Audi SQ8: Performance Meets Luxury SUV

The 2020 Audi SQ8 represents a compelling proposition in the premium performance SUV segment, blending the practicality of a spacious crossover with the dynamic prowess typically associated with high-performance saloons. Audi, renowned for its sophisticated engineering and elegant design, has once again delivered a vehicle that not only commands attention on the road but also offers an engaging driving experience. This particular model, introduced amidst the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, was experienced through a series of remote briefings and a brief, yet impactful, test drive, offering a tantalising glimpse into its capabilities.

What is the Audi SQ8?

At its core, the Audi SQ8 is the performance-oriented variant of the Q8, which itself is based on the underpinnings of the larger Q7 SUV. Audi has masterfully crafted the SQ8 to deliver a sporty silhouette without unduly compromising the fundamental utility expected of an SUV. This means that while it boasts a sleek, coupe-like profile, it still offers generous interior space. Passengers in the second row benefit from 38.1 inches of headroom, even surpassing the front row by an inch, and a substantial 40.2 inches of legroom. For cargo, there's a respectable 60.7 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded flat, a figure that, while slightly less than the Q7, remains highly competitive for its class.

Exterior Enhancements: Subtle Yet Significant

The SQ8 distinguishes itself from its more sedate Q8 sibling through a series of subtle yet distinct exterior enhancements. These design cues serve to accentuate its sporty character. Standard 21-inch alloy wheels provide a commanding presence, complemented by Alu-optic detailing on the mirror housings, front grille surround, and rocker panel side blades. The S line side sills and a roof spoiler further contribute to its athletic stance, while quad exhaust tips signal the potent performance lurking beneath. Opting for the available Sport Package, which adds a significant £5,900 to the price, brings red-painted brake calipers into view, peeking out from behind those large wheels, a classic performance cue.

Interior Opulence and Technological Sophistication

Stepping inside the SQ8 is an immersion into Audi's signature cabin design, characterised by its clean lines, premium materials, and meticulous attention to detail. The S line front seats are a highlight, upholstered in Fine Nappa leather with perforated and diamond-stitched inserts, offering both comfort and visual appeal. Contact points on the door panels are trimmed in Alcantara, adding a tactile layer of luxury. The dashboard is a masterclass in modern automotive design, featuring a sleek, layered structure with integrated HVAC vents. My test vehicle was optioned with Carbon Vector inlays, a £500 upgrade that provided a rich, high-tech aesthetic with impressive depth and gloss, a far more fitting choice than traditional wood veneer for this performance-oriented machine. The centre stack is dominated by dual touchscreens, operating Audi's latest MMI touch response and MMI navigation plus system. These screens, one positioned high for primary information and a lower one for secondary controls, offer haptic feedback, making them more intuitive and safer to use while driving. The technological arsenal is extensive, including Audi connect, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, an integrated toll module, Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, and seamless wireless Apple CarPlay integration. The Audi Virtual Cockpit, a standard feature, redefines the instrument cluster by replacing traditional analogue gauges with a highly configurable, high-resolution digital display. The integrated Google Earth navigation is particularly impressive, significantly enhancing the overall navigation experience with its detailed and immersive visualisations.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Audi has equipped the SQ8 with its comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), ensuring both safety and convenience. These include active lane assist with emergency assist, adaptive cruise control for effortless highway cruising, side assist for monitoring blind spots, and Audi pre sense rear, which incorporates rear cross-traffic assist and vehicle exit warning. Additionally, intersection assist and a top view camera system, providing a virtual 360-degree view, further bolster situational awareness, making navigating tight spaces and busy junctions considerably less stressful.

Powertrain: V8 Muscle Meets Mild Hybrid Efficiency

Befitting an 'S' model from Audi, the SQ8 is powered by a formidable 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 engine. This powerhouse, featuring variable valve timing, an aluminium-alloy block and heads, is tuned to deliver a substantial 500 hp and a muscular 568 lb-ft of torque. Power is channelled through an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, complete with paddle shifters for manual control, and Audi's legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system. Adding a layer of modern efficiency, the powertrain incorporates Audi's 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This system utilises a lithium-ion battery and a belt alternator starter, capable of recovering up to 12 kW of energy during deceleration and feeding it back into the battery. In certain driving scenarios, this mild-hybrid technology acts as an efficiency assist, allowing for extended coasting with the engine temporarily deactivated, while still powering essential vehicle systems from the battery.

