Audi’s new SQ8 nudges into a whole new league of performance-focused luxury SUVs

2022 Audi SQ8 Review
2022 Audi SQ8 Review
2022 Audi SQ8 Review
2022 Audi SQ8 Review
2022 Audi SQ8 Review
2022 Audi SQ8 Review
2022 Audi SQ8 Review
2022 Audi SQ8 Review
2022 Audi SQ8 Review
2022 Audi SQ8 Review
2022 Audi SQ8 Review

We like
New twin-turbo V8 boogies, exquisite interior, 3500kg braked towing capacity, corners like a car

Room for improvement
Not as practical as seven-seat SQ7 sibling, price blows out with optional extras, exhaust could be a little rowdier

Overview

AUDI has injected more grunt, better dynamics and even more luxury into its updated SQ8 performance SUV.

Yes, the RSQ8 sits above the SQ8, but as a hyper SUV the RS is really more about downright performance than offering a balanced luxury option.

Audi’s shift to the 4.0-litre twin turbo petrol V8, a detuned version of the engine in the manic RSQ8, offers better driving dynamics and more pace than the outgoing diesel V8.

In the SQ8, more than 100kg has been pulled out of the front end thanks to the lighter engine, which has transformed the handling prowess of the SQ8.

The new V8 offers up 373kW/770Nm, mated to an eight-speed torque converter auto and all-wheel drive, a combination Audi says will propel the burly SQ8 to 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds.

For perspective, the 0.7-second reduction in sprint time over the old model puts the SQ8 just three tenths off the RSQ8’s 3.8-second triple-digit sprint.

Audi’s Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system, all-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension are all standard and we couldn’t fault their operation or the seamless coherence of all these sophisticated systems working together.

What Audi will do, though, is offer to make the SQ8 even better with the optioal dynamic package that includes electromechanically active roll stabilisation and a sports rear diff. The optional extra, at $10,900, seriously elevates the driving experience.

What’s particularly interesting about the electromechanical active roll stabilisation is that it features electric motors front and back which operate off a 48-volt system. The electric motors rotate each half of the stabiliser bars in opposite directions, creating torque that counteracts body roll. Fascinating, even if the engineers had to explain it a few times.

The old SQ8 was well appointed, with loads of standard inclusions, and the new model is no different.

It isn’t, however, quite as ‘handy’ as its SQ7 sibling in that it doesn’t have seven seats, but in every other way the SQ8 is still a compelling all-rounder.

Like the old model, it retains a 3500kg braked towing capacity and more cargo volume than most will use.

Behind the second row, there’s 605 litres of space, and behind the first row a full 1755 litres – a little down on the SQ7 but given its sleek body shape they’re respectable cargo volumes.

The new SQ8 is an even more visually appealing example of an already desirable model, with loads of ‘S’ body styling elements, a more aggressive front grille treatment, guard-filling 22-inch wheels, and hands down the best-looking SUV rear end. In our opinion.

A subtle roof wing, quad-tip exhausts, and sharp lines hint at its performance pedigree while privacy glass, a huge panoramic sunroof, and Audi’s fancy Matrix LED headlights further add to the new model’s luxury appeal.

Inside the SQ8, there’s no shortage of S badging, Valcona leather and if you tick the ‘inlays in carbon vector’ extra, lashings of carbon-fibre feature across the dash.

Much like its SQ7 twin-under-the-skin, the seats are exceptionally well bolstered, comfortable, and feature electric adjustability, heating, driver memory, and four-way lumbar support.

The SQ8 has a virtual cockpit, consisting of a 12.3-inch screen with various view modes available – our pick being performance mode.

Front and centre, a 10.1-inch screen with haptic feedback serves infotainment duties, while a smaller 8.6-inch screen below offers ‘digital dials’ for climate control and other in-car functionality.

Audi’s infotainment system is top tier, with the typical smartphone integration, Audi Connect Plus software, a roof-mounted SOS call function, and epic 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system that positively pumps. A Friday afternoon highway run to the airport offered better audio than any set of headphones we’ve experienced.

