Audi SQ8 Review

If you’re a fan of the Audi Q8 SUV, then you’re going to love the Audi SQ8! The 2021 Audi SQ8 SUV delivers exceptional S model performance thanks to its powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that takes you from 0 to 60 miles per hour in as little as 4.3 seconds. It produces 500 horsepower and 568 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s compared to the 3.0-liter V6 engine of the standard two-row Q8 luxury SUV that makes 335 horsepower. In addition to power aplenty, you also have striking S model styling details with the SQ8 such as the aluminum-optic Singleframe grille mask and the aluminum-optic accents on the front and rear bumper, as well as the side mirror housings. From the sleek and aggressive looking front fascia, to the SQ8’s athletic contours and sculpted rear design, there’s a lot to love about the performance SUV’s exterior. The interior of the vehicle is also just as impressive, with premium form-hugging S sport seats in Valcona leather with 14-way power adjustments, ventilation, and available rejuvenating massage function.

There’s even more to love about the 2021 Audi SQ8 SUV, so continue reading below to learn more!

The two-row Audi Q8 luxury SUV already looks good on its own, but the S model styling details that you get with the performance version of the Q8 make the SUV look even bolder and more aggressive. S

The front fascia of the 2021 SQ8 features flared front bumpers, an S model Singleframe grille design, and sport-inspired elements that reflect its performance abilities. The SQ8’s athletic contours and sculpted rear design add to its stylish look. Then, you have the stunning headlights and taillights that animate in a choreographed movement of light when the vehicle is locked or unlocked. The available HD Matrix-design LED headlights include animation and DRLs that create a visual extension of the upper top slate of the Singleframe grille.

What makes the SQ8 look even cooler are the available red brake calipers. They offer impressive stopping power with a stylish flair, adding a colorful form to performance functionality. And Audi Genuine Accessories can help make your SQ8 SUV even more unique.

You have S sport seats in Valcona leather inside the 2021 Audi SQ8 SUV. The stylish seats offer 14-way power adjustments, ventilation, and available rejuvenating massage function. The heated three-spoke, multi-function steering wheel, meanwhile, offers a host of infotainment features within fingers’ reach.

With the luxurious Valcona leather seats and the distinctive S model stitching pattern, rear seat passengers can enjoy spacious legroom and exceptional comfort. You truly can stretch out inside the SQ8. It feels more like a luxurious living room than the inside of an SUV.

You also have solid cargo space to put to good use. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats offer a generous 60.7 cubic feet of cargo space when the seatbacks are folded down.

You can make the interior of your SQ8 even more special by choosing the optional Carbon Vector inlays. You can enjoy the multi-dimensional look and feel of the machine-woven, premium material, which also adds a sense of motorsport heritage to the SQ8. The available luxury package further adds to the feel of premium performance with massage function for the front seats, a black Alcantara headliner, and the extended leather package.

As for the SQ8’s infotainment system, you have the Audi MMI touch response system with an upper and a lower screen that allow you to intuitively organize and arrange content and functions the way you want them. There’s also the Audi virtual cockpit. The 12.3” full HD resolution display allows you to choose between the S Performance, Dynamic, or Sport instrumentation layouts — allowing you to choose whichever layout best suits your mood. You can also have the map displayed fullscreen in the digital display so that it’s even easier to get where you’re going.

You have a Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System as standard. It puts 17 speakers throughout the cabin, immersing you in your favorite music.

Overall, the interior of the 2021 Audi SQ8 SUV feels highly luxurious and the added options of LED ambient lighting, a head-up display, panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, and auto-dimming rearview mirror make it even better.

The 2021 Audi SQ8 SUV has a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The powerful engine produces an impressive 500 horsepower and 568 lb.-ft. of torque! The engine is capable of taking the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. There’s also Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel drive system that comes standard. Plus, there’s Audi drive select system with up to six driving modes to adjust the ride to your liking. Individual mode allows you to adjust the steering, transmission, throttle response, engine sound, and vehicle ride height with the SQ8 Audi adaptive air suspension. With the available tow package, you can also add 7,700 lb. towing capacity to your utility.

While the SQ8 is more powerful than the standard Q8 SUV, there’s also the new RS Q8 to consider. The RS Q8 features a bi-turbo V8 engine that delivers exhilarating performance and driving dynamics. It produces 591 horsepower and 590 lb.-ft. of torque and can propel the RS Q8 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds! You might just want to keep it in mind if performance is what drives you.

You have an entire network of sensors and cameras in the Audi SQ8 that are designed to help monitor vehicle conditions and the area surrounding the SUV. Within system limits, several standard and available driver assistance features in the Audi SQ8 can initiate preventative measures through the braking or steering system when a potential incident is detected. There’s even a virtual 360 degree perspective of your SQ8 with the top view camera system. It provides an overhead view of the Audi SQ8 and offers the ability to zoom in on specific areas helping to alert you of potential obstacles during parking situations. 

The 2021 Audi SQ8 is even more powerful and stylish than the luxury Q8 SUV and so it does have a higher starting price. It’s priced from $89,100. The even more powerful RS Q8 we mentioned earlier has an even higher starting price of $114,500. The standard Q8 SUV, by comparison, starts from $68,200.

And as for outside competitors, you could take a look at the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE, the Porsche Cayenne GTS, or the BMW X6 xDrive50i.

The 2021 Audi SQ8 is one impressive SUV! It’s fast and powerful, handles well, and has a stylish and sporty looking exterior to match its premium interior with advanced technology. There’s plenty of room to stretch out in the SQ8 and the special leather seats with the unique stitching make you want to spend even more time inside the luxury performance SUV.

We gave the 2021 Audi SQ8 SUV an SUVs.com deal score rating of 89/100. What do you think about the 2021 Audi SQ8? Be sure to leave your feedback!