The Audi SQ8 is an interesting luxury SUV because it does not try to be the wildest machine in its class. Instead, it sits between the comfortable Q8 and the seriously aggressive RS Q8, bringing strong performance without making everyday driving unnecessarily difficult.
That middle position actually gives the SQ8 a very specific character. It has a large 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, quattro all-wheel drive and sophisticated suspension technology, yet it can still behave like a relaxed luxury SUV when the situation demands it. The result is a performance SUV that feels fast, refined and surprisingly easy to live with.
A More Understated Performance Look
Visually, the SQ8 does not shout about its performance from every angle. The basic silhouette remains familiar, with the long bonnet, sloping roofline and wide stance giving it the appearance of a large luxury SUV with coupe-inspired proportions.
There are, however, enough details to separate it from the standard Q8. Larger air intakes, distinctive alloy wheels, silver exterior elements and quad exhaust outlets give the SUV a sportier identity without making the design overly aggressive.
This restrained approach will appeal to buyers who prefer performance without excessive attention. The SQ8 looks expensive and purposeful, but it does not have the almost intimidating road presence of the RS Q8.
The 21-inch wheels fill the arches nicely, while larger wheels are available for buyers looking for an even more imposing appearance. Frameless doors add another premium touch and work particularly well with the SUV’s coupe-like profile.
The V8 Changes Everything
The biggest reason to consider the SQ8 is sitting underneath the bonnet. The SUV gets a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine producing 507bhp and 770Nm of torque.
Those figures immediately put it into serious performance territory. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, giving the SUV a strong combination of acceleration and traction.
The SQ8 can accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in around 4.1 seconds. That is properly quick for a large luxury SUV, but what makes the experience more interesting is how easily the power is delivered.
There is no constant feeling that the engine is waiting to explode. Instead, acceleration builds with a strong and consistent shove, making highway overtakes almost effortless. The V8 also has a deep and distinctive soundtrack that adds character without becoming exhausting during normal driving.
The eight-speed automatic transmission suits the engine well. It shifts smoothly when cruising and becomes noticeably more responsive when the driver starts asking for more performance.
Comfort Still Matters Here
A big performance number does not automatically make a good luxury SUV. This is where the SQ8 shows its more mature side.
The adaptive air suspension plays a major role in keeping the ride comfortable. In its softer settings, the suspension deals impressively well with uneven surfaces and broken patches, despite the large wheels and performance-focused tyres.
That means the SQ8 does not feel like a stiff sports car that happens to have an SUV body. It can settle into a comfortable rhythm on long highway journeys, keeping occupants isolated from much of the road’s imperfections.
This dual personality is arguably the car’s biggest strength. Drive it gently and it feels calm, quiet and expensive. Push harder and the suspension, steering and powertrain become noticeably more focused.
Dynamic Mode Brings The Attitude
Switching into Dynamic mode changes the SQ8’s personality quite clearly. The body control becomes tighter, steering gains additional weight and the SUV feels more alert to driver inputs.
The gearbox also becomes more aggressive, allowing the V8 to stay closer to its performance zone. The exhaust note becomes more noticeable, and the acceleration starts feeling considerably more urgent.
Quattro all-wheel drive provides plenty of confidence when the road gets interesting. There is substantial grip available, and the SQ8 manages its considerable size surprisingly well through corners.
It never completely disguises the fact that this is a large SUV, though. The steering is precise enough, but it does not provide the intense involvement expected from a dedicated sports SUV.
That is not necessarily a weakness. The SQ8 seems deliberately tuned around confidence rather than drama. It wants the driver to go quickly without constantly demanding attention.
Cabin Feels Properly Premium
Inside, the SQ8 follows Audi’s familiar approach to luxury. The materials feel expensive, the overall construction is solid and the cabin has the kind of quiet atmosphere expected from a vehicle in this price bracket.
The front seats manage to combine support with comfort, making them suitable for both spirited driving and longer journeys. The cabin also provides generous space, although the rear seats are better suited to two adults because of the transmission tunnel.
The dual-screen arrangement gives the dashboard a modern appearance, while the digital driver’s display provides plenty of information. However, the reliance on touchscreen controls is not always ideal.
Several basic functions require attention that would be unnecessary with conventional physical controls. It looks modern, but operating some features while driving can take more concentration than expected.
Practicality Is Better Than Expected
Despite the coupe-inspired shape, the SQ8 remains useful as a family vehicle. Boot capacity stands at 605 litres, giving enough room for luggage during weekend trips or longer holidays.
That makes the SUV more versatile than its performance credentials might suggest. Owners do not have to choose between having a fast luxury vehicle and having enough space for everyday requirements.
The quiet cabin, comfortable suspension and generous luggage area all contribute to that usability.
This is an important distinction from some highly focused performance SUVs. The SQ8 does not require the owner to make major compromises simply to enjoy its V8 engine.
SQ8 Versus RS Q8
The positioning becomes clearer when the SQ8 is compared with the RS Q8. Both use a 4.0-litre V8, but their personalities are very different.
The SQ8 produces 507bhp and 770Nm, while the RS Q8 produces 640bhp and 850Nm. The RS model is also considerably quicker, with a claimed 0-100kmph time of 3.6 seconds compared with 4.1 seconds for the SQ8.
The RS Q8 is built around maximum performance and greater aggression. The SQ8 is more restrained, more relaxed and easier to use every day.
For many buyers, that difference could actually make the SQ8 the more sensible choice. Not everyone needs the extra performance of the RS model, especially when the SQ8 is already exceptionally fast.
Price Makes The Position Clear
The Audi SQ8 is priced at Rs 1.78 crore ex-showroom in India. That puts it between the regular Q8, priced at Rs 1.13 crore, and the RS Q8, which costs Rs 2.34 crore.
The competition includes performance-focused luxury SUVs such as the BMW X6 M60i and Mercedes-AMG GLE 53, while the more expensive Porsche Cayenne S also enters the wider consideration set.
At this price, buyers will expect both performance and luxury, and the SQ8 delivers a convincing combination of the two.
The more important question is whether someone actually needs the extreme performance of an RS-badged SUV. If the answer is no, the SQ8 starts looking particularly attractive because it delivers most of the excitement while remaining much more relaxed during everyday use.
Verdict: Fast Without Becoming Difficult
The Audi SQ8 is not trying to become the most aggressive performance SUV available. That is precisely what makes it interesting.
Its 507bhp V8 provides more than enough performance, while the adaptive air suspension keeps the ride comfortable. The quattro system provides confidence, the cabin delivers the expected luxury and the 605-litre boot makes the SUV practical enough for regular family use.
There are some compromises. The steering does not offer the sharpest feedback in the segment, and touchscreen-heavy controls can be distracting. Buyers searching for maximum driver involvement may also find the SQ8 slightly conservative.
But its strengths are difficult to ignore. At Rs 1.78 crore, the Audi SQ8 offers a rare combination of V8 performance, premium comfort, usable practicality and understated styling. It is not the wildest member of the Q8 family, and it does not need to be. For buyers who want a fast luxury SUV that can comfortably handle Monday-to-Friday duties as well as an entertaining weekend drive, the SQ8 makes a strong case for itself.
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