Quattro All-Wheel Drive and Dynamic Handling

The SQ8's grip on the road is managed by the sophisticated quattro all-wheel-drive system, which features a self-locking centre differential. This setup ensures optimal torque distribution to all four wheels, enhancing traction and stability in a variety of conditions. However, it's the vehicle dynamics and handling that truly set the SQ8 apart. Standard sport air suspension with adjustable dampers allows the driver to tailor the ride from a comfortable setting to a more aggressive 'Sport Plus' mode, or the system can automatically adjust based on real-time sensor data. My test vehicle was equipped with the optional Sport Package, which includes active roll stabilisation and a sport rear differential. This advanced setup not only provides brake torque vectoring (applying the brakes to the inside wheel during cornering to aid turn-in) but also active torque vectoring, actively distributing power to the outer rear wheel to improve cornering agility. When combined with the standard four-wheel steering, the SQ8 transforms into a remarkably agile machine, especially for a large SUV. It steers with precision and confidence, making it surprisingly easy to drive quickly and enjoyably. On smooth motorways, the SQ8 glides along with composure, feeling connected to the road without transmitting any harshness. On winding country lanes, it hunkers down, remaining stable and composed even on undulating surfaces. The driving experience is so effortless and rewarding that the primary challenge becomes adhering to speed limits.

The Benefits of Four-Wheel Steering

The standard four-wheel steering system on the SQ8 offers a significant advantage in both low-speed manoeuvrability and high-speed stability. At parking speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels, by up to five degrees. This effectively reduces the turning circle, making the SQ8 much easier to manoeuvre in confined spaces like car parks. At higher, highway speeds, the rear wheels subtly follow the front wheels, turning by up to two degrees in the same direction. This enhances stability, particularly during rapid lane changes, providing a more planted and secure feel. The steering itself is electromechanical and progressive, offering excellent feedback and control, allowing the driver to feel well-connected to the road. Audi's suspension engineer, Dr. Christian Schimmel, noted that the company deliberately opted to "reduce ride comfort a little to gain handling advantages," a compromise that has been expertly managed to deliver a superior driving dynamic without sacrificing all comfort.

A Rewarding Driving Machine

When you combine the potent V8 engine, the sophisticated handling, precise steering, comfortable ride, and cutting-edge technology, the Audi SQ8 emerges as a truly rewarding vehicle to drive. It is unequivocally a car for those who appreciate and want to explore advanced automotive technology, offering a vast array of customisation options that allow for an endless pursuit of personalised driving settings. The limited one-day test drive barely allowed for scratching the surface of its extensive capabilities. Notably, there wasn't sufficient time to fully explore the optional Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System, priced at £5,000, which features particularly striking tweeters on the front dashboard.

Pricing and Competition

The 2020 Audi SQ8 has a starting price of $89,000, with the as-tested price reaching $107,490. It competes in a segment populated by formidable rivals such as the BMW X6M, Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe, Range Rover Sport SVR, Porsche Cayenne GTS, and Maserati Levante Trofeo. It's also worth noting its close relationship with the Lamborghini Urus, with which it shares a surprising amount of underlying technology, highlighting the SQ8's performance credentials.

The Future: RS Q8

For those who find the 2020 Audi SQ8's performance exceptional but perhaps not quite enough, Audi has also introduced the even more potent 2021 Audi RS Q8, promising an even higher level of performance and dynamic capability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What engine is in the Audi SQ8?

The 2020 Audi SQ8 is equipped with a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 engine, producing 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque.

Does the Audi SQ8 have mild-hybrid technology?

Yes, the SQ8 features a 48-volt mild-hybrid system designed to improve efficiency and aid performance.

Is the Audi SQ8 good for handling?

Yes, the SQ8 is highly praised for its handling, thanks to its standard sport air suspension, optional active roll stabilisation, quattro sport differential, and standard four-wheel steering.

What is the cargo space in the Audi SQ8?

The SQ8 offers 60.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat.

What is the starting price of the 2020 Audi SQ8?

The 2020 Audi SQ8 had a starting price of approximately $89,000.