2024 Audi SQ8 Test Drive Review: Under The Radar Performance

Audi’s SUV lineup contains practically 20 fashions, nowadays, ranging kind massive three-rows to small and nimble sports activities utility automobiles – and people with an electrical powertrain. The 2024 Audi Q8 sits above the Q7 within the Audi gas-powered SUV vary, however it is not truly a big car. As a substitute, it loses a row of seating and has much less cargo room. What it positive factors is sportier, coupe-like styling. Taking that concept a step additional is the SQ8, which we had the chance to drive for every week, not too long ago.

Add an ‘S’ in entrance of any Audi mannequin, and also you’re in for a deal with. Efficiency-focused styling, extra energy, and a extra participating drive expertise await. One step additional are the fashions with an RS designation, that are efficiency monsters that sit on the very prime of the lineup and command a considerably imposing value. When you’re on the lookout for a two-row luxurious SUV with loads of curb enchantment, a lot of energy, and the proper steadiness between consolation and efficiency, then the 2024 Audi SQ8 must be in your shortlist.

What’s New

There aren’t any big adjustments for the 2024 mannequin 12 months, with the largest distinction being beauty. The entrance finish is up to date and there are 4 new wheel designs together with three new exterior colours from which to decide on. Lights additionally get an improve with customary Matrix-design LED headlights and digital OLED taillights with 4 selectable lighting signatures. The inside will get some consideration with a typical carbon twill matte inlay for the SQ8 and expanded infotainment options.

Exterior: The SUV That Thinks It’s A Coupe

There was a time when SUVs had been decidedly boxy issues that seemed rather a lot like toasters. The design makes numerous sense since these are automobiles that must handle individuals and cargo. Being formed like a large field on wheels is logical, however it’s not probably the most engaging look. Over time, SUV styling has morphed with many exhibiting off sleeker, extra rounded traces.

That evolution of fashion has given rise to the SUV coupe. This physique fashion applies the sloped roofline of a coupe to the standard SUV. The result’s one thing that also has the flexibility for individuals and cargo, however with a extra refined look. Purists are likely to take problem with the moniker, however it’s becoming. This works particularly effectively with the SQ8, matching its efficiency focus and hinting on the enjoyable available behind the wheel of this SUV.

Inside: Sporty Luxurious With A Focus On Expertise

The inside of the SQ8 is opulent with seating for 5 individuals. There are closely bolstered entrance seats that maintain you firmly if you’re tempted to have slightly enjoyable within the twisties, and you may be tempted. That bolstering is aggressive, however not so comfortable that it turns into tiresome throughout a protracted commute or on a highway journey.

The rear seats comfortably accommodate three on all however the longest of drives with good legroom and headroom, though that coupe roofline does lower into headroom when you’re tall. Rear seats are supportive with sufficient contouring to maintain them snug even when the drive is lengthy.

And since this can be a luxurious automotive, there are many premium facilities. The entrance seats are heated with eight-way energy adjustability and four-way energy lumbar and there’s a heated steering wheel. Leather-based trims are additionally customary with choices to up the luxurious together with ventilated and massaging entrance seats and heated outboard rear seats out there. It seems to be and feels the a part of a premium SUV.

Cargo: Room For You And Your Stuff

There’s loads of room for cargo within the SQ8 with 30.5 cubic ft behind the rear seats and 60.7 cubic ft behind the entrance seats. There’s additionally a low load flooring, so it’s simpler to stow heavy gadgets. The air suspension even allows you to decrease the car when you select. Cargo room is aggressive throughout the class and measures up towards rivals together with the BMW X6 and Cayenne S, but when cargo is your precedence, you then would possibly wish to think about the Audi Q7. Along with having an additional row of seats, it has extra room for cargo.

*2024 Audi Q7 14.2 cubic ft behind third row

Infotainment: Digital Every little thing

The SQ8 has a digital cockpit that surrounds you with screens. It would sound overwhelming, however it’s executed in a approach that integrates the know-how into the driving expertise. The motive force will get a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster whereas infotainment consists of twin touchscreens. There’s a ten.1-inch and an 8.6-inch display screen together with wi-fi Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, wi-fi gadget charging, and navigation.

When you’re not a fan of touchscreens, then hopefully you’re okay with voice management as a result of these are your two major choices within the SQ8. There aren’t numerous bodily knobs and buttons, which is able to take a while to get used to when you’re transferring from one thing much less tech-forward. When you do get the dangle of issues, you’ll discover the system simple to make use of with intuitive menus. There’s additionally a typical 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with the choice for a 23-speaker system for audiophiles.

Drive Impressions: The Enjoyable Of A V8

The SQ8 comes customary with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that delivers 500 horsepower with 568 lb-ft of torque. That is paired with an eight-speed automated transmission with customary all-wheel drive. It’s a fast SUV that responds with out hesitation if you hit the gasoline. Getting as much as freeway speeds is easy. Simply ensure you don’t get carried away and bear in mind to ease off the gasoline earlier than you get your self in hassle.

It additionally sounds fabulous, reminding you of why so many individuals are bemoaning the transfer to electrical. The sound will not be, nevertheless, intrusive. It’s simply sufficient to let you already know this can be a efficiency SUV with out rattling passengers. You simply can’t get the sound of a V8 engine from an electrical car and that sound makes driving all of the extra enjoyable. Though, when you do wish to go together with an electrical SUV, Audi has you lined with a lot of choices.

The transmission shifts seamlessly because it manages that energy supply, which provides to the driving expertise and the journey is well-mannered with highway and wind noise stored to a minimal. The rumble of tough highway surfaces is definitely dealt with by the suspension system, maintaining the journey easy. Even damaged pavement in a building zone proved no match for the SQ8. It remained quiet and straightforward to handle.

It’s an absolute blast heading onto the freeway, however it’s additionally enjoyable if you take it on winding roads. This isn’t one thing that may be stated of each SUV, however the dealing with within the SQ8 was top-notch. It stays planted with a minimal quantity of physique roll and stable braking with nearly no nosedive. This makes tackling corners extra aggressively downright enjoyable.

Gas Financial system: The Value For Efficiency

There’s rather a lot to like concerning the 2024 Audi SQ8, however gasoline economic system will not be on the record. It is a efficiency SUV, so you already know it’s going to be on the thirsty aspect. It will get an EPA-estimated 15 mpg within the metropolis, 21 mpg on the freeway, and 17 mpg mixed. That’s going to price you on a highway journey.

Stepping all the way down to the Q8 improves the numbers solely barely to 17/23/19 metropolis/freeway/mixed. That’ll assistance on the household highway journey, however you will should be content material with its much less highly effective 6-cylinder engine. We’re unsure if it’s definitely worth the financial savings. Although not nice gasoline economic system, the SQ8 is inline with competitors together with the BMW X6 and Porsche Cayenne S.

Pricing And Verdict : A Full Luxurious And Efficiency Package deal

The 2024 Audi SQ8 is accessible in simply two trims. The Premium Plus begins at $96,600 whereas the Status takes a soar to $103,600, not together with $1,195 vacation spot. That’s undoubtedly in luxurious automotive territory, however we predict it’s definitely worth the value. The SQ8 delivers on two fronts: It’s a luxurious SUV with elegant fashion and a protracted record of ordinary facilities, and it’s a efficiency SUV that provides a spirited drive.

It is this steadiness that makes the SQ8 an amazing alternative. Whether or not merely cruising down the freeway on a highway journey, having slightly enjoyable on winding nation roads, or carrying all the things you want for a weekend journey, the 2024 Audi SQ8 delivers.