2023 Audi SQ8 Review

Price Range: $63,249 - $85,995

The 2023 SQ8 is a sporty spin on Audi's Q8 midsize SUV. Audi has anointed it with a 500-horsepower V8 and too many performance upgrades to count. It's considerably more dynamic than the standard Q8 and nearly as comfortable. Well-executed tech offerings and a top-notch cabin design round out this pricey SUV's long list of strengths.

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2023 Audi SQ8 Review

Pros

Powerful twin-turbo V8 engine
Rewarding driving dynamics
Comfortable, luxurious, high-tech interior
Stylish and distinctive exterior design

Cons

High base price
Infotainment system is distracting
Driver's seat has too few adjustments
Limited interior storage

What's new

High-definition LED headlights are now standard
Dual-pane glass added to Premium Plus with Executive package
Part of the first SQ8 generation introduced for 2020

Overview

Written by automotive expert Christian Wardlaw

2/21/2023

When deciding between versions of Audi's flagship SUV, you choose between the standard model (Q8), the sporty model (SQ8) and the really sporty model (RS Q8). If it were a salsa, the 2023 Audi SQ8 would bring medium heat, thanks to its 500-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8 engine. It motivates all four wheels through a Quattro all-wheel-drive system and leaps from a stop with remarkable enthusiasm. Based on Edmunds' testing, it can accelerate the sizable SUV to 60 mph in 4 seconds flat.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Atlanta, GA

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2023 Audi SQ8
Prestige 4dr SUV
$64,998
good price
$2,711 below market
- 57,659 miles
- 1 accident, 1 owner, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 14 City / 20 Hwy MPG
- CarMax Lithia Springs (14 mi away)
- Free delivery available*
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Lithia Springs, GA
CarMax values transparency and wants you to love your next car, not settle on it. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Check nhtsa.gov...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
17 Combined MPG (14 City/20 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WA1CWBF16PD008091
Stock: 27760292
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Price Drop
2023 Audi SQ8
Prestige 4dr SUV
$71,998
great price
$10,291 below market
- 21,207 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 14 City / 20 Hwy MPG
- CarMax Phoenix - Gilbert (1,567 mi away)
- Delivery available*
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Gilbert, AZ
CarMax values transparency and wants you to love your next car, not settle on it. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Check nhtsa.gov...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: Yes
Features and Specs:
17 Combined MPG (14 City/20 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WA1CWBF12PD043498
Stock: 27207129
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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As expected, the 2023 Audi SQ8 is about more than just speed. With comfortable seating for five people in a luxurious, high-tech interior, it offers a plush cabin to go along with its added performance. Also, unlike some coupe-style luxury SUVs, the SQ8 feels roomier inside and offers more cargo space than its primary rivals from Germany, which include the BMW X6 M50i, Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe, and Porsche Cayenne GTS Coupe.

Intrigued? Be sure to read our full Expert Rating of the 2023 SQ8, which follows below.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Cameron Rogers

Great

8.1

out of 10

We drove the 2023 Audi SQ8 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

8/10

How does the SQ8 drive? Perhaps you want the roar of a V8 or just a sportier driving experience. Either way, the SQ8's superior performance is likely the reason you're upgrading from the regular Q8. This performance-minded model does not disappoint, with an engine capable of rocketing this SUV from 0 to 60 mph in an impressively quick 4.0 seconds.

Slowing the SQ8 is effortless in day-to-day driving thanks to well-calibrated brakes. Well-controlled body roll also gives the driver considerable confidence to explore the SQ8's dynamic prowess.

The SQ8 isn't perfect, however. Our test model's all-season tires didn't deliver the grip we were expecting to match this model's power — the no-cost summer tires would have been a better match. The SQ8 isn't super smooth when driving around town either. There's some lag between when you press the accelerator and the transmission downshifting, and the auto stop-start system turns off the engine too early, resulting in lurchy stops.

