Text by Tom Appel
2025 Audi SQ8 Prestige
Specs
Class: Premium Midsize SUV
Country of Manufacture: Slovakia
Color: Sakhir Gold Metallic
Seating Capacity: 5
Miles driven: 142
Real-world fuel economy: 16.1 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | B |
| Power and Performance | A |
| Fit and Finish | A |
| Fuel Economy | C- |
| Value | B |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | A |
| Tall Guy | A |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. “Big” rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, “Tall” rating based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 500-horsepower, 4.0-liter |
| Engine Type | Turbocharged V8 |
| Transmission | 8-Speed automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving mix: 65% city, 35% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 15/21/17 (city, highway, combined)
Fuel type: Premium Gas
Base price: $97,600 (not including $1295 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Special paint ($595), Prestige Package ($7300), S Sport Package ($6000), Bang & Olufsen audio system ($4900), Luxury Package ($3700), 23-inch alloy wheels ($2500), Night Vision Assistant ($2500), Black Optic Package ($1100)
Price as tested: $127,490
Audio-System Quality
Poor Fair Good Very-Good Excellent
Pros and Cons
The great: Low-compromise high-performance fun
The good: Crossover utility, opulent cabin, refined nature
The not so good: Glitchy Bluetooth operation
Review
I’ve heard the phrase elsewhere, but a family young’un, I forget which, was fond of the term, “more betterer.” A thing that might be described as more betterer, at least by a youngster, would be asking for a spoonful of ice cream, and being handed a sundae. Something that is more betterer is something that is better than expected, and without compromise or downside.
If you ignore the price tag, and that’s a pretty big if, the Audi SQ8 is such a thing—at least compared to the standard Audi Q8, which is already a mighty fine vehicle.
Coupe Crossover
Before we discuss what it is that makes the SQ8 so special, we should talk a little about what this luxury midsize crossover is all about.
Q8 versus SQ8
New to the North American market for 2019, the Q8 (no S) is Audi’s “coupe” treatment of the well-liked Q7 midsize crossover. As such, the Q8 traded a bit of rear-seat headroom for a sexier, more rakish roofline, and shed the 7’s 3rd-row seat in exchange for a stubbier, sportier profile. Despite its “higher” number, the Q8 is somewhat smaller than the Q7 inside and out.
The Q8 is more expensive than the Q7, however, and boasts more equipment, and more base power. Freshened for 2024, the Q8 was treated to updated styling inside and out, as well as new LED headlights.
Engines
The Q8 skips the Q7’s base 4-cylinder engine, and comes standard with a 335-horsepower turbocharged V6 rated at 355 horsepower and equipped with 48-volt “mild hybrid” technology. This engine is optional on the Q7, and mates exclusively to an 8-speed “Tiptronic” transmission and Audi’s quattro AWD system. The mild hybrid system provides extra power when moving away from a stop, and also helps to smooth engine stop/start operation.
What the Q8 has that the Q7 does not is a “S” performance variant. It’s a unique trim level boasting even more power, and a more athletic chassis. The improvement in sporty feel is profound, and there is very little compromise required of the driver or passengers. More betterer, remember?
V8 Power
Key to the SQ8’s performance-flagship mission is its smooth, powerful V8 engine. The turbocharged 4.0-liter 8-cylinder mill produces an Audi-claimed 500 horsepower, though that figure may be conservative.
Prices and Trim Levels
While the base Audi Q8 starts around $76,000, bidding for the SQ8 beings at a sobering $99,000 for the Premium Plus trim level, and just over $106,000 for the better equipped Prestige.
Test Car
Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheel of an SQ8 Prestige in Sakhir Gold Metallic and featuring a number of pricey options and packages. All told, our well-equipped SQ8 came in at $127,490, including destination charge.
Cabin
While upstart luxury makers including Genesis have been encroaching on Audi’s claim to outfitting its vehicles with industry’s finest interiors, the SQ8 boasts a singularly premium cabin. Our test vehicle came equipped with the $3700 Luxury Package, which among other features includes a healthy does of extra leather. The deft melding of suede, traditional leather, and quilted seating surfaces give the big Audi a premium clubby feel that impresses each and every passenger as they enter the car.
Room and Comfort
There’s plenty of adult space in the first seating row, and large enough door openings to make entering the car a simple affair. Rear seat space, despite the cut-down roofline, is adult-person generous. In short: The SQ8 will make four occupants very happy, even on a long trip.
Connectivity
The SQ8 infotainment system is not without its bugaboos. This driver could not keep his cell phone Bluetooth connected to the vehicle, and spent considerable time reconnecting, a thing which proves especially annoying prior to short trips. We also found the touchscreen slow to respond to some inputs, an irritating trait, especially in a luxury vehicle.
Steering Feel
Audi has, for decades, been appreciated for building cars with natural, feedback-rich steering feel, and the SQ8 is very much on point here. There’s a little heft to the steering, along with the kind of engaging return-to-center action usually reserved for sports cars. Nothing here for a regular commuter to fear, just a little visceral feedback to help liven up the daily drive.
Ride and Handling
As for the suspension, the sporty crossover’s slightly firm, less floaty, ride somehow makes the SQ8 feel more, not less, luxurious. And drivers who put a value on feeling in control of their vehicles will appreciate this point. With the exception of some delightful engine and exhaust noise, the SQ8 is just as quiet in the cabin as lesser Q7s and Q8s. And, about that engine…
Power and Performance
Despite the SQ8’s overall goodness, it is the V8 engine that is the star of the show. Yes it sounds good, and yes, it is smooth, but it is also really strong. Like, exotic-car strong. Rated at 500 horsepower, the SQ8 reaches 60 mph from a stop in an Audi-claimed 4.0 seconds. That is crazy quick for a crossover. More impressive, however, is how smoothly this muscle-bound crossover goes about its business. Stomp the pedal and the SQ8 simply flies forward. Transmission shifts are silky smooth, and the engine polished and refined. The SQ8 is almost electric-car smooth, but somehow more engaging.
RS Q8
The more betterer SQ8 is not the end of the Q8 performance story, however. Also available, though for rarified money, is the RS Q8, a limited-production Q8 variant that boasts an eye-watering 631 horsepower. Hopefully we’ll review one soon.
Audi versus Lamborghini
While $125,000 is a lot of money for a midsize crossover, it’s actually a reasonable price for a vehicle with this much performance potential. And, similar vehicles from BMW and Mercedes-Benz can cost much more. Also, the Urus crossover, built by Audi corporate cousin Lamborghini isn’t much quicker than the SQ8, and lists for at least $100,000 more.
Value
While we find the mainstream Q8 to be a wholly satisfying—and frankly indulgent—vehicle to drive, enthusiasts looking for something more in their daily driver will do well to test drive the SQ8. In the words of young relative, “It’s more betterer.” Click ere for more Consumer Guide reviews.
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2025 Audi SQ8 Prestige Pictures
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