Audi SQ8 TFSI quattro Black Edition (2025) Review
Sitting in the middle of the Q8 range within the local market, the SQ8 gets that brand's sonorous V8, but in a milder tune, with less emphasis on performance than the bonkers RSQ8 performance model. I spent a week with the SQ8 recently, and here are my thoughts!
The performance SUV has advanced rapidly over the past decade, from one-trick ponies that could only go fast in a straight line to the current generation of models that seemingly defy the laws of physics with their handling and stopping performance. The current crop of so-called hyper SUVs is undoubtedly impressive, but in their pursuit of absolute performance, they're often compromised as well as regular SUVs.
The Audi Q8 range includes a sensible diesel, a slightly more potent petrol V6, the newly introduced SQ8, and the fire-breathing RSQ8. I was offered the SQ8 to drive, and on paper, it seems like a good blend of performance and genuine usability. Does it deliver on its promise of being a high-performance SUV that doesn't compromise on luxury or practicality?
Related: Audi Q7, SQ7, Q8, SQ8 and RSQ8 (2025) First Drive Review
Pros:
- Impressive performance
- Genuinely practical
- It's genuinely pretty for an SUV
- Quality is rock solid
Cons:
- Some infotainment and climate control quirks
- If you care, it's rather thirsty
- Muted compared to Cayenne GTS
A History of the Audi SQ8
The Audi SQ8, introduced in 2019, is a relatively recent addition to the brand's performance SUV portfolio. It builds upon the foundation of the Q8 coupe-SUV, injecting a significant dose of power and sporting intent. While not quite the monstrous RSQ8, the SQ8 represents Audi's commitment to offering high-performance vehicles across its SUV range, catering to buyers who perhaps don't need as much performance but crave the V8 soundtrack.
Styling
The latest Audi SQ8 retains its coupe-inspired SUV silhouette, with a sloping roofline that doesn't drastically compromise rear passenger headroom. However, Audi has subtly sharpened the design for a more aggressive look. The single-frame grille, a signature Audi design element, is now more pronounced with a unique S-specific design featuring vertical slats and a matte black finish.
While it shares its SUV coupe form factor with competitors like the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, the SQ8 remains distinctive, coming across as a mild version of the Lamborghini Urus. It also reminds me of an inflated version of the RSQ3 Sportback I tested some years back, and that's a good thing! The pronounced wheel arches, housing large alloy wheels, and the quad exhaust tailpipes hint at the performance on offer. The optional black styling package further enhances the sporty aesthetic.
Interior & Space
Stepping inside the SQ8 is an exercise in modern luxury and technological prowess. High-quality materials abound, including supple leather and soft-touch materials. The "premium product" immediately focuses on aesthetics and tactile quality. The S-specific sports seats, upholstered in Valcona leather with diamond stitching, offer excellent support. Audi has prioritised acoustic insulation in the SQ8, making highway cruising a serene experience.
The SQ8's interior is dominated by Audi's MMI touch response system, featuring dual touchscreens (10.1-inch upper and 8.6-inch lower) that control infotainment, climate control, and vehicle settings. The MMI system is generally intuitive and visually appealing, but it offers haptic feedback, which can be frustrating. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and a high-end Audi sound system (Bang & Olufsen optional) is standard.
In terms of practicality, the SQ8 offers a respectable 605 litres of boot space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1 755 litres when folded flat. This is more than the Porsche Cayenne Coupe and the BMW X6. The SQ8 also boasts a significant braked towing of around 3 500 kg and a truly impressive amount of rear occupant space.
Drivetrain
At the heart of the Audi SQ8 typically lies a potent 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine, delivering exhilarating performance. Power output is 373kW and 770Nm of torque. The engine's code is EA825. It is a 90-degree V8 that uses twin-scroll turbochargers arranged in a "hot-vee," iron coating on the cylinder linings, and a quad-cam arrangement. This engine does duty in the Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentayga, too!
This engine is paired with a ZF eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, a smooth and responsive gearbox that offers effortless cruising and rapid gear changes when needed. The quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system distributes power between the front and rear axles, ensuring optimal traction and handling.
Driving Impression
Driving the Audi SQ8, I was in a relatively fortunate position as I had just hopped out of its milder Q7 55 TFSI sibling, and had recently given the keys to a new Porsche Cayenne GTS back. The best way to describe the SQ8 is as a fair middle ground between the loud and sporty Porsche and a whisper-quiet Q7. The V8 rumble is undoubtedly there in the SQ8. Still, it's somewhat muted when we consider that the engine powering the Audi is effectively the same as that in the Porsche, as is the gearbox, platform and various control modules. One gets the impression that, because Audi has the RSQ8 performance model, it toned down the SQ8, while Porsche seemed to make the GTS louder and prouder than the Turbo GT, but it was less dynamic.
Where the SQ8 does excel is in going about its business, regardless of what is asked of it, in a typically efficient, Germanic fashion. If you want to go fast, it does so effortlessly. The ride, while generally comfortable thanks to the adaptive air suspension, can feel firm, especially with the 23-inch wheels and in the Dynamic driving mode. This is a similar trade-off often experienced in pursuing sporty handling in the Cayenne GTS. However, it strikes a good balance between comfort and control, offering a composed and refined ride, and importantly, still managing to feel every bit the family SUV.
The SQ8 excels on paved roads, where its powerful engine delivers a thrilling surge of acceleration, making overtaking effortless, much like the potent powertrains of the Cayenne GTS. The exhaust note is a satisfyingly sporty rumble, though the specific auditory character may differ between the V8 of Audi and the Porsche V8 (or other performance-oriented engines).
Fuel Economy
Audi claims that the SQ8's fuel consumption will hover around 11.9 L/100km, but our real-world figure was 14.8 L/100km.
Safety
The Audi SQ8 forms part of the broader Q8 line-up, which achieved a strong 5-star safety rating in 2019. Euro NCAP scored it at 93% for adult occupant safety, 87% for child occupant safety, 71% for pedestrian safety and 73% for its safety assistance systems.
Pricing*
The Audi SQ8 occupies a premium position in the high-performance SUV segment, and its pricing reflects this. R2 675 500 is in the same competitive bracket as the Porsche Cayenne GTS Coupe (R2 653 000). Competition includes the BMW X6 M60i (R2 239 215) and Range Rover Sport P530 Dynamic HSE (R2 859 000).
*Pricing includes a 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan,
Verdict
The Audi SQ8 represents a compelling proposition for buyers seeking a high-performance SUV that blends power with comfort. Unfortunately, there are many alternatives for the big Audi at this price point. It directly competes with the Porsche Cayenne GTS, which is perhaps its most significant problem, where the Audi excels in refinement and effortless performance, the Porsche is more shouty, more fun, and more of what performance car fans are after in a V8-powered performance SUV. For those looking for a slightly more restrained driving experience, the SQ8 may strike a good balance between performance and comfort, provided you specify the car correctly, flying under the radar.
