Top 5 Things We Love About The Audi SQ8

The Audi SQ8 sits in an interesting space. It’s more aggressive and exciting than the standard Q8, but not quite as wild or attention-seeking as the RS Q8. And that balance might just be its biggest strength.

Because what you get here is a big luxury SUV that can quietly go about everyday life one moment and turn into an absolute missile the next. And once you spend some time with it, a few things really begin to stand out. This what we loved in the SUV:

That V8 Engine Is Pure Drama 

The heart of the SQ8 is easily its biggest talking point. In the current times, most performance SUVs are moving towards smaller engines and hybrid assistance, Audi has stayed delightfully old-school here. Under the hood sits a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine producing 507 PS and 770 Nm.

And the way it delivers performance feels genuinely special. The SQ8 can sprint from 0-100 kmph in just 4.12 seconds, but the numbers alone don’t tell the full story. It’s the way the acceleration pins you into the seat, the deep growl from the exhaust and the effortless wave of performance that make it feel exciting every single time.

It Hides Its Size Shockingly Well 

You expect a 2.2-tonne SUV to feel big and heavy around corners. The SQ8 somehow doesn’t. Audi’s all-wheel steering system works brilliantly here. At lower speeds, the rear wheels turn opposite to the front wheels, making the SUV feel surprisingly manageable in the city. And at higher speeds, they turn in the same direction to improve stability.

The result is a big SUV that changes direction with far more confidence than you’d expect. There’s also immense grip from the Quattro all-wheel-drive system and through a series of corners, the SQ8 genuinely feels far smaller than it actually is.

Ride Comfort Hasn’t Been Sacrificed

Usually, performance SUVs this quick tend to compromise heavily on comfort. The SQ8 thankfully avoids that trap. Even on the optional 22-inch alloy wheels, the ride quality remains surprisingly absorbent. The air suspension does a great job of smoothing out rough patches and you never really feel punished for driving it daily.

What also helps in India is the adjustable ride height. Bad roads, speed breakers and rough surfaces are handled without much drama. And that’s what makes the SQ8 so impressive. It can happily behave like a luxury SUV during the week and then completely change character when you find an empty stretch of road.

The Design Is Subtle But Seriously Cool 

The SQ8 is one of those “if you know, you know” cars. Unlike many high-performance SUVs that rely on loud styling elements, the SQ8 keeps things relatively understated. Sure, the grille is massive and the air dams are aggressive, but the overall look still feels clean and sophisticated.

The crisp body lines, coupe-like roofline and wide stance give it proper road presence without making it look overdone. There are also some really nice details, like the HD Matrix LED headlamps with selectable DRL signatures and the quad exhaust setup at the rear.

To our eyes, the Q8 shape still remains one of the best-looking luxury SUV coupe designs out there.

The Cabin Nails Combining Luxury And Sportiness 

Step inside and the SQ8 immediately feels expensive. The quality levels are excellent, and Audi has added just enough sporty touches to remind you that this isn’t a regular luxury SUV. The flat-bottom steering wheel, metallic inserts and sport seats all add to the experience without making the cabin feel flashy. The front seats deserve a special mention because they strike a superb balance between comfort and support. They also come with ventilation and heating functions.

At the rear, space and comfort remain excellent. There’s enough room to properly stretch out and features like powered sunshades and dedicated climate control zones make the experience feel properly luxurious.

And despite the sloping roofline, practicality hasn’t taken a massive hit either, with the luggage area still being quite accommodating.

ZigSays…

The Audi SQ8 feels like the sweet spot in Audi’s Q8 lineup. It has enough performance to keep enthusiasts happy, enough comfort to work as an everyday luxury SUV and enough subtlety to avoid constantly attracting attention. In current times where “super” SUVs are becoming louder and more aggressive, there’s something genuinely appealing about the SQ8’s understated personality.

It may not be the flashiest SUV in this segment, but spend some time behind the wheel and it quickly starts making a lot of sense. 

What do you think about the Audi SQ8? Let us know in the comments below!