The SQ8 is safe, too, with all of Audi’s standard driver assist tech, but it’s by no means an irritating system. The safety features, like pre-sense front and rear, active lane assist, side and cross traffic assist, are as good as any. The parking cameras and 360-degree view are particularly useful when parking, because those 22-inch wheels wouldn’t look too good rashed up.

Driving Impressions

Jumping into the new SQ8 at Melbourne, with about an hour-long drive out to Daylesford, we were presented with torrential rain and flash flooding.

This meant the dynamic prowess and even straight-line speed of the SQ8 would have to wait. Or we would at least have to ease into the performance side of things.

What became apparent straight away was how pleasantly luxurious the interior is, something Audi continually seems to set new standards for.

The black and grey interior feels wildly opulent, and the carbon package adds a sportiness to the already exquisite interior. This is an incredibly comfortable SUV if you’re faced with below average weather and poor visibility; relaxing and assuring from any seat in the cabin.

But, plant your foot and it’s also an impressive performer with loads of mechanical grip and a phenomenally potent engine. At first the new petrol V8 doesn’t feel as exciting as its power figures might suggest, but glance at the speedo and it’s apparent this is a quick car (or SUV, it’s easy to confuse it).

It doesn’t have any discernible turbo lag, it isn’t peaky, and it’s as happy at 2000rpm as it is up top. It’s quicker than it feels because it’s just so linear in its power delivery.

This particular SQ8 had the dynamic package fitted, which made for tighter cornering and a sharpness it lacked without the active roll stabilisation. The sport diff, though, was equally noticeable. We crab-walked a little under hard acceleration out of corners, with a little back-end squirm to round out the fun.

We’d be opting for the dynamic package, without a doubt, because it livened the SQ8 up quite significantly and unlike a lot of all-wheel-drive cars that like to understeer and push wide, it stays tight.

The steering is sharp as a tack, likely helped along by that 100+kg weight saving over the front axle. The petrol V8 is a lot lighter, freeing up the front end and keeping the SQ8 remarkably light on its toes for such a big SUV.

Braking performance is also top notch, with the standard six-piston callipers proving to be well and truly up to the task.

Air suspension has come a long way in performance cars like the Porsche Taycan and SUVs like this SQ8, and this is an example of it done right. A mix of comfort and firmness is achieved, thanks to the hundreds of sensory inputs per second and subsequent adjustments.

The million-dollar – or $168,800 – question is how the new V8 sounds. It sounds great, albeit on the quieter side of things. Maybe we’ve just become accustomed to rowdy variable exhaust systems, but it didn’t feel quite loud enough. The note, though, is miles better than the old diesel V8.

Another all-important question is; how thirsty is the new V8? Our fuel use across two days of mixed driving was 12.4L/100km, just 200ml more than Audi’s claimed 12.2l/100km. Impressive, considering our lead-footed antics.

Customers are already receiving their SQ8s and Audi says orders are taking around six months to deliver, although this of course depends on the specific options ticked and availability.

The SQ8 is priced at $168,800 before on-road costs, up $7300 on the old model, but it’s a whole different beast in terms of performance.

We would opt for the $10,900 dynamic package, but the rest of the extras are going to come down to personal preference. Our tester came in at $191,021, consisting of the base price ($168,800), Audi Sport wheels ($1000), black exterior styling package ($1850), Audi exclusive individual paint ($7600), dynamic package ($10,900), and those classy carbon vector inlays ($1950).

All Audi Australia models, as of this year, are now offered with a five-year warranty and five-year roadside assist membership. Audi also offers a 12-year manufacturer warranty for bodywork against corrosion perforation.

Customers can also pay up-front (or more likely bundle into their finance) a comprehensive five-year service plan for $4100. Audi also offers additional two-year factory warranty extensions for $3900, up to a total warranty period of up to nine years from the time of purchase.

With the updated SQ8, Audi has stepped up in terms of performance and overall luxury. Spending a bit extra for a big jump in dynamics is well worth it if you’re going to take yours on some fun roads on a regular basis. We’d be doing both if we owned one.

