The Audi SQ8 has arrived in South Africa – and we just had to have a go in the Ingolstadt-based brand's dynamic turbodiesel performance SUV! Does it represent just enough of a step up from the rest of the Q8 range, or is it simply a piecemeal derivative for those who can't afford the RS Q8 flagship? Let's find out.
We like: Outrageously strong yet refined diesel engine, dazzling interior, impeccable on-road manners.
We don’t like: Cost of options
Fast Facts
- Model Tested: Audi SQ8 TDI quattro
- Price: R1 848 500
- Engine: 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 diesel
- Power/Torque: 310 kW and 900 Nm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Fuel efficiency: 8.3 L/100 km
- Load space: 605-1755 litres
Serious about buying?
Some Audi dealerships regularly offer great deals. See our Car Specials page here!
How good does the new Audi SQ8 look?
With big wheels, red brakes and quad exhausts, the Audi SQ8 has subtle sporty addenda.
The Audi Q8 takes the concept of a boutique/designer Premium SUV to another level. Those who aren't particularly enamoured with the Audi Q7's upright station-wagon-like styling may find favour with the shape and proportions of the Q8; this model is pitched against the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe as well as the BMW X6 and is technically a Sports Activity Vehicle, as opposed to a Sports Utility Vehicle.
Compare the Audi SQ8 to the BMW X6 M50d and Mercedes-Benz GLE 400d coupe
The transformation of the standard Q8 – which is already a handsome vehicle in many people's eyes – into the performance-biased SQ8 is purposely subtle. The giveaway visual cues are the quad exhaust tips, ostentatiously oversized wheels (22-inch units on this example) and a gaping intake at the front. Discreet SQ8 badges appear on the nose and rear to remind onlookers this is no ordinary Q8.
Our test unit was curiously specced in a black-on-black scheme; although it's understandable that some would prefer a classically dark Teutonic interior, the noir exterior finish does flatten some of the SQ8's exterior detailing. Having said that, the combination of the Deep Black paint finish and black badging effectively create a murdered look – if that is your preference, you can certainly dive into those options.
The black-on-black scheme does work extraordinary well with the Audi SQ8's lighting array… come to think about it. When you unlock the vehicle at night, you're greeted by a light show at the front and rear, with the headlight clusters' elements lighting up individually. The sequence at the rear of the vehicle is our favourite – the tail-light clusters are joined by a single light bar that stretches across the tailgate. Those red lights look menacing in combination with the car's black finish, like a Knight Rider for the 21st century (if Michael Knight ever decided to start a family and needed to trade-in KITT).
The Q8 is not an unassuming car, but the SQ8 tastefully enhances the model's bold style statement. There's simply nothing quite like it unless you opt for the flagship RS Q8, which is a potent performer.
What’s the interior of the SQ8 like?
No shortage of premium materials here and the tiered infotainment screens are very pretty
The latest-generation Audi interiors are sensational. Not only do they look futuristic, but they feel luxurious. There's plenty of top-quality leather and metals on display – and then there is the tech! The SQ8 comes standard with Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital dashboard and there are another 2 screens in the fascia; one controls the car's infotainment and the other deals with the climate control settings.
The screens feature haptic feedback and are generally straightforward to use, but the climate control interface requires some practice. Instead of incrementally changing the temperature, you can slide your finger up (for hotter) and down (for cooler). While that task poses no problem when the Audi's standing still, it's tricky to get right while you're driving – and if you're obsessed with getting the temperature just right, good luck on selecting your "20 degrees on the nose" while on the move. Also, keep a small cleaning cloth handy as these screens attract fingerprints; they'll require a wipedown every now and again.
The Audi phone box, complete with wireless charging and two USB ports
Connectivity-wise, the SQ8 features the so-called "Audi Phone Box", which includes a wireless charging pad as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as standard. The Audi Q8 is a premium SUV in anyone's book and the SQ8 sits 2nd from the top in the model's line-up – that means there are standard features aplenty, including a tyre-pressuring monitoring system, head-up display, heated sports seats (trimmed in Valcona leather trim with memory function for the driver), a trailer hitch, panoramic glass sunroof, Bang & Olufsen audio system and the Matrix LED headlights, to name but a few.
Our test unit came specified with a number of options (all of which added R261 730 to the list price). Some of the standout extra-cost additions included the all-wheel steering (R20 080), seat heating fore and aft (R6 270), front ventilated massage seats (R24 260), Audi Pre-Sense Front (R6 150), adaptive cruise control with speed limiter, efficiency assist, swerve assist and turn assist (R21 630). They may seem like sheer indulgences, but the novelty of the self-latching doors (R10 020) and Audi logo projector lights (R3 750) didn't wear off during the SQ8's tenure in our test fleet!