Comfort

8.5/10

How comfortable is the SQ8? The SQ8 is surprisingly comfortable given its sporting pretensions. In the Comfort drive mode, the standard adaptive suspension dampers and air suspension provide the pillow-like ride you'd expect of a luxury SUV. It doesn't feel floaty either. You can also dial up the Dynamic mode for a firmer feel.

The leather upholstery is soft, and the padding is compliant but supportive. But we'd prefer that the SQ8's sport front seats offered more adjustments. Also, their fixed front headrests may not fit all body types. Fixed headrests aren't unusual on sports cars, but they are overkill on a family-friendly SUV.

Four-zone climate control comes standard, as do heated and ventilated front seats. The SQ8, just like the regular Q8, has a two-tier touchscreen setup, with the lower touchscreen used to control climate functions. Our team was split on its effectiveness — some found it distracting to use. But you can always use voice controls so you don't take your eyes off the road. Outside noise is adequately muted, and you'll only hear the throaty exhaust of the V8 under hard acceleration.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? Audi's bold decision to go full touchscreen on its latest infotainment interface is controversial. Some of our team found it distracting and easy to smudge, while others liked the clean look and operation. We were more united in our dislike of the Q8's limited visibility, caused by the steep rake of the front windshield and the thick front and rear roof pillars.

The Q8 offers plenty of room. The space up front is generous, even if the lower roofline gives the impression of less headroom than there is. Unfortunately, the lack of seat adjustments and fixed headrest might cause discomfort for some drivers. The rear seating is roomier than what you'll find in other coupe-like SUVs. There's excellent legroom, lots of toe clearance and ample headroom. The wide rear bench can hold three adults in agreeable comfort.

Technology

8.5/10

How’s the tech? Operating the SQ8's infotainment interface is controversial, but you can't deny that the SQ8's cabin tech looks fully modern and comes with plenty of features. We like that it supports wireless Apple CarPlay too. The standard Bang & Olufsen audio system is quite powerful but requires fine-tuning to alleviate some muddiness on tracks with a lot of instruments.

Audi's voice control system isn't as comprehensive as Mercedes' MBUX, but it's still very good compared to the majority of systems on the market. It will pull up an address or point of interest quickly, activate the driver's seat heater, or switch to a satellite radio station with ease.

Most driver aids are standard and work well. The only issue we found was with the adaptive cruise control system, which overestimated the amount of braking needed when traveling downhill.

Storage

8/10

How’s the storage? The SQ8's design preserves most of the cargo space that you'd normally get from the three-row SQ7. The air suspension allows you to lower the rear for easier access to a wide cargo area, too. The split seats fold flat and provide a decent 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Storage is scarce for small items aside from the sizable door pockets.

Planning to use your 500-hp super SUV as a family taxi? Car seat anchors hide behind removable covers, and the generous legroom ensures car seats of any size will fit.

The optional towing package gives the SQ8 a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which is generous for the class. The SQ8's trailer maneuver assist feature is also neat. You can use it to easily guide your trailer while reversing by swiping left or right on the lower infotainment display.

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? EPA-estimated fuel economy for the SQ8 stands at 17 mpg combined (14 city/20 highway). The SQ8 is slightly thirstier than other performance-oriented midsize SUVs, but not so much so that it makes much of a difference. Buyers looking for a fast, roomy SUV likely won't care anyway. Our test vehicle managed 19.8 mpg on our 115-mile test route, proving these estimates are achievable in the real world.

Value

7.5/10

Is the SQ8 a good value? There's no question the SQ8's interior is worth the price. Except for the upper door trim section, all surfaces are trimmed in luxury materials. Build quality is up to Audi's typically high standards, and the high-tech design makes an impression on first-time passengers.

Our test vehicle with the Driver Assistance package and visual upgrades rang in just under $95,000. It's a bargain compared to a similarly configured Porsche Cayenne GTS (which features the same engine), though it costs a bit more than the more powerful BMW X5 M50i.

Basic and powertrain coverage lasts for four years/50,000 miles, while roadside assistance is offered for four years/unlimited miles. All are average for the class.

