One of our all-time favourites is the superlative Audi S8 luxury sports sedan.
Audi claims the S8 represents an extraordinary combination of high-performance motoring and absolute luxury.
Got that right. With 420kW of power, 800Nm of torque and a 0-100km/h time of just 3.8 seconds, it certainly takes some beating. Then along came the SQ8 TSFI Quattro, pretty much the same deal but dressed in the practical garb of an SUV – which one to get?
Think of it as a cheaper version of the Porsche Cayenne, Lamborghini Urus or Bentley Bentayga, with which all share the same Volkswagen Group MLB Evo platform.
STYLING
Unfortunately, the S8 has just been canned. The good news is the SQ8 is a lot cheaper, at $178,000 versus $286,000 buckaroos. That’s pause for thought but leaves enough left over to buy a second car – another Audi to complete the set.
Interestingly, SQ8 is just $4000 more than its seven-seat sibling SQ7 which is propelled by the same 4.0-litre twin turbo V8. It’s also a lot less than the higher performing RS Q8 which is $255,800.
SQ8’s competitors include the BMW X6 M60i ($182,600), Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe ($190,900) and Porsche Cayenne GTS Coupe ($211,500).
Our test vehicle was fitted with some options, pushing the price past the $200K mark, including the $14,000 sensory package, a $3000 set of 23-inch Sport wheels and – get this – another $1600 for what’s described as Audi Sport Paint. Paint that makes the car go faster? And it’s not red?
The sensory package includes a 1920-watt Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound. System with 23 loudspeakers (not just ordinary speakers). Not that the standard 17-speaker system is too shabby.
It also adds an air quality package that includes ioniser and perfume (two high-quality perfumes available in four different intensities).
We lament the passing of the S8, a car that was as luxurious as it was quick, but after a week behind the wheel of our golden SQ8 we have to admit it’s a pretty nice place to pass the time.
The interior decor combines sporty elegance with advanced technology. It is and has always been one of Audi’s strong points.
The cabin features S sport seats, contrast diamond patterned stitching, and exclusive materials such as carbon fibre and brushed aluminium, power-adjust steering wheel position as well as power-assisted door closing, that combine to create a dynamic and sophisticated environment.
The heated and cooled front seats are trimmed in Valcona leather upholstery with four-zone climate control air.
There’s also head-up display, adaptive cruise control, automatic parking assistance, auto high beam, auto dimming rear view mirror, auto lights and wipers, a sunroof, 360-degree camera and power-operated tailgate – not much is missing.
The SQ8 is covered by a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty.
INFOTAINMENT
SQ8 benefits from the latest MMI touch response system and Audi virtual cockpit.
The 10.1-inch touchscreen boasts DAB+ digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with MMI navigation plus and Audi connect plus (Navigation & Infotainment + Security & Assistance services).
But to our eyes the size and location of the screen(s) are starting to look dated.
Wireless charging is joined by two USB-C ports in the front and another two in the back, along with a 12-volt outlet plus another 12-volt outlet in the boot.
SAFETY
With eight airbags and a long list of advanced driver assistance systems, there’s plenty to feel safe about. While diesel and 3.0-litre petrol versions of the Q8 score five stars for safety, this particular version however remains unrated. Draw your own conclusions.
Autonomous emergency braking (City, Interurban & Vulnerable Road User) as well as lane keep assist (LKA) with lane departure warning (LDW) and blind spot monitoring (BSM) are standard.
ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONS
SQ8 is powered by a potent 4.0-litre twin turbo petrol V8, combined with a 48-volt mild hybrid, that delivers 373kW of power at 5500 rpm and 770Nm of torque from 2000-4000 rpm. The V8 is teamed with a conventional ZF eight-speed auto, with gear change paddles and auto engine stop-start to save fuel.
Torque is distributed to all four wheels on demand, allowing the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in a rapid-fire 4.1 seconds.
DRIVING
Design-wise, the SQ8 exudes charm, sitting low astride its 23-inch wheels and fat expensive rubber. But I can’t say we’re huge fans of the Sakhir metallic gold paint job, although some might find it appealing.
Audi tweaked the car last year, but the changes were minor at best. There’s no sense fixing something that ain’t broke.
Distinctive sport elements include a more aggressive front bumper, larger air intakes and quad exhaust tailpipes. These elements not only underline SQ8’s sporty bent, but serve to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. Innovative light technology includes Audi laser light and digital OLED rear lights, available for the first time as an option.
The lights offer a variety of signatures that can be configured through the MMI system and feature a unique lighting design that is demonstrated in the front and rear lights with leaving and coming home animations.
The hi-po V8 is complemented by four-wheel steering and sports-tuned adaptive air suspension, with a ride height that is 15mm lower that delivers the kind of ride and handling normally associated with a sedan. Dynamic mode drops the suspension by a whopping 40mm. If you want to go the whole hog, the $10,900 Dynamic pack adds active roll stabilisation and a sport differential with torque vectoring.
Six drive modes are available, Off-road, Efficiency, Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual.
Although the SQ8 is undeniably quick, it lacks the instantaneous punch of an EV. Instead, it needs a couple of seconds to gather itself before launching down the road, but it is quick to make up for lost time.
The payoff is of course the feel and sound of the blown V8, a sound unmatched anywhere in the world, with the deep, throaty artificially enhanced note (So what?)
Think of the SQ8 as a grand tourer with a large back seat and boot to match. Even better, there’s nothing intrusive about the driver assist support in this car. It understands you already know how to drive.
But with low profile rubber and a space saver spare, we wouldn’t be venturing down too many dirt roads.
The other point worth noting is that with three screens requiring your attention, the dash is very busy and some may find it all a little daunting — especially at night.
Being a V8, the SQ8 likes a drink and naturally it prefers the good stuff. Rated at 11.9L/100km, we were getting 12.5L/100km after about 300km of driving.
SUMMING UP
Not too sure about the colour, but the price compares well with the S8. It’s a moot point really. Although Audi still advertises the S8 we understand it is no longer available to order in Australia as of this month.
There are no prizes for guessing the decision comes in the wake of declining sales and the shift towards SUVs in the market.
Audi has sold just three S8s this year (10 last year).
That’s a damn shame.
RATINGS
Looks: 7.5
Performance: 8
Safety: 8
Thirst: 6
Practicality: 6
Comfort: 7.5
Tech: 7.5
Value: 6
Overall: 7.1
