Audi SQ8
New SQ8 SUV
This sportier version of the Q8 brings vast power reserves combined with stunning interior quality.
Explore our other Q8 models
Need to know
1
The SQ8 originally debuted with a V8 diesel engine, but Audi recently swapped it for a V8 petrol engine – bringing a big uplift in terms of power.
2
The SQ8’s 4.0-litre TFSI V8 petrol engine puts out 507PS and 770Nm of torque – unlocking a 0-62mph time of just 4.1 seconds.
3
The SQ8 benefits from subtle sporty changes setting it apart from the regular Q8 – including larger alloy wheels and model-specific bumpers.
SQ8 range
SQ8 Black Edition
23" 10-spoke trapezoidal style Audi Sport alloy wheels
Adaptive air suspension
Ambient lighting package plus
Anthracite Black Styling Package Plus
Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System
SQ8 Vorsprung
23" 10-spoke trapezoidal style Matte Titan Grey alloy wheels
Electromechanical active roll stabilisation
Panoramic glass sunroof
Matte Carbon Twill inlays
Front seat ventilation with massage function
If you want a performance SUV that you can use every day, the SQ8 feels like a real sweet spot in the line-up. It puts a huge tick in the performance box with its huge power reserves, yet remains comfortable and impressively practical to use on a day-to-day basis. If you want a sports SUV that can do it all, the SQ8 is the way to go.
Sytner Audi Team
Design
The Q8 acts as Audi’s flagship SUV and it has the design that befits a tip-top model. Offering a bold and imposing look, the German firm takes things up a level with the SQ8. Its coupe-like roofline makes it arguably the most stylish Audi SUV in the line-up, while the large Singleframe grille really stands out, and helped to influence the future design of other Audi ‘Q’ models.
Despite the sporty focus of the SQ8, however, this is a model designed to offer everyday usability, with vast amounts of space and practical features meaning it’s more than up to the task of family duties.
Audi’s ‘S’ models are renowned for offering plenty of additional performance while still being relatively subtle in design – if you want something more outlandish, the ‘RS’ models are the best for that.
Changes on the SQ8 compared to the Q8 include specific 23-inch alloy wheels, revised bumpers and four exhaust tips are also an easy way of telling the SQ8 apart from other models. Both the Black Edition and the Vorsprung trim get a host of black styling elements to give the model a stealthier look.
Tech
As one of Audi’s flagship performance SUVs, the SQ8 is absolutely packed with technology. Even the ‘standard’ models are bursting with features, and there are screens aplenty. These include a main 10.1-inch touchscreen that offers satellite navigation with 3D city models and free online map updates. There’s a lower screen that handles the climate settings, while a fully-configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster – known as the Audi Virtual Cockpit – is a fantastic addition.
It’s the Vorsprung that gets the most technology, however, particularly on the safety side of things. On this model, there's a 360-degree camera system, along with self-parking functionality, adaptive cruise assist and an exit warning that stops passengers from opening the doors if there’s passing traffic.
Engines & Performance
While previously Audi kitted out the SQ8 with a twin-turbo 4.0-litre TDI diesel engine, it elected more recently to revert to a sportier-feeling petrol unit.
It’s a mightily impressive engine too – a 4.0-litre twin-turbo TFSI powerplant that delivers a significant 507PS and 770Nm of torque. An eight-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox is also used, with drive being sent to all wheels via Audi’s excellent quattro four-wheel-drive system.
Statistics
Unsurprisingly considering the SQ8’s vast power reserves, there are some very impressive statistics at play here. Accelerating from 0-62mph will take just 4.1 seconds, while the SQ8 will surge to a top speed of 155mph.
Unsurprisingly, the SQ8 isn’t the most efficient model on the market, with Audi claiming 22.2mpg and 289g/km CO2 emissions.
0-62 mph
4.1 seconds
Top speed
155mph
CO2 emissions
289g/km
All vehicles are tested according to WLTP technical procedures. Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and equivalent electric range figures with other vehicles tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles, vehicle load (and, for battery electric vehicles, the starting charge of the battery).