Audi SQ8 First Drive Review: The Sweet Spot Between the Q8 and RS Q8?
The Audi SQ8 offers the performance of a V8-powered luxury SUV without the being as hardcode as the RS Q8. With understated styling, a plush cabin and effortless performance, does it strike the perfect balance? We spent time behind the wheel to find out.
Photo : TIMES DRIVE
Audi SQ8 First Drive Review
The Audi SQ8 is the middle child with the Q8 being the entry-level SUV into the line-up and the RS Q8 being the top dog. With the latter being one of the fastest SUVs money can buy, its sheer performance can be overwhelming for many. The Q8 on the other hand doesn’t have that V8 tag. That's where the SQ8 comes in. Sitting neatly between the standard Q8 and the flagship RS Q8, it promises a similar V8 experience while placing greater emphasis on everyday comfort and refinement.
After spending time with the SQ8, it's clear Audi hasn't simply toned down the RS Q8. Instead, it has created a luxury SUV that delivers strong performance without sacrificing usability. The result is a vehicle that feels equally at home cruising through the city as it does while stretching its legs on an open highway.
Audi SQ8 First Drive Review: Design - Sporty Without Shouting
Unlike the RS Q8, the SQ8 doesn't rely on aggressive styling to announce its presence. It retains the commanding proportions of the Q8 while introducing subtle design tweaks that give it a sportier identity.
The front fascia features a different grille and revised bumper elements that lend the SUV a wider, more purposeful stance. While it may not have the visual drama of the RS model, the SQ8 still looks every bit like a premium performance SUV. The restrained approach is likely to appeal to buyers who prefer understated luxury over overt aggression.
The sporty treatment continues around the side and rear, where the clean surfacing and elegant detailing help the SQ8 stand apart without going overboard. It's an SUV that looks fast without trying too hard.
Audi SQ8 First Drive Review: Interior & Features - Premium in Every Sense
Step inside, and the SQ8 immediately feels every bit as luxurious as its price tag suggests. The cabin is finished almost entirely in soft-touch materials, with Alcantara inserts, leather upholstery and piano black accents creating an unmistakably premium ambience.
The dashboard is dominated by Audi's familiar triple-screen setup, comprising of a fully digital driver's display, large infotainment touchscreen and a dedicated lower screen for climate controls. The interface is intuitive, responsive and packed with functionality, while the four-zone climate control allows every occupant to tailor the cabin temperature to their liking.
The front seats are exceptionally comfortable and feature ventilation, making long journeys effortless. At the rear, there's generous legroom and headroom, along with dedicated climate controls and USB charging ports. One standout feature is the electrically operated rear sunshades, which add an extra layer of comfort for passengers.
The only minor drawback is the predominantly black cabin theme, which can feel slightly enclosed when the panoramic sunroof is shut. Open it, however, and the interior instantly feels far more spacious and airier.
Audi SQ8 First Drive Review: Performance & Ride - Everyday V8 Excellence
Power comes from Audi's familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine. While it produces less power and torque than the RS Q8, it still offers considerably more performance than the standard Q8, making it a sweet spot within the range.
More importantly, the engine's character is perfectly suited to the SQ8. Power delivery is smooth, linear and incredibly refined, making the SUV feel easy-to-drive despite its impressive performance. There's always ample power in reserve, but it never feels intimidating or difficult to manage.
The V8 soundtrack is another highlight. It delivers the deep, unmistakable rumble enthusiasts expect without becoming intrusive during everyday driving.
Paired with the engine is an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission that deserves equal praise. Gearshifts are almost imperceptible during relaxed driving, yet the gearbox responds quickly when driven enthusiastically, making it equally adept in both roles.
Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent traction and stability in virtually every situation. While it doesn't feature the more aggressive torque-vectoring characteristics of the RS Q8, it inspires confidence and allows the SQ8 to carry remarkable speed through corners without drama.
Ride quality is equally impressive. The adaptive air suspension strikes an excellent balance between comfort and body control, soaking up broken roads while keeping the SUV composed at higher speeds. The absence of the RS Q8's active anti-roll system does mean there's a little more body lean during spirited cornering, but that's a compromise most buyers are unlikely to mind given the improved ride comfort.
Braking performance is strong, with the standard setup more than capable for enthusiastic road driving. Buyers planning frequent track use can opt for carbon ceramic brakes, although their primary advantage lies in resisting brake fade during repeated high-speed stops rather than everyday use.
Fuel efficiency, unsurprisingly, isn't the SQ8's strongest suit. Expect figures in the region of 7-8 km/l, although that is unlikely to concern buyers shopping for a twin-turbo V8 luxury SUV.
Audi SQ8 First Drive Review: Verdict - The Q8 We'd Choose
The Audi SQ8 gets the balance almost exactly right. It delivers the performance, sound and presence of a V8-powered SUV while remaining comfortable, refined and easy to live with every day.
It may not offer the razor-sharp dynamics or extreme capability of the RS Q8, but that's precisely what makes it so appealing. Instead of chasing outright performance, Audi has created a luxury SUV that feels effortless regardless of where or how it's driven.
Priced at ₹1.78 crore (ex-showroom), it sits comfortably between the standard Q8 and the RS Q8. For buyers who want substantially more excitement than the base model without paying the significant premium commanded by the RS, the SQ8 makes a compelling case.
Simply put, if your priorities include luxury, everyday usability and effortless V8 performance in equal measure, the SQ8 is arguably the most well-rounded model in Audi's Q8 family.
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