What’s the Audi SQ8 like to drive?
You'd think big 22-inch sporty wheels wrapped in performance rubber would negatively affect the ride quality, but the SQ8 is right up there for best-in-class on-road refinement
It's a shame turbodiesels have become unfashionable, because this 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 is sublime. Not only has Audi dialled out the typical diesel clatter, the motor emits the kind of throatiness that one would expect a beefy V8 to produce. The jury is still out on whether that engine note is electronically enhanced (or not), but given the direction in which the automotive world's moving (electrification), many enthusiasts will be keen to savour every last shred of petrolhead goodness while they can. In standard mode, there's a faint rumble on acceleration, but when you activate Dynamic mode, the SQ8 emits a muscle-car-like roar. We suspect the sound is piped through the speakers, but after hearing an SQ8 being launched from the outside, we're not sure. Can a turbodiesel really sound this good?
With 310 kW and a colossal 900 Nm on tap, the SQ8's performance was never going to be sluggish. While the claim of 4.8 sec for the 0-to-100 kph sprint doesn't seem that quick, the SQ8's abundant reserve of in-gear shove is nothing short of astonishing. Even if you lean on the throttle pedal at 80 kph, the Audi will kick down a gear and surge forward with such brute force that one would be forgiven for thinking Elon Musk had strapped a Merlin rocket engine to its roof. What's truly mindblowing is the car doesn't even have to be in its sportiest drive mode to produce such crushing overtaking acceleration.
Speaking of the transmission, the 8-speed automatic is offered in conjunction with 'wheel-mounted shift paddles. These are a treat to use: they are pleasantly tactile and the gear shifts themselves are quick and seamless. However, given the nature of the SQ8 and the way its powertrain is calibrated, it's best to leave the 'box in full auto because it offers a much smoother power delivery in its default setting.
The 8-speed auto transmission is best left to its own devices, but if you want, you can use the 'wheel-mounted shift paddles.
When you select Dynamic mode, however, the SQ8's air suspension hunkers down like a primed athlete, plus the engine feels more responsive to throttle inputs and, to reiterate, sounds incredible! The clever mild-hybrid system does a sterling job of minimising turbo lag; if you listen very carefully just before you set off, you can hear the electric spooling of the turbocharger preparing to deliver the boost. All 900 of Newton's finest are available from as little as 1 250 rpm and, when you do decide to stand on the loud pedal, you best be prepared, because the 2.3-tonne SQ8 will absolutely hurtle towards the horizon. There's no need to rev the motor to the redline either, because peak torque is available between 1 250 and 3 250 rpm – rest assured, the SQ8 does not take long to get into its stride at all.
Of course, the majority of SQ8 buyers will most appreciate the vehicle's ability to brush aside slower traffic on long-haul journeys. And the best part? If you drive it spiritedly (that is to say make the most of that wonderful motor), you're unlikely to eclipse 11 L/100 km… If you try similar antics in a petrol-powered performance SUV you'll be lucky to achieve under 15 L/100 km. After completing a combined fuel route in the SQ8, it indicated a consumption figure of 9.1 L/100 km, which is impressive, given the manufacturer's claim is 8.3 L/100 km. You should be able to travel about 1 000 km on a full (75-litre) tank.
We noted that the car's hybrid system kicked in quite often – the engine sometimes switched off while the SQ8 coasted or approached intersections. However, that is exactly how the system is supposed to work; when required, the engine will fire up again immediately. Audi says its hybrid tech helps to save fuel in the long run. It's initially quite odd, but you soon get used to the system and learn to work with it.
Carbon fibre and a slick infotainment system dominate the SQ8's cabin
How good is the SQ8's ride/handling balance?
The SQ8 might have a hefty kerb weight of 2.3 tonnes, but its handling is far from ponderous, courtesy of, inter alia, adaptive air suspension and quattro all-wheel drive. The Audi's mechanical centre differential generally apportions the power 40:60 front to rear, but if a loss of grip is detected at one of the axles, the setup will redirect up to 70% to the front or 85% to the rear. A loss of grip is, however, extremely rare unless you're driving much too fast! Meanwhile, if you venture off-road, the SQ8's air suspension will raise the ride height; there's a 90-mm difference from the lowest to the highest setting.
The test unit came with 4-wheel steering, which is a R20k option, but it makes a big difference. At lower speeds, the rear wheels turn by 5 degrees in the opposite direction to the front wheels, which makes the SQ8's turning circle smaller – and parking easier. From 60 kph, they turn in the same direction as the front wheels, which sharpens the handling and improves stability in dynamic driving situations.
