Cheaper than Its Italian Cousins, the Athletic SUV Audi SQ8 Packs a Punch

Appetizer

Audi is known to be one of the cleverest automakers who push the limits of performance, technology, comfort, and reliability now and then. Like the Audi Q5 and the Q7, the Audi SQ8 is one of the most brilliant examples of Audi’s excellence in SUV manufacturing. Being a performance-based version of the Audi Q8, the SQ8 was overhauled to deliver much more than one might expect from an SUV. Sharing the same platform and powertrain as its arch-rival Lamborghini Urus, the Audi SQ8 keeps up in every perspective, being in an affordable price range than the Urus.

What’s new in the Audi SQ8?

For 2024, the Audi SQ8 has received a styling overhaul that matches its other electric half, the SQ8 e-tron, in looks. A more modern look includes:

• A reinforced grille

• Front bumper

• New taillights and headlights featuring lasers for the high beams and user-selectable signatures

• New wheel designs with brushed-up interior trims and modernized seat designs

• A renewed palette of colors

A trip back to Audi SQ8’s evolution

The performance-focused Audi SQ8 was unveiled in June of 2019, just one year after the launch of its parent model, the Audi Q8. The SQ8 was available at the dealership in 2020 in two trims.

• SQ8 4.0 TDI Quattro

• SQ8 4.0 TFSI Quattro

Difference between TDI and TFSI:

TDI	TFSI
Stand for Turbocharged Direct Injection TDI engines integrate turbocharging and direct injection technology Diesel engine	Stands for Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection Same as TDI engines, TFSI engines blend direct fuel injection technology with turbocharging Petrol engine

The advantages of these technologies are:

TDI	TFSI
Superior efficiency and torque Up to the mark fuel efficiency Guarantied longevity and robustness	Improved power and torque Better fuel efficiency Lesser emissions

Generational analysis

The Audi SQ8 has two generations.

Audi SQ8 4M (1st Gen):

This generation of the SQ8 was produced from 2020 to 2023

It had a 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which produced a whopping 500 hp and 770 Nm of torque. All this power was sent to all four wheels paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. 0-60 mph was an astonishing 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of up to 150 mph.

Appearance was relatively simple, and with that iconic prominent grille and 22-inch wheels, the SQ8 had a solid stance.

Audi SQ8 4M facelift (2st Gen):

This generation is the very latest entry in 2023, named the facelift. However, it is unknown how long this generation will continue, but we have seen some of the best details about this generation Audi has ever produced.

The all-new 2024 Audi SQ8 has been given a makeover, marking the start of a new generation. Exclusive and sleek looks with restructured heads and taillights, combined with numerous packages, are the pinnacle of the new SQ8. It is also bestowed with a 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which thumps the same 500 hp and 770 Nm of torque as the last generation but has that vigorous acceleration element. The same 8-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive are standard in this version. According to the Caranddriver experts, the 2024 Audi SQ8 did 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds at their test track. These are some wild numbers.

The 2024 Audi SQ8 has some beautiful highlights as we look into the exterior section. Matrix LED headlights, taillights, a new front bumper, a redesigned diffuser, and 22-inch and 23-inch optional wheels are a tremendous visual deal.

Trims for the all-new Audi SQ8

The 2024 Audi S Q8 comes in two trims.

• Audi SQ8 4.0T Premium Plus Quattro

• Audi SQ8 4.0T Prestige Quattro

These trims have the same specs, such as a 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 500 hp and 770 Nm. The drivetrain and transmission are the same - an 8-speed automatic and Quattro all-wheel drive. The main difference between these two trims is their respective packages.

Trims	SQ8 4.0T Premium Plus Quattro	Audi SQ8 4.0T Prestige Quattro
S Sport Package	Sport Rear Differential, Active Roll Stabilization, Red Brake Calipers	✖
Executive Package	Dual-Pane Acoustic Glass for side windows, Power Rear Side Window Sunshades, manual tailgate sunshade, Heated Rear Seats, Front Seats with Ventilation, 4-way power lumbar for passengers, LED Interior Lighting Plus Package, Traffic Sign Recognition.	✖
Prestige Package	✖	High beam assist, dynamic indicators and dynamic coming and leaving home, Intersection Assist, Touch-Sensitive Interior Buttons, Dual-Pane Acoustic Glass for side windows, Power Rear Side Window Sunshades, manual tailgate sunshade, Heated Rear Seats, Front Seats with Ventilation, 4-way power lumbar for passenger, LED Interior Lighting Plus Package, Traffic Sign Recognition, HD Matrix-Design LED Headlights with Audi Laser Light, OLED Taillights, Power Soft-Closing Doors, Remote Park Assist Plus.
Luxury Package	✖	Black Dinamica Headliner, Extended Leather Package, leather on the dash, upper door panel and armrests, Front Seat Massage Functions
Black Optic Package	Black Exterior Trim, black Audi rings and badges, 22-inch wheels, 10-Spoke Y-Design Black Metallic Finish, Black Exterior Mirror Housings, Black Roof Rails, Black Exhaust Tips.	Black Exterior Trim, black Audi rings and badges, 22-inch wheels, 10-Spoke Y-Design Black Metallic Finish, Black Exterior Mirror Housings, Black Roof Rails, Black Exhaust Tips.
23” Wheel Package	23-inch wheels, Multi-Spoke Design, Black Metallic, diamond-turned finish, 23-inch Summer Tires	23-inch wheels, Multi-Spoke Design, Black Metallic, diamond-turned finish, 23-inch Summer Tires

The Performance of Audi SQ8

What’s the all-new Audi SQ8 packing?

