Fast, fun, and functional
The Audi SQ8 first went on sale in late 2019 as the performance variant of the existing Q8. Since then, the German automaker has made several changes to the high-strung SUV, including the incorporation of a large V8 engine, the standardization of certain safety features, and a facelift in 2024. The revised look brought about new headlights with laser high beams, updated OLED taillights, and a host of new additions like wheel designs, fresh exterior colors, and updated seats. However, one thing that has always remained is the SQ8’s penchant for high-horsepower fun and the type of sportiness that you would normally find in a sports car as opposed to a high-riding SUV.
For 2025, the Audi SQ8 underwent some more minor tweaks, including the addition of an interior lighting package, standard traffic sign recognition, and massaging front seats with memory. There are also a couple of new packages, the Carbon and Audi Sport, that add some performance-oriented appearance elements inside and out. However, despite these updates, the Audi SQ8 remains a sporty and spry SUV that appeals to both driving enthusiasts and families alike. It competes handily with rivals like the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5 M, and Mercedes-Benz GLE. After driving one for a week, here are my thoughts.
Inside, the SQ8 is a tech wonderland, but it’s not perfect
Audi has never failed to impress with its interiors, and the one in the SQ8 is no exception. Sit inside the five-seat SUV, and you’ll be taken aback by all the tech features it has to offer. In front of the driver sits the Virtual Cockpit display, which is accompanied by two touchscreens on the center console. One touchscreen is for the infotainment system, while the other takes care of the climate controls. The rest of the interior looks modern and is very spacious in both rows. High-quality materials cover the seats, dash, and door panels, while the upgraded Bang and Olufsen Advanced 3D sound system fills the cabin with sharp and precise notes from every song you send through the system.
However, as comfortable and entertaining as the SQ8’s interior is, it’s not perfect. The infotainment system is excellent by 2019 standards, but it pales in comparison to those found in rivals. The dual touchscreen setup is distracting while driving because you have to look at two different screens to control either the radio or the climate. When you do, the haptic feedback on the icons is annoying, as you have to apply more pressure to select an icon, similar to pressing a button. It’s a minor inconvenience that turns into a bigger one when you’re driving. Additionally, the seat massage function is really handy, and it does well to keep you awake, but every setting feels the same, and it definitely won’t replace your scheduled in-person massage sessions.
The driving experience is fast and fun, but also flawed
The Audi SQ8’s driving experience is by far the best part of the car. Under its hood is a twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V8 engine that sends 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels. An eight-speed automatic is standard, as is the brand’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. If you’re looking to tailor each drive, the SQ8 has different driving modes to adjust its suspension and throttle response. The comfort mode gives it a family-friendly ride, while the dynamic mode stiffens things up.
On the road, the SQ8 feels lively but muted at the same time. It accelerates quickly, getting up to highway speeds in less than four seconds, but it’s also very heavy. The SQ8’s 6,000-pound curb weight makes it feel like a large barge when driving down the road, and it hampers the feeling of visceral speed when you hammer the gas pedal. That said, expect the digits on the speedometer to climb quickly, but don’t expect to feel a mad rush of speed as they do.
Additionally, that added heft makes the SQ8 feel heavy when cornering, so if you’re looking for an SUV that can cut through sharp corners with ease, you may want to look at one of its rivals. Despite these flaws, the Audi SQ8 is still a fun-to-drive and fast SUV at that, but it lacks the driving excitement that typically comes with Audi’s “S” moniker.
The SQ8 is roomy, but not perfectly family-friendly
As stated, the Audi SQ8 is a five-seater, so if you need a third row, that’s what the Q7 is for. Regardless, the lack of a third row means that the SQ8 has plenty of cargo space for groceries and weekend trips. The second row is very spacious for the outboard passengers, but the middle seat has a hump on the floorboard, so anyone sitting there could be cramped. Regardless, there are climate controls for added comfort, in addition to heated seats. Ultimately, while the SQ8 can easily handle Costco runs and the kids, it may not be the best choice if you need room for five passengers or more; a three-row SUV or minivan could do a better job.
There were a few little things that drove me nuts
Despite the Audi SQ8’s flashy, tech-savvy interior, sporty looks, and heavy-hitting engine, there are a few little flaws that drove me nuts. The touchscreens are fingerprint magnets, which would definitely annoy me over time. The infotainment system lags when switching between screens, and the haptic touch only dampens the experience. Also, while the different drives help the driving experience, there are too many to choose from. There are six different modes, which sounds like a good idea in theory because one of them could work for whatever situation you put the SUV through, but having six different modes is just too many, in my opinion.
Lastly, don’t expect to get too many miles out of the SQ8 on a full tank of gas. I only achieved around 15 mpg during my week of city and highway driving, which is a return that’s further emphasized by the EPA’s rating of 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, the 2025 Audi SQ8 is a luxury SUV for drivers who want the luxury badge, V8 thrills, and SUV practicality. While it does well in each category, it doesn’t exactly excel in any one of those departments. That said, it’s still an excellent performance SUV, but it’s not for someone looking for value or maximum family utility. The SQ8 is fast, fun, and functional, but it might not be the perfect family hauler for those with extended families. However, if you’re looking to have plenty of speed while taking your family of four to the grocery store or on a weekend getaway, the Audi SQ8 is a good choice.
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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