Overview

AUDI has injected more grunt, better dynamics and even more luxury into its updated SQ8 performance SUV.

Yes, the RSQ8 sits above the SQ8, but as a hyper SUV the RS is really more about downright performance than offering a balanced luxury option. 

Audi’s shift to the 4.0-litre twin turbo petrol V8, a detuned version of the engine in the manic RSQ8, offers better driving dynamics and more pace than the outgoing diesel V8.

In the SQ8, more than 100kg has been pulled out of the front end thanks to the lighter engine, which has transformed the handling prowess of the SQ8.

The new V8 offers up 373kW/770Nm, mated to an eight-speed torque converter auto and all-wheel drive, a combination Audi says will propel the burly SQ8 to 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds. 

For perspective, the 0.7-second reduction in sprint time over the old model puts the SQ8 just three tenths off the RSQ8’s 3.8-second triple-digit sprint.

Audi’s Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system, all-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension are all standard and we couldn’t fault their operation or the seamless coherence of all these sophisticated systems working together.

What Audi will do, though, is offer to make the SQ8 even better with the optioal dynamic package that includes electromechanically active roll stabilisation and a sports rear diff. The optional extra, at $10,900, seriously elevates the driving experience. 

What’s particularly interesting about the electromechanical active roll stabilisation is that it features electric motors front and back which operate off a 48-volt system. The electric motors rotate each half of the stabiliser bars in opposite directions, creating torque that counteracts body roll. Fascinating, even if the engineers had to explain it a few times.  

The old SQ8 was well appointed, with loads of standard inclusions, and the new model is no different.

It isn’t, however, quite as ‘handy’ as its SQ7 sibling in that it doesn’t have seven seats, but in every other way the SQ8 is still a compelling all-rounder. 

Like the old model, it retains a 3500kg braked towing capacity and more cargo volume than most will use.

Behind the second row, there’s 605 litres of space, and behind the first row a full 1755 litres – a little down on the SQ7 but given its sleek body shape they’re respectable cargo volumes. 

The new SQ8 is an even more visually appealing example of an already desirable model, with loads of ‘S’ body styling elements, a more aggressive front grille treatment, guard-filling 22-inch wheels, and hands down the best-looking SUV rear end. In our opinion.

A subtle roof wing, quad-tip exhausts, and sharp lines hint at its performance pedigree while privacy glass, a huge panoramic sunroof, and Audi’s fancy Matrix LED headlights further add to the new model’s luxury appeal.

Inside the SQ8, there’s no shortage of S badging, Valcona leather and if you tick the ‘inlays in carbon vector’ extra, lashings of carbon-fibre feature across the dash. 

Much like its SQ7 twin-under-the-skin, the seats are exceptionally well bolstered, comfortable, and feature electric adjustability, heating, driver memory, and four-way lumbar support. 

The SQ8 has a virtual cockpit, consisting of a 12.3-inch screen with various view modes available – our pick being performance mode.

Front and centre, a 10.1-inch screen with haptic feedback serves infotainment duties, while a smaller 8.6-inch screen below offers ‘digital dials’ for climate control and other in-car functionality.

Audi’s infotainment system is top tier, with the typical smartphone integration, Audi Connect Plus software, a roof-mounted SOS call function, and epic 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system that positively pumps. A Friday afternoon highway run to the airport offered better audio than any set of headphones we’ve experienced. 

The SQ8 is safe, too, with all of Audi’s standard driver assist tech, but it’s by no means an irritating system. The safety features, like pre-sense front and rear, active lane assist, side and cross traffic assist, are as good as any. The parking cameras and 360-degree view are particularly useful when parking, because those 22-inch wheels wouldn’t look too good rashed up.

Driving Impressions

Jumping into the new SQ8 at Melbourne, with about an hour-long drive out to Daylesford, we were presented with torrential rain and flash flooding.

This meant the dynamic prowess and even straight-line speed of the SQ8 would have to wait. Or we would at least have to ease into the performance side of things.

What became apparent straight away was how pleasantly luxurious the interior is, something Audi continually seems to set new standards for.

The black and grey interior feels wildly opulent, and the carbon package adds a sportiness to the already exquisite interior. This is an incredibly comfortable SUV if you’re faced with below average weather and poor visibility; relaxing and assuring from any seat in the cabin.

But, plant your foot and it’s also an impressive performer with loads of mechanical grip and a phenomenally potent engine. At first the new petrol V8 doesn’t feel as exciting as its power figures might suggest, but glance at the speedo and it’s apparent this is a quick car (or SUV, it’s easy to confuse it). 

It doesn’t have any discernible turbo lag, it isn’t peaky, and it’s as happy at 2000rpm as it is up top. It’s quicker than it feels because it’s just so linear in its power delivery. 

This particular SQ8 had the dynamic package fitted, which made for tighter cornering and a sharpness it lacked without the active roll stabilisation. The sport diff, though, was equally noticeable. We crab-walked a little under hard acceleration out of corners, with a little back-end squirm to round out the fun.

We’d be opting for the dynamic package, without a doubt, because it livened the SQ8 up quite significantly and unlike a lot of all-wheel-drive cars that like to understeer and push wide, it stays tight. 

The steering is sharp as a tack, likely helped along by that 100+kg weight saving over the front axle. The petrol V8 is a lot lighter, freeing up the front end and keeping the SQ8 remarkably light on its toes for such a big SUV. 

Braking performance is also top notch, with the standard six-piston callipers proving to be well and truly up to the task. 

Air suspension has come a long way in performance cars like the Porsche Taycan and SUVs like this SQ8, and this is an example of it done right. A mix of comfort and firmness is achieved, thanks to the hundreds of sensory inputs per second and subsequent adjustments.

The million-dollar – or $168,800 – question is how the new V8 sounds. It sounds great, albeit on the quieter side of things. Maybe we’ve just become accustomed to rowdy variable exhaust systems, but it didn’t feel quite loud enough. The note, though, is miles better than the old diesel V8.

Another all-important question is; how thirsty is the new V8? Our fuel use across two days of mixed driving was 12.4L/100km, just 200ml more than Audi’s claimed 12.2l/100km. Impressive, considering our lead-footed antics. 

Customers are already receiving their SQ8s and Audi says orders are taking around six months to deliver, although this of course depends on the specific options ticked and availability.

The SQ8 is priced at $168,800 before on-road costs, up $7300 on the old model, but it’s a whole different beast in terms of performance.

We would opt for the $10,900 dynamic package, but the rest of the extras are going to come down to personal preference. Our tester came in at $191,021, consisting of the base price ($168,800), Audi Sport wheels ($1000), black exterior styling package ($1850), Audi exclusive individual paint ($7600), dynamic package ($10,900), and those classy carbon vector inlays ($1950).

All Audi Australia models, as of this year, are now offered with a five-year warranty and five-year roadside assist membership. Audi also offers a 12-year manufacturer warranty for bodywork against corrosion perforation. 

Customers can also pay up-front (or more likely bundle into their finance) a comprehensive five-year service plan for $4100. Audi also offers additional two-year factory warranty extensions for $3900, up to a total warranty period of up to nine years from the time of purchase.

With the updated SQ8, Audi has stepped up in terms of performance and overall luxury. Spending a bit extra for a big jump in dynamics is well worth it if you’re going to take yours on some fun roads on a regular basis. We’d be doing both if we owned one.