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- Highs Powerful V-8 engine, high-quality interior trimmings, aggressive exterior design.
- Lows Some may regret not going with the RS Q8, braking performance could be better, thirsty powertrain.
- Verdict All the performance-oriented hardware of the Lamborghini Urus in a more under-the-radar package.
Overview
The 2021 Audi SQ8 slots into the Q lineup above the mild Q8 and below the wild RS Q8; and with 500 horses on tap, it should satisfy most speed freaks. The cabin is just as nicely equipped as the standard Q8's, with the latest in Audi's infotainment tech taking center stage, but the SQ8 offers slightly racier styling in the form of diamond-stitched leather seats and carbon-fiber accents. A more aggressive exterior design differentiates the SQ8 from the entry-level ute but doesn't shout its sportiness quite as loud as the RS Q8 halo model. Unique wheels, quad tailpipes, and a distinctive grille are all exclusive to the SQ8. This Audi competes against some of our favorite two-row performance SUVs, such as the Porsche Cayenne and the Mercedes-AMG GLE-class. If you're looking for something with three rows, Audi also offers the SQ7, which is similar in both style and performance but has room for seven.
What's New for 2021?
For its sophomore year, the SQ8 soldiers on with only one change: It now comes standard with a built-in toll-road-payment transmission feature.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
All SQ8 models come with the best performance-enhancing features Audi can throw at them, so no matter which one you choose, you're getting the same driving experience. Still, we'd upgrade to the Prestige trim, which adds a host of driver-assistance and luxury features that include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, a head-up display, fancier LED exterior lighting elements, soft-close doors, heated rear seats, and power rear sunshades.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
A twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 will power the SQ8, and it will provide 500 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. The model comes standard with Quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. At our test track, the SQ8 blasted to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, just 0.4 seconds behind the more powerful—but mechanically similar—Lamborghini Urus. The SQ8 provides agile handling and an athletic demeanor, but when switched into comfort mode it exhibits a family-friendly ride quality, making it a true dual-purpose vehicle.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
According to the EPA, the SQ8 is good for 15 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and 17 mpg combined. However, we can't evaluate its real-world mpg until we run it on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
As is typical of Audi's S models, the interior gains more standard features and fancier materials than the base vehicle. This includes black accents in the cabin and diamond-stitched seats as well as optional carbon-fiber trim and contrast stitching. With seating for give, the spacious back seat and capacious cargo area are useful on road trips. Unfortunately, interior cubby storage is subpar.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Audi decks out every SQ8 with a dual-touchscreen infotainment system and the brand's Virtual Cockpit reconfigurable gauge display. The almost completely digital cabin will appeal to tech-conscious buyers but not those who value physical controls for things like climate control. A Wi-Fi hotspot and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard fare.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Audi offers a suite of driver-assistance features as standard on the SQ8 while more advanced features are optional. For more information about the SQ8's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking
- Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross-traffic alert
- Available adaptive cruise control with a semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Audi provides the same limited and powertrain warranty as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The SQ8 also includes four years of 24-hour roadside assistance.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2020 Audi SQ8
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
PRICE AS TESTED
$107,490 (base price: $89,995)
ENGINE TYPE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement
244 in3, 3996 cm3
Power
500 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque
568 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 15.8-in vented disc/13.8-in vented disc
Tires: Hankook Dynapro HP2 Plus, 285/45R-21 113H M+S AO
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 117.9 in
Length: 196.6 in
Width: 78.5 in
Height: 67.2 in
Passenger volume: 105 ft3
Cargo volume: 31 ft3
Curb weight: 5469 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.6 sec
100 mph: 9.5 sec
130 mph: 14.4 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.1 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.8 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.3 sec
1/4 mile: 12.2 sec @ 112 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 129 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 173 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.92 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 16 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 17/15/21 mpg