Note the clever parking cameras
How does all of this translate to the real world? Like all Audi Q8 derivatives, the SQ8's on-road refinement is, in a word, excellent, but at this price point, one would expect that. Given that this test unit is shod with 22-inch low-profile rubber and is tagged as a sportier version of an already sporty vehicle, we were concerned the Q8's excellent ride-quality report card would be blotted. Impressively, however, the SQ8 retains all the comfort and refinement befitting a car at this price point. The adaptive air suspension works well in conjunction with all 7 driving modes: comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency, all-road, off-road, and individual. For us, it's best to leave the drive mode in either comfort or dynamic, the latter of which avails the greatest variation in suspension settings, steering feel, engine responsiveness etc.
The Audi SQ8 lives up to the idea of a performance SUV. Body control is good and grip levels are high, plus there's genuine steering feel and a good level of feedback (should you wish to string together a few corners at a rapid pace in Dynamic mode). We suspect most customers won't bother with exploring the intricacies of customising the individual settings, but for what it's worth, the extent to which the driving experience can be tailored is really impressive. For a while, we left all the SQ8's settings at their most relaxed, apart from the engine, which we set at its sportiest level. Just because we could.
Is the Audi SQ8 practical?
That huge boot aperture allows easy access
One of the reasons the performance SUV market has boomed is because many customers are happy to ditch their impractical sportscars in favour of more usable (and spacious) SUVs. The Urus, for example, is the fastest-selling product that Lamborghini has ever produced. Interestingly, the Audi SQ8 and Lamborghini Urus are related, with the MLB Evo platform serving as the basis of both cars.
Even in standard guise, the Audi Q8 offers plenty of space, both in the cabin and load bay. The model is the longest in its class and boasts the lengthiest wheelbase, which results in practicality galore. When compared with its rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the Q8's load bay is bigger than that of the BMW, but the Benz is the biggest in this regard, but at a cost! Fold the seats down and again the Audi SQ8 plays 2nd fiddle to the Mercedes-Benz. We're talking incremental victories here with the key numbers of 605-1 755 litres as opposed to 655-1 790 litres in favour of the brute from Stuttgart. We would say the Benz feels a bit more cramped in the rear, both in terms of leg- and headroom. If you want more luggage space, then look to the Audi SQ7, which can be specified with a 3rd row of seats.
Given the SQ8's target market, 605 litres is sufficient to accommodate large suitcases and golf clubs. Some test team members are ardent cyclists and they appreciated how easy it was to fold down the seats and lower the Audi's rear end when they needed to load in their bikes. There is an air-suspension control panel in the load bay; it requires no more than a push of a button to lower the rear end!
There's space in here for adults and legroom plus headroom are both generous
How much does the Audi SQ8 cost in South Africa?
The Audi Q8 range starts at R1 586 000 and the SQ8 retails for R1 848 500. The vehicle is available in limited numbers and is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km Audi Freeway Plan. Our test unit came with a number of options, all of which added R261 730 to the asking price. As tested, this example of the SQ8 costs R2 110 230 (May 2021).
See full specification details
Buy a used Audi Q8 on Cars.co.za
Verdict
It's a pity the turbocharged diesel V8 engine took so long to get here… it was well worth the wait.
The Audi SQ8 is just one of those vehicles that causes a conflict between one's heart and head. Some would argue there's nothing wrong with the well-balanced 45 TDI quattro derivative in the Q8 line-up, which, given what the SQ8 costs as standard, you could afford to spec up liberally; it's as nice to drive as it looks and that 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine offers ample performance. Indeed, the 45 TDI ticks many boxes and does an awful lot right, BUT once you've driven the SQ8, which is powered by arguably the greatest performance turbodiesel motor on sale right now, your heart may well overwhelm your head.
Should you buy one? The performance SUV concept may repulse traditionalists, but the great thing about the SQ8 is that it can be specced conservatively, unlike the particular unit we tested. The real drawcard here is, paradoxically, its value-for-money proposition. Yes, at near R2 million, that sounds laughable, but when you compare the SQ8 with its immediate rivals, the BMW X6 M50d and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe 400d, the Audi trounces them in terms of performance and features. If you want "frugal" performance with luxury, style and comfort right now, you'd be hard-pressed to outdo the SQ8.
But, then again, if you have this kind of money and it's burning a hole in your pocket, the R2.4-million price tag of the mighty Audi RS Q8, with its twin-turbocharged petrol V8, is not that far away…
Related Content:
Audi Q8 45 TDI quattro (2020) Review
