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The Audi SQ8 is a formidable SUV that delivers supercar levels of performance, despite its mammoth proportions and understated looks
The SQ8 is Audi’s prestigious, high-performance SUV that bridges the gap between the regular Q8 and the RS Q8. Unveiled in 2020, the SQ8 temporarily held the top spot as Audi’s SUV flagship, though inevitably became overshadowed by its RennSport stablemate later that year.
Using Volkswagen’s MLB platform, shared with the Lamborghini Urus, Bentley Bentayga, and Porsche’s Cayenne, the Audi promotes a unique styling with its Coupe silhouette.
Prices of the ferocious SUV have remained steady since its launch a couple of years ago. Indeed, a new SQ8 would have cost around $102,000 in 2020. Today, a decent used example will set you back the best part of $95,000. That’s still around $30,000 less than the equivalent RS Q8 model and a lot cheaper than its wild Lamborghini cousin.
Don’t be mistaken, the SQ8 is a formidable SUV that delivers supercar levels of performance, despite its mammoth proportions and understated looks.
Related: Here's Why The Audi RS Q8 Is A Better Buy Than The Lamborghini Urus
Aesthetically, the SQ8 is an attractive SUV with an awesome road presence. In comparison to the standard Q8 model, the SQ8 adopts a sportier appearance, thanks to its mammoth aluminum Single frame grille and S-specific body kit. No doubt, the new rear diffuser, with gorgeous integrated dual exhaust tips on each side, is a giveaway of the SUV’s performance potential. Moreover, the SQ8 sits lower than the regular model, with massive 22-inch alloys proudly filling each corner.
The huge cabin of the Audi SQ8 oozes quality and is very well put together. It’s also a very modern and cohesive design with full leather sports seats and a piano black dashboard with carbon fiber inserts. Indeed, a similar cockpit design to the SQ7. Moreover, the S styling themes are apparent throughout the cabin, including Alcantara trim, stainless steel pedals, and embossed seat backrests. Behind the flat bottom sports steering wheel, is an impressive 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. A further 10.1-inch and 8.6-inch sharp touchscreens are both mounted in the central dash area for controlling the infotainment and climate settings respectively. What’s more, the SQ8 comes equipped with many driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control pedestrian and cycle detection, as well as its clever 360-degree camera.
The 21-cubic feet rear cargo area, although spacious, is approximately 7-cubic feet less compared to the SQ7, due to its coupe style design. Also, important to note is that the entire Q8 range does not come with third-row seating, as with its Q7 stablemate. Indeed, just like the Q7 range, all Audi Q8 models scored a Five star rating for the NHTSA's crash and safety testing.
Related: 10 Things You Need To Know Before Buying The 2022 Audi Q7
As we mentioned, the SQ8 TDI never reached US shores for obvious reasons after Dieselgate. Instead, behind the mammoth octagonal front grille is a 4.0-Liter TFSI twin-turbocharged V8, the same gasoline engine used in the flagship Audi RS Q8. The SQ8 eight-cylinder powerplant churns out a muscular 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission sends power to the Quattro all-wheel drive system, with 60% of torque split to the rear and 40% to the front.
The SQ8 also features an air suspension system that comes standard, enabling ride-height adjustability. Furthermore, special upgrades included four-wheel steering, carbon ceramic brakes, a sport differential, and electromechanical anti-roll bars, all providing more stability and dynamic handling.
Related: 2021 Audi RS Q8 Review: A 600hp Super SUV
The main talking point, no doubt, is the way this Audi SUV performs. Indeed, the SQ8 is capable of sprinting to 60 mph in an explosive 4.1 seconds from a standing start. Impressive considering the thing weighs almost two and a half tonnes. Surprisingly, the SQ8 is incredibly grippy on the tight twisty stuff, thanks to its enormous tires and the assurance of the Quattro all-wheel drive system working in the background.
Fuel economy isn’t going to make you popular with Greenpeace activists, though MPG figures are usually irrelevant for buyers of the S and RS Q8 models. Nonetheless, this Audi SUV can make a comfortable cruiser for swallowing up big distances. However, stamping your right foot on the gas pedal exposes the true ferocity of this Audi SUV. The angry growl of the V8 and the relentless surge of power differentiates this high-performance machine from the regular Q8. What’s more, the full-fat RS Q8, is less than half a second quicker than the Audi SQ8 to 60 mph. The top speed remains the same, though the RS version acquires 92 extra horses. Unless you’re particular about setting lap times, there's not much difference in ‘real world’ driving.
Let’s face it, most high-performance Q8 owners are unlikely to take their SUVs to the track or off-roading. Granted, the Audi RS Q8 is an impressive machine in its own right, however, for almost $30,000 less, the SQ8 provides just as much power, luxury, and driver enjoyment.
To sum up, the Audi SQ8 is a capable SUV with impeccable ground-covering ability that makes it a sensible buy. Without a doubt, a cut-price Lamborghini Urus.
Waheed is an automotive writer and enthusiast with a vast knowledge of the motor industry. Having acquired a passion for cars at a very young age, he knows pretty much all there is to know about classic German sports cars.