AUDI SQ8 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Audi refreshed the Q8 lineup in 2023 after five years on the market, and, along with it, it added some changes to the sportiest version of it, the SQ8.

The German automaker introduced the refreshed version of the SQ8 four years after the nameplate's unveiling in 2019. It was the most powerful version of Audi's largest SUV Coupe. It tried to express its performance in many exterior and interior details, which customers appreciated. As a result, with the 2023 facelift, the four-rings brand emphasized the vehicle's sporty character with sharper lines and upgraded interior elements. On the other hand, the drivetrain options didn't go through a major upgrade.

For the exterior, Audi focused on details. The front fascia featured the same single-frame grille that was commonly used by the entire family. But the SQ version sported a satin-silver rim around it and visually connected the main grille with the headlights. It looked like it supported them. On the lower part of the bumper, the car sported wide and tall side scoops adorned with similarly-looking trims. These air intakes were not just decorations since they grabbed and conducted airflow to the front rotors to cool them. The new headlights featured daytime running lights at their upper section, right underneath the hood's line, thus creating the image of a wider vehicle. From its profile, the Q8 wore 21” wheels with 285/45 tires in all corners. As an option, the automaker offered customers a set of 22" or 23" wheels. At the back of the car sported a new diffuser under the bumper flanked by fully functional quad-exhausts. The new OLED taillights were connected via a light strip that crossed the raked-forward tailgate.

Inside, Audi installed standard sports seats for the driver and side passenger with high-bolstered sides for better support during high-speed cornering maneuvers. Like its predecessor, it featured the Audi Virtual Cockpit display fronting the driver. The LCD could've been customized so the driver could display the navigation there, for instance. In addition, Audi's MMI infotainment unit was incorporated into the dashboard and featured third-party apps such as Spotify or Amazon Music. Additionally, on the lower side of the center stack, the automaker installed a second touchscreen for the HVAC controls. In the back, the carmaker placed the same leather-wrapped 40/20/40 split-folding bench suitable for three passengers, although it was profiled for two, and the transmission tunnel limited the legroom for the middle-seated occupant.

Under the hood, Audi deleted the option for the turbo diesel powerplant that was available on the non-facelifted version. It left customers just the option of a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 gasoline unit that produced the same power as before. Still, thanks to the new belt-driven starter generator and improved transmission, the 2023 SQ8 was slightly faster than its predecessor in the 0 to 60 MPH (0-97 kph) sprint but had the same capped top speed of 155 MPH (250 kph).

Audi waited long to enter the 4-Door SUV Coupe market. After BMW started it with the X6 and Mercedes-Benz introduced the GLE Coupe, Audi came-up with the Q8. In 2019, it raised the bar launching the SQ8 version. But the engineers chose the diesel approach, installing a 4.0-liter TDI unit.

The exterior has some details to differentiate it from the other Q8s, such as the 21" wheels fitted as standard. The octagonal Singleframe is structured by double louvers and surrounded by a large matte silver frame. Standard LED headlights that include high-beam assist are standard, with HD matrix technology available as an option.

The SQ8 comes with the most powerful turbo-diesel engine available on the European market. While everyone else played nice with engines under 3.0 liters displacement due to tax-regulations, Audi took the bold way. It put a massive V8 bi-turbo under the hood, and an electric compressor was added to cut-down the lag. A 48volt mild-hybrid helps the vehicle to lower fuel consumption.

For the transmission, the Audi SQ8 TDI equipped with the Audi drive select dynamic handling system and the adaptive air suspension sport with regulated damping. The air suspension varies the level position of the body by up to 90 millimeters (3.5 in), thereby allowing the vehicle to be driven on different types of terrain.

The interior matches the performance. The standard sport seats are decorated with an S embossing and contrasting stitching and the main theme is in dark colors.