Wildcard

9/10

There's a lot to love about the SQ8 from behind the wheel. It's tremendously quick, turning responses are sharp, and the engine is boisterous. The SQ8's composed handling is a testament to Audi's engineering. There's no way a big, heavy SUV should be this enjoyable on a tight, twisty road. Our tester's all-season tires were the only sore spot; throw a set of summers on this beast and go have fun.

The SQ8 is one of the only SUVs to offer style and practicality in equal measure. The base Q8 was already a showstopper, and the SQ8's more aggressive aero kit only adds to the visual appeal. And unlike with the current crop of coupe-like SUVs, the sporty roofline doesn't come at the expense of rear headroom or cargo space. Go ahead: Have your cake and eat it too.

2023 Audi SQ8 trim level differences

Audi offers the 2023 SQ8 in Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels. Both employ a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine (500 horsepower, 568 lb-ft of torque), an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Audi says the SQ8 can tow up to 7,700 pounds. Highlights of the standard features list include:

Which SQ8 trim does Edmunds recommend?

When you're spending this kind of money on a new SUV, and the top trim costs only six grand more, you might as well go for it. That's why we recommend the Audi SQ8 Prestige, which adds soft-close doors, a head-up display, a remote parking system and other luxury upgrades.

Compare 2023 Audi SQ8 trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Georgia

$278/mo

$215/mo

Avg. Large SUV

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Audi SQ8 Owner Reviews

5.0

14 reviews

5(100%)

4(0%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Switched from Audi Q8 55 TFSI to Audi SQ8.

Philip, 09/21/2020

2020 Audi SQ8 Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A)

I loved the looks of the Q8 when I first spotted it in 2019. I remember seeing it for the first time driving through a Whole Foods parking lot, wondering what model it was. It didn't look like anything I'd seen from Audi. There was a more sporty look to it compared to the Audi Q7, which I thought looked too much like a Wagon. Audi managed to beat out BMW and Mercedes in terms of looks … for a Sports Activity Coupe type vehicle. The rear end of the BMW X6 is just ghastly, and while the Mercedes GLE is a somewhat better take on the coupe version of an SUV, Audi managed to execute the look much better, especially toward the rear of the vehicle. The interior of the Audi Q8 is phenomenal, clean, and if you love tech, this IS your vehicle. People complain about the piano black interiors, but you can't beat the clean lines. In particular, Audi did an amazing job incorporating the air vents across the panel with a seamless, modern look. You get used to having no real buttons (only digital), very quickly, especially if you become accustomed using the steering wheel buttons to navigate the Audi's numerous functions. Here's where I start complaining. The Audi 6-cylinder Q8 55 TFSI has terrible throttle lag. I called my local Audi dealership several times about the Auto Stop/Start function not engaging quick enough. Often times, the engine would shut off at a rolling stop at an intersection, anticipating a full stop. However, if the intersection was clear, in normal driving one would go ahead and proceed with a turn. You would apply the pedal as you rolled out into the intersection, but always to my surprise, the engine would not engage. It was a good 2-4 seconds before power went from the pedal to the engine. Human intuition is to apply more pedal if you aren't getting a response, so by the time the engine finally accepted the pedal inputs, you would be quite heavy on the pedal and the vehicle would lurch aggressively forward, with you being already panicked about the stall you are experiencing in the middle of an intersection. My dealership's response to this was that it was a driving characteristic of the car. It was not. At my 10K mileage service, they admitted there was a problem, and they had developed a patch for it. They applied the tuning patch, and it did help things some. The 6-cylinder, 55 TFSI's transmission is quite odd as well. It's almost as if first and second gears do not exist, as the engine shifts from these gears very quickly, and the feel is very unnatural. At this point, the SQ8 was becoming more widely available in the US, and I found one about 200 miles from home. I decided to test drive it. The 8-cylinder SQ8 is by far much better than the 6-cylinder 55 TFSI. The engine is incredibly responsive, with so much power available in every gear. The transmission shifts as one would expect and anticipate. The sound of the SQ8 is throaty, but not annoyingly loud or obnoxious, unless you want it to be. Part of me thinks the exhaust note responds to the way you are driving, as the more aggressively you drive the vehicle, the more pops and cracks you hear on the downshifts, and the throatier the response you receive from throttle inputs. The SQ8 is perfection. The air suspension provides and excellent ride quality, and in dynamic mode, stiffens enough to feel like you are driving a car, instead of a large, heavy SUV. There is nothing SUV about the driving quality of this vehicle. There is barely any roll, and the steering is so nimble, tight, and responsive. I test drove a Range Rover Sport, prior to this purchase, and that vehicle felt top heavy, and disconnected from the road. Not the case with the Audi Q8 or SQ8. If you can spring the $100k+ for the Audi SQ8, it is ABSOLUTELY worth the money for the incredible power, torque, and sound. The 6-cylinder, 55 TFSI Q8 is a fine vehicle after the patch, but lacked the power and presence in the driving experience that I desired. As far as the RSQ8, while there are styling and engine features of the vehicle that are stunning and aggressive to admire, I couldn't justify spending another 40-50K for an additional 90 HP. Audi has managed to produce an absolute masterpiece in the SQ8. It fits wonderfully in between the 55 TFSI and the RSQ8. The SQ8 is a phenomenal competitor to the BMW M models and the mid-level Mercedes AMG class SUV's, and should be highly considered when shopping for this class of vehicle.