Keyword: 2022 Audi SQ8 Review

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

What’s the correct tyre pressure for your Audi A3

We take you through the recommended tyre pressures for all Audi A3 models produced from 2003 until 2022. Effects of incorrect tyre pressure Under-inflated tyres will cause excess wear and tear on the inside and outside edges of the tread. Over-inflated tyres have a much narrower contact patch with the road ...

View more: What’s the correct tyre pressure for your Audi A3

Audi Elevates A4 and S4 Sedan Appeal With Black Edition Offshoot

Image: Audi Image: Audi Image: Audi NewsBy: Ryan De Villiers Audi has emboldened its A4 and S4 sedan model’s appeal by debuting the Black Edition offshoots, which offers greater visual appeal and improved convenience features. Image: Audi Pricing:  Audi A4 35 TFSI S tronic Black Edition: R900 000 Audi ...

View more: Audi Elevates A4 and S4 Sedan Appeal With Black Edition Offshoot

The Audi TT Is Dead. This Is The Last Car Built

After 662,762 vehicles assembled, the Tourist Trophy is no more.

View more: The Audi TT Is Dead. This Is The Last Car Built

New Audi cars and SUVs coming to South Africa in 2024

Audi will expand its South African portfolio in 2024 with a number of special-edition models for its most popular vehicles. In no particular order, the German automaker confirmed that, next year, it will bring the following vehicles to our shores: A3 and S3 Black Edition A3 Sportback 35TFSI Urban ...

View more: New Audi cars and SUVs coming to South Africa in 2024

Limited-edition Audi A4 Black Edition for South Africa – Only 100 up for grabs

Black Edition specifications Price Audi A4 Black Edition The Audi A4 Black Edition is launching in South Africa soon in four specifications starting at R900,000. The popular four-door has been on sale in its current form since 2020 in Standard, Advanced, and S Line trims, with the Black Edition ...

View more: Limited-edition Audi A4 Black Edition for South Africa – Only 100 up for grabs

834-HP Honda Civic Wagon Vs. Stock Audi RS5 Drag Proves Power Isn't Everything

This battle is between an all-wheel-drive Honda Civic wagon making 834 hp against a stock Audi RS5 shows that grip is just as important as power numbers.

View more: 834-HP Honda Civic Wagon Vs. Stock Audi RS5 Drag Proves Power Isn't Everything

Audi e-tron GT caught with a sporty facelift for the first time

Audi’s high-performance EV is getting an upgrade. The Audi e-tron GT was caught testing for the first time, revealing the electric car’s sporty new facelift. Audi, Porshe upgrade to rival Tesla Like the Porsche Taycan, Audi’s e-tron GT was one of the first fully electric models to take on ...

View more: Audi e-tron GT caught with a sporty facelift for the first time

We Spied The Next-Gen Audi S5 Sportback

Photo: Daniel Golson/Jalopnik One of my favorite car-related things about living in Los Angeles is the frequency with which I see camouflaged test vehicles. Automakers from America, Europe, Japan, Korea and more have design centers or R&D facilities in Southern California, and others will just ship cars out here ...

View more: We Spied The Next-Gen Audi S5 Sportback

This Is Audi's New A5 Wagon Before You're Supposed To See It

Audi S3 And RS3 Sedans Are Getting New Lights And Bumpers

Audi SQ8 e-tron first drive: This tri-motor EV drives nimbly for its size, but sacrifices a lot of range

The Tri-Motor SQ8 E-Tron Is The First Audi That’s So Fun It Made Me Giggle

2024 Audi SQ8 Sportback E-Tron First Drive: Maybe The Best-Handling Electric SUV Right Now

30 lakh budget: Exploring options for a preowned German petrol sedan

Most affordable crossover from every brand in South Africa

What is the Audi RS3 top speed?

Tesla, Audi, And Nissan EVs Have Minimal Winter Range Loss

Tesla releases update with new way to activate Autopilot/FSD and separate backseat audio

Here's An Early Look At The Next-Generation Audi Q7

Audi Waves Goodbye To The R8 With An Emotional 'The Last Lap' Video

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel