2023 Audi SQ8 SUV

　　

2023 Audi SQ8 Review

byChristian WardlawCorrespondent

　　Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at zzdcar and was the first editor-in-chief of zzdcar.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.

　　, rating written byChristian WardlawManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　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 zzdcar' testing, it can accelerate the sizable SUV to 60 mph in 4 seconds flat.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Audi SQ8 Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$283/mo  for SQ8 Premium Plus

　　SQ8 Premium Plus

　　Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) - $95,500 MSRPPrestige 4dr SUV AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $101,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　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.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below