, cross traffic assist front and rear, lane change assistant and park assist with parking aid.

All packs are optional on Black Editions and standard on Vorspring models.

Sportback modesl are priced from £100,000 in Black Edition specification and £117,000 for the Vorsprung.