The 2023 Audi SQ8: A sports vehicle for the new age

The 2023 Audi SQ8 is a clear sign the battle for world domination has been won by SUVs. But what about the enthusiasts? That’s where the SQ8 comes in. In case you have been out of touch for a while, you’ll know the Q8 is Audi’s well-respected fastback SUV. The S lineup, as seen in the guise of the Audi SQ8 is a performance version that is second only to the ultrahigh-performance RS Q8. That hardly means it plays second fiddle to anyone. Napleton News recently spent a bit of time in the SQ8 and wanted to tell you all about it. Here’s our report:

What is the Audi SQ8?

Think of a standard SUV. You know the type. One that is able to carry up to five passengers and behind them, a bunch of cargo. But up front is really where the action is. While the normal Q8 SUV is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, this one gets its oomph from the 4.0-liter twin turbocharged V8 that makes up to 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shift levers routes the power to both axles. From there, it goes to the Audi Quattro all-wheel drive system.

It’s a largish SUV but its power is more than enough to propel it. Expect 0-to-60 mph in under four seconds. That’s just a tiny click behind its corporate cousin, the Lamborghini Urus SUV.

And if that’s not enough power, check out the Audi RS Q8. Essentially, it is similar to the SQ8 but has an uprated version of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. Here, the engine is tuned to produce 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque.

As we mentioned before, all Audi vehicles include the Quattro all-wheel drive system. To assist in handling the SQ8 features all-wheel steering and sport adaptive air suspension that firms or softens instantaneously as conditions warrant.

How’s it look?

The Audi SQ8, to our eyes, resembles a bulldog. Wide and squatty, with a short tail. Yes. Exactly like a bulldog. It has all the features that make the Audi brand unique. From the four ring logo in the grille, to the Quattro badging on the tail, the SQ8 shows Teutonic elegance and performance on its own.

Frankly, we think it’s one of the best looking SUVs on the market today, thanks to its fastback roofline that looks better than those found on the competition.

What about inside?

We have said it so many times but still have no reason to doubt it: Audi has the best interior in the business. Well-designed and thought out, it has everything you would expect in a modern performance SUV. Navigation, a high-definition display screen, controls right where you would expect them and more, it’s one of the best that ever was.

Although the sport-style fastback cuts a little bit into the rear roofline, its cargo area is no slouch. In the “wayback” you can carry up to 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold the rear seat forward, and the space grows to 60.7 cubic feet. That’s keeping up with the Joneses or at least the Audi’s competitors.

Behind the wheel of the Audi SQ8.

The Sedan is dead. Long live the Sedan! In its place, we find the SUV taking its place. On their own an SUV is a great road-tripper or a way to get the goods to and from the big box wholesale stores. But what is there for all those enthusiast drivers who at one time were at home in their powerful sport sedans?

Answer? The high-performance SUV. One of the first were the Mercedes-Benz AMG variants but today, there’s a crowded field that features most of the German, Italian and Japanese manufacturers represented by their AMG, Porsche GTS and F model sub-brands. And then there is the Audi SQ8. It’s loaded with power and torque that sends it skedaddling down the highway in no time. But you don’t have to drive it that hard if you choose not to. Instead, you can putz it around like the normal wolf in sheep’s clothing that it actually is.

Step normally on the accelerator and the SQ8 launches like a standard Q8 SUV. But it’s your aggressively stomped right foot that really kicks the SQ8 into high gear. Before you know it, you are on a rip that will have you heading from a standing start to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.

That’s pretty impressive for a large SUV, isn’t it?

Specifications

	2023 Audi SQ8
Engine Type	4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine
Horsepower	500 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque	568 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic with Quattro AWD
Fuel Economy	17 mpg (14 city/20 hwy)
Suspension F/R	Multilink / Multilink
Turning Circle	43.6 ft.
Also Available	RS Q8 model
Specs
Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	Not Tested
Max Seating Capacity	5 passengers
Wheelbase	117.9 inches
Overall Length	196.6 inches
Width	78.5 inches
Height	67.2 inches
Cargo Room (Behind 1st and 2nd row)	60.7/30.5 Cubic Feet
Headroom, Front	37.1 inches
Headroom, 2nd	38.1 inches
Legroom, 1st	41.6 inches
Legroom, 2nd	40.2inches
Shoulder, 1st	59.5 inches
Shoulder, 2nd	58.5 inches