Worth the wait!

NoVA Driver, 03/15/2022

2022 Audi SQ8 Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A)

Had an Audi Q8, and just picked up my SQ8 about a month ago, from an order placed about 6 months prior. The Q8 is a good vehicle, and met most of my expectations for a luxury SUV. But the step up to the SQ8, with the Sport Package really adds to the drive. The V8 is better suited to push the vehicle, as it is a heavy vehicle. Not only is the power train a blast to accelerate quickly, …

Excellent road experience

Bill, 12/16/2020

2020 Audi SQ8 Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A)

Previously owned Mercedes and BMW large SUVs...traded in my wife’s Porsche McCann, which we loved..turned in my Tesla 100S lease and bought the Audi SQ8. Bought thru Costco program, and very pleased with price...fully loaded with options listed at $105,000 plus. This is a driver’s car and meant to be pushed...have driven thru the Appalachian Mountains over interstate 40 to Pinehurst, …

Had to chase it down

key, 01/09/2021

2021 Audi SQ8 Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A)

Test drove on a Saturday just to be told it was dealer traded. Tried to buy several others as far as 400 miles away just to be told they were gone as well. Ironically the SUV I test drove went on the market while in transit and I bought it. Best decision I could have made. This SUV performs superbly and has all the bells and whistles you would need. It can be a nanny vehicle but if …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Audi SQ8, so we've included reviews for other years of the SQ8 since its last redesign.

See all 14 reviews of the Audi SQ8

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2023 SQ8 Highlights

Trim:

Premium Plus

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$95,500
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	17 MPG
Cost to Drive	$278/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	30.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the SQ8 models:

Audi Active Lane Assist: Helps keep your vehicle centered within its lane with subtle automated steering inputs.
Audi Pre Sense Rear: Reacts to an imminent rear-end collision by tensioning seat belts, closing windows and adjusting the seats for optimal protection.
Audi Side Assist with Rear Cross-Traffic Assist: Warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot and about approaching vehicles when you're reversing.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover15.8%

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2023 Audi SQ8 Review

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2023 Audi SQ8 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

For sale near Atlanta, GA

2023 Audi SQ8Prestige 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2023 Audi SQ8Prestige 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

2023 Audi SQ8 trim level differences

Which SQ8 trim does Edmunds recommend?

Cost to Drive

Audi SQ8 Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Switched from Audi Q8 55 TFSI to Audi SQ8.

Worth the wait!

Excellent road experience

Had to chase it down

2023 SQ8 Highlights

Safety

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