As told earlier, the Audi SQ8 packs a strong punch. With a monstrous 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 500 hp and 770 Nm, this SUV means business. The transmission and drivetrain are an 8-speed automatic and Quattro all-wheel drive, respectively. 500 horsepower and 770 Nm of torque is what this beast is capable of making.

The Stats of the Audi SQ8 are just as impressive as its specifications. It can do a 60 mph run from a standstill in 4.1 seconds, according to Center. With a top speed of 155 mph under governed circumstances, this German perfection is one of the most high-performing SUVs.

How’s the drive?

Grip, rather than finesse, is mainly the major of Audi. The 48-volt anti-roll system of the Audi SQ8 ensures elite cornering while staying super stable as the tires on both sides stay even. The steering has a blurry feel, but it is precise, accurate, and joyous.

The electronic systems of the SQ8 do an incredible job. In one instance, the driver is going at high speeds, and it is barely noticeable because of the smoothness of the SQ8’s comfortable drive, although the suspension is firm on those 22-inch wheels. The ride on highways is also very soundproof.

This ride is quite challenging in the city because of the low rear visibility, so rear cameras are one way to go. Another sight of discomfort is this car’s bulky self, which can be a little teasing, fitting it in a congested place.

All around, the Audi SQ8’s standard Quattro will give control and extra power to the wheels. The adaptive air suspension doesn’t let anything mess with the massive 2.4-tonne SUV’s stability.

Real-world MPG

The Audi SQ8 stands in a perfect place in the completion of the fuel economy of the SUVs. It serves a fuel economy of 15 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and 17 mpg combined.

Audi SQ8's Aesthetics

Audi SQ8 from the inside

The Audi SQ8 is impressive from the inside with all that modern and techy stuff. The owner gets black delivered in tasteful ways. The cabin's inside gives a royal, contemporary feel similar to the A6 or the Q7, with almost everything accessed by touch on the higher and lower console screens with haptic feedback.

As everything is digitized in the SQ8, the dash, coupled with the digital driver’s display and flat-bottomed steering wheel, gives a sense of satisfaction once you get in.

Seats are also built with the finest leather upholstery.

Unlike its outside, the inside is not as significant. Because of the sloped roof, the headroom feels congested, but the legroom is ample. The Audi SQ8 is more spacious than the Q7 regarding the legroom.

Six hundred-five liters of trunk space also proves to be practical. As third-row seats aren’t in the SQ8, the trunk space increases once we fold the back seat down- more than the BMW X6.

And from the outside?

The exterior of the Audi SQ8 is a work of art. Audi did invest serious ambition in the making of the SQ8’s exterior.

The large grille gives a dreading look to other vehicles, while the full-width taillight bar adds to its beauty.

The iconic oval-shaped exhaust pipes look very good, although 2 of them don’t connect to the engine- well, that’s not fair. 22-inch wheels have that wow factor.

But the optional 23-inch wheels make it more applauding.

The matrix LED headlights and taillights have their aura.

What is the Audi SQ8 Priced at?

Attributes of the Audi SQ8

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

• Forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking

• Lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist

• Adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature

Highs and Lows

Highs	Lows
✔ Excellent driving dynamics ✔ Vigorous acceleration ✔ Posh Interior	✖ Alternatives are cheap, more fun, and practical ✖ Less interior storage ✖ Infotainment systems can be distracting

What’s the Verdict?

According to Edmunds:

“It's considerably more dynamic than the standard Q8 and nearly as comfortable. Well-executed tech offerings and a top-notch cabin design reveal this pricey SUV's long list of strengths.”

Conclusion

The Audi SQ8 is an all-round master class. It is the way a sports version of the base Q8 should be. There are some drawbacks, but its performance and luxury quickly compensate for them. But to give it its due, the SQ8 is well-finished inside and outside. The packages get very pricey, and some of the optional features in those packages should be made standard. More or less, the Audi SQ8 is a great car for someone who loves speed, control, tech advancements, and a bit of practicality.

FAQs

What is the difference between the Audi SQ8 and Q8?

The Audi SQ8 is a performance-based version of the Audi Q8 SUV. It is designed for individuals seeking a powerful, luxurious, technologically advanced driving experience.

Is the Audi SQ8 worth the price?

According to experts, the Audi SQ8 offers a dynamic driving experience, top-notch cabin design, and advanced technology. While it can be pricey, especially with additional packages, its performance and luxury make it an excellent choice for individuals seeking speed, control, and practicality in an SUV.

Does the Audi SQ8 have third-row seating?

No, the Audi SQ8 does not offer third-row seating. However, it provides ample legroom for passengers and boasts a practical trunk space of 605 liters, which increases when the back seats are folded down.