Audi SQ8 review: The sensible V8 SUV sweet spot

The Audi SQ8 slots between the Q8 and RS Q8 with a 507bhp V8 and a more measured character. It makes its case through daily usability, refinement and strong performance rather than outright drama.Audi SQ8 sits between the Q8 and RS Q8.The space between sensible and spectacular is often the most difficult territory to occupy. Go too far towards practicality, and a car risks feeling forgettable. Push too hard towards outright performance, and everyday usability inevitably suffers. The Audi SQ8 finds itself precisely in that grey area. Positioned between the standard Q8 and the ferociously capable RS Q8, the SQ8 has a deceptively challenging role. It must deliver a meaningful step-up in performance and character over the regular car while avoiding the compromises, cost and sheer intensity that come with the RS badge. In theory, it sounds like the sweet spot of the range. In practice, that balance is harder to achieve than it appears. There's more than enough mass up front to give the SQ8 a butch stance. At first glance, the SQ8 doesn’t scream for attention. The styling remains faithful to the elegant SUV-coupe proportions that have defined the Q8 since its arrival. That being said, understanding the SQ8 requires understanding its place within Audi’s hierarchy. The standard Q8 focuses primarily on luxury, refinement and comfort. The RS Q8, meanwhile, exists to challenge physics and rival dedicated performance SUVs from some of the most prestigious brands in the world. The SQ8 occupies the territory in between. Visually, the differences are subtle but noticeable. Larger air intakes, unique alloy wheel designs, silver exterior detailing and quad exhaust outlets distinguish it from the regular Q8. Yet it stops short of adopting the aggressive visual drama of the RS Q8. The result is an SUV that looks purposeful without appearing overtly confrontational. The front-end is more chrome-laden than the full-fat RS Q8. The biggest distinction, though, lies under the bonnet. The SQ8 employs a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 producing 507bhp and 770Nm. Those numbers comfortably exceed what the standard Q8 offers, but remain significantly below the RS Q8’s output. For reference, the RS churns out 640bhp and 850Nm of peak torque from the same powertrain. As far as top speeds are concerned, the entire Q8 range is capable of reaching 250kmph, but only the RS Q8 can be optioned without a limiter, which can take it up to 305kmph! There's minimal badging at the rear, which I do appreciate. Audi keeping it classy. All in all, the Q8 is the most sedate with a V6 motor, while the SQ8 takes a more sensible approach to usable performance. In this regard, the full-blown RS Q8 is more mental in almost every way. The SQ8 remains exceptionally quick but prioritises accessibility and everyday usability. There's nothing quite like a great V8, is there? That positioning makes it less dramatic than its RS sibling, potentially more relevant to buyers who intend to use their SUV daily rather than reserve its talents for occasional bursts of excitement. That said, the Q8 is the most practical with the Rs 65 lakh price difference. However, fire up that V8, and the SQ8 immediately establishes a different character from the standard Q8. There is a sense of latent performance present even at idle, although Audi has deliberately resisted the temptation to make it overly theatrical. The 21-inches fill up the wheel arches quite well. One can opt for a larger size, too. Out on the road, the engine emerges as the defining element of the experience. The twin-turbocharged V8 delivers its performance with effortless authority rather than explosive aggression. Power arrives progressively and relentlessly, making overtakes feel almost effortless. The eight-speed automatic transmission complements this character well, executing smooth shifts during relaxed driving while responding quickly when greater urgency is demanded. The frameless doors are a welcome addition to the SQ8. What stands out most is the way the SQ8 gathers speed. There is immense performance available; it never feels intimidating. Unlike some high-output SUVs that constantly encourage the driver to explore their limits, the SQ8 feels more at ease being tuned more towards comfort. Whether cruising on a highway or accelerating hard out of a corner, it remains composed and predictable. The adaptive air suspension deserves a shout-out here. There's a generous 605-litre boot, which is plenty for a weekend getaway with the family. In its softer settings, it absorbs imperfections impressively well for a vehicle riding on large wheels and performance-focused tyres. Long-distance comfort remains one of the SQ8’s greatest strengths. This is a vehicle capable of covering vast distances with minimal fatigue. However, switch into ‘Dynamic’ driving mode, and the character changes noticeably. Body control tightens, and the whole car hunkers down, steering weight increases, and the vehicle feels more alert.The gearshift becomes more ferocious, and that feeling is undeniably addictive. Furthermore, grip levels are substantial, and the quattro all-wheel-drive system provides immense confidence, but the SQ8 is at its best when driven with smooth, deliberate inputs rather than outright aggression. The chassis is capable, but it doesn’t possess the playful edge or outright dynamism of the very best performance SUVs in the segment. Rear seats feel comfortable enough for shorter journeys. Best suited for two at the rear, courtesy of the transmission tunnel. The steering is precise enough, but not hardcore. As a result, the SQ8 prioritises confidence and competence over manic involvement. For reference, the RS Q8 does 0-100kmph in 3.6 seconds, while the SQ8 does it in 4.1 seconds, which honestly isn’t a whole lot. The 4.0-litre TFSI V8 motor is characterful and has an addictive sound to it as well. A proper gear selector feels like a rarity in today's day and age. There's a small touchscreen for the HVAC controls. Inside, the cabin continues to impress through its quality and execution. Material quality is predictably excellent, with premium surfaces throughout. The seats strike an effective balance between support and comfort, but the all-black upholstery may not be to everyone’s taste. Audi’s dual-screen interface remains visually impressive, though the continued reliance on touchscreen controls introduces a degree of distraction. Basic functions often require more attention than traditional physical controls would demand. The SQ8 masks its weight extremely well in the corners, thanks to the adaptive suspension. It is a modern solution, but not necessarily the most intuitive one while driving. Space remains generous, and refinement is exceptional. Wind noise is well suppressed, road noise is minimal, and the overall ambience feels appropriately premium for a vehicle occupying this price bracket. Ultimately, the driving experience reflects the SQ8’s broader identity. It is not an RS Q8 in disguise, nor does it attempt to be. Instead, it offers a blend of performance, luxury and everyday usability that feels carefully calibrated rather than intentionally extreme. From some angles, the SQ8 resembles a taller estate than a coupe-like SUV. VerdictPriced at Rs 1.78 crore (ex-showroom), the Audi SQ8 sits right in the middle of the Q8 (Rs 1.13 crore) and RS Q8 (Rs 2.34 crore). Its rivals include the BMW X6 M60i, Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 and, indirectly, the more expensive Porsche Cayenne S. Its greatest strength is the balance it strikes between refinement and performance. The SQ8's rear three-quarter looks properly menacing! It is considerably more engaging than a standard Q8 while remaining less demanding than an RS Q8. That said, buyers seeking maximum driver involvement may find it slightly reserved. For those wanting a luxurious V8-powered SUV that excels in daily use without constantly chasing lap times, the SQ8 makes a compelling case.Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine - EndsPublished By: Abhinav JakharPublished On: Sep 7, 2026 14:00 IST