The Audi SQ8 is one of the most desirable and best-looking Audi SUVs money can buy these days and is only beaten by its more powerful brother, the Audi RSQ8. The SQ8 combines style with substance which transforms the relatively lazy standard Audi Q8 into a more focused, more exciting Audi SQ8. So, is Audi SQ8 a good car?
The Audi SQ8 is indeed a good car and it’s hard to dispute that in any way. Some may not like the way the Q8 looks because they can’t stand coupe SUVs, but other than that, the SQ8 is a winner. You have the choice between two different engines, a diesel SQ8 or a gasoline SQ8 depending on where you live and your preferences.
The SQ8s styling is absolutely amazing because it features powerful haunches, a wide stance, and many performance upgrades which separate the SQ8 from the regular Q8. Reliability is decent but could be better because the SQ8 is both an expensive car to buy and to run.
Value is also difficult to swallow because the SQ8 starts at almost $100,000, but there are many SUVs out there that cost more but can’t match the SQ8. Practicality is not as good as in the SQ7, but that is the tradeoff of having such an aggressive yet tasteful exterior styling.
Audi SQ8 – The powertrain
The Audi SQ8 is available with two different engine options, a diesel 4.0L V8 with 435hp and 663lb-ft of torque or a 4.0L gasoline V8 with 507hp and 567lb-ft of torque. The diesel SQ8 does 0-60mph in around 4.7 seconds while the gasoline SQ8 does it in about 4 seconds. Both of these feel substantial and are a blast to drive.
Driving the diesel SQ8 feels similar to piloting a jet because the sudden boost of torque makes it feel like you are driving a tank. The gasoline SQ8 is the more focused, more exciting engine thanks to more power, a higher-revving engine, and a sound that simply can’t be replicated with a diesel engine or an exhaust sound generator.
Both of these are mated to an automatic torque converter gearbox with 8 gears. Both of these also get the famed Audi Quattro AWD system which enables these two to be used in all sorts of weather conditions. There really isn’t anything to complain about there, except maybe that it isn’t the RSQ8.
Audi SQ8 – Design and chassis
As far as looks are concerned, it’s really hard to downplay the SQ8, even if you are someone who typically isn’t into coupe SUVs. The SQ8 simply looks amazing and it does not do coupe SUV looks as aggressive as some other German SUVs do which makes the Q8/SQ8 look more complete and less weird in certain angles. The interior of the SQ8 is amazing, both from a technology and luxury standpoint.
The suspension and chassis of the SQ8 are tuned towards comfort above everything else, but the SQ8 is noticeably more dynamic than the regular Q8. However, if you want a really dynamic Q8, the RSQ8 is the only logical option.
Audi SQ8 – Reliability and common issues
When it comes to reliability, the SQ8 is decent as is the case with the SQ7, but both of these could be better because they are often excruciatingly expensive to fix. They are also high-maintenance cars that cost a ton of money to maintain and keep in optimum condition. However, this comes with the territory and all other SUVs from this segment are more or less the same.
The most common Audi SQ8 issues are associated with suspension, the engine, the electronics, the car’s unwillingness to start up or maintain consistent power, and the fact that the SQ8 goes through tire sets like crazy.
Audi SQ8 – Value and practicality
When it comes to value, it’s hard to justify a car that starts at $100,000 but the SQ8 truly is the best pick of the Q8 lineup. The RSQ8 starts at over $120,000 which is even more difficult. However, the SQ8 is worth the money because it retains value really well and because it is a car that can’t be matched by any other similarly-priced coupe SUVs on the market.
Practicality-wise, the SQ8 should be enough for most people, but if you need seven seats and a larger trunk, you will have to go for the SQ7.
FAQ Section
Should I buy an Audi SQ8?
Buying the Audi SQ8 is a question of money as much as it is a question of lifestyle for many people. The reasons why you should buy an SQ8 are power, luxury, style, comfort, and technology in a car that can do everything and can be the perfect car for all purposes.
The reasons why you should skip buying the SQ8 are obviously the price, you don’t like the looks of it, and you don’t like SUVs. If it were my money, the SQ8 would definitely be up there with the best sub $100,000 luxury performance SUVs.
Is the Audi SQ8 better than the Audi SQ7?
It depends on who you are asking as those who prefer boxy SUVs with three rows of seating will always pick the Q7 over the Q8. The pre-facelift Q7 didn’t really look all that well while the current post-facelift Q7 looks a lot better. The SQ7 and the SQ8 are the more performance-oriented models of each, but it makes more sense to go for an S car in the Q8.
The SQ8 is the better choice if you prefer its styling over the SQ7 as that is the main difference between the two. Both of these are some of the best luxury SUVs on the market right now and you will not be disappointed with either of them.
How long can an Audi SQ8 last?
It depends on how you treat it. If you are hard on it and you want it to be a tank, it is not going to last as long as it can, especially if you don’t maintain it as well. On the other hand, if you drive it normally and you take proper care of it, there is no reason why the SQ8 should not last at least a few hundred thousand miles.
