Verdict
Design | Consolation | Tech | Efficiency | Security | Gas Financial system | Pricing | FAQs
The web likes to hate on SUV “coupes” for his or her ridiculous styling and cramped cabins. I’ll admit that I do discover the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE’s humpback form to be a bit ungainly, however general, I don’t despise coupe-UVs as a lot because the vocal minority on Twitter does.
The 2022 Audi SQ8 is the least offensive of the bunch due to its refined form. The truth is, Audi made its coupe-UV really look actually nice, just like Porsche. Due to its normal-ish roofline, the again seat is sufficiently big to shove two adults into with out the fear of ruining friendships, and the quantity of expertise inside is spectacular. The cherry on high is a wonderful twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with 500 horsepower and a 0-60 time of simply 4.3 seconds.
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Exterior Coloration: Florett Silver Inside Coloration: Arras Purple Wheel Measurement: 22 Inches
Once more, the SQ8 does not look as ridiculous as a few of the alternate options. Though the rear finish is unquestionably extra angular than the Q7, it does not go to date within the different course that it’d flip off most buyers. My greatest difficulty right here is that Florett Silver is such a bland coloration for this in any other case very sporty SUV. Pay additional for Dragon Orange – it is a lot cooler.
Up entrance, the elongated octagonal grille has shiny black inserts with an identical black encompass as a part of the $2,200 Black Optic package deal, which provides the SQ8 an angrier face and sharper 22-inch V-spoke wheels. Normal matrix LED headlights occupy the higher corners of the fascia whereas two enormous nook vents dwell on the base.
The attractive Arras Purple Valcona leather-based inside provides a much-needed reprieve from the boring silver exterior. The quilted and perforated sport seats look beautiful alongside Alcantara door accents and carbon fiber trim, whereas Audi makes use of weighty aluminum for fixtures just like the shifter and parts of the steering wheel.
Seating Capability: 5 Seating Configuration: 2 / 3 Cargo Capability: 30.5 / 60.7 Cubic Ft
The SQ8’s seats are elegant. Like numerous Audi S and RS fashions I’ve examined, it seems like somebody poured me into the entrance buckets; the seating place is ideal, the bolstering is great, and the leather-based feels of the best high quality. Having heating, air flow, and a therapeutic massage operate (the latter as a part of the $2,900 Luxurious package deal) actually doesn’t harm, both.
The journey high quality falls someplace between agency and too agency. The adaptive air suspension retains the SQ8 feeling amenable in Consolation mode; the journey is tender and supportive sufficient that you just gained’t have to see a chiropractor afterward. The one large draw back, clearly, is that passenger and cargo house is restricted in comparison with a normal-roofed SUV.
Middle Show: 10.1-Inch Touchscreen Instrument Cluster Show: 12.3 Inches Wi-fi Apple CarPlay or Android Auto: Sure/Sure
With three screens inside, the SQ8 is feature-rich. The central touchscreen has a sturdy dwelling format with crisp graphics, which makes most issues straightforward to entry with one contact. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are customary. The decrease local weather management display is much less likable on condition that it’s a must to look down low on the console for sure capabilities; a financial institution of buttons or dials could be higher right here. And the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster provides numerous customization choices, together with issues like full-screen navigation, which makes the non-compulsory head-up show virtually really feel like overkill.
Engine: Twin-Turbocharged 4.0-Liter V8 Output: 500 Horsepower / 568 Pound-Ft Transmission: Eight-Velocity Automated
Right here’s the place issues get actually good. Though the 591-horsepower RS Q8 continues to be the highest canine of the group, the SQ8 is an distinctive performer. Its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 is just 91 horsepower shy of the hot-pot RS mannequin, which implies the SQ8 launches off the road and on to 60 miles per hour in simply over 4 seconds. This SUV is ferociously fast.
Tick the drive mode dial over to Dynamic and every little thing tightens up; the eight-speed transmission is faster, the adaptive air suspension is stiffer, and the steering features some synthetic heft. The SQ8’s corner-carving skills could be spectacular for a car half this dimension, not to mention a 5,200-pound luxurious SUV.
Driver Help Degree: SAE Degree 2 (Arms-On) NHTSA Score: Not Rated IIHS Score: Not Rated
Automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise management, lane-keep help, and lane-centering all come customary on the SQ8. Audi presently doesn’t provide any Degree 2 hands-free driving programs, however the combo of adaptive cruise management and lane-centering means you’ll be able to cruise comfortably for lots of of freeway miles whereas the car brakes, accelerates, and retains throughout the lane for you.
Metropolis: 15 MPG Freeway: 21 MPG Mixed: 17 MPG
Base Value: $70,800 + $1,195 Vacation spot Trim Base Value: $96,695 As-Examined Value: $111,340
The gulf between the bottom 2022 Q8 and the SQ8 is an eye-watering $25,200. Which means you actually need to need the efficiency trim for those who’re keen to spend that a lot additional money. Going for the full-bore Status mannequin provides an additional $6,200 on high of that, but it surely consists of dual-pane glass all over the place, a head-up show, visitors signal recognition, and the Government package deal, which provides heated rear seats, energy window shades, and extra.
However assuming you don’t actually need a few of these fancy choices, the Government package deal can be out there for a cool $2,400 on the bottom SQ8 Premium Plus and it comes with all the identical options. That features heated rear seats, ventilated entrance seats with four-way lumbar help, and upgraded ambient lighting.
The Luxurious package deal included on this automotive is definitely worth the $2,900 splurge for the Alcantara headliner alone, but in addition provides extra leather-based and a entrance therapeutic massage operate, whereas the $2,200 Black Optic package deal provides these superior black accents and upgraded wheels. All informed, this tester prices $111,340 – which is certainly expensive. The bottom RS Q8 prices just below $120,000, by comparability.
Picture Credit score: Jeff Perez For Motor1.com, Audi