2021 Audi SQ8

History/Overview

Occupying the second-from-top spot in Audi’s crossover lineup, the SQ8 builds on the upscale Q8 model by adding more power and performance. Introduced in 2020 as a follow-up to the Q8’s 2019 launch, the SQ8 is unchanged this year.

Available Trims

Audi offers the SQ8 in a single, fully loaded trim. Power is from a 4.0L turbocharged V8 engine with an eight-speed transmission and AWD.

Standard Features

The SQ8’s functional features include 21-inch wheels with all-season tires, an adaptive air suspension, four-wheel steering, LED matrix headlights with washers, exterior light animations, power door closers, adaptive wet-arm wipers, heated/auto-dimming/power-folding side mirrors, and passive keyless entry.

Inside, you get a panoramic sunroof, rear-door sun shades, electric steering column adjustments, four-zone A/C, a Bang & Olufsen stereo, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power front sport seats with memory, ambient lighting, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, and a garage door remote.

High-tech cues include navigation in a 10.1-inch touch display, voice control, a smartphone interface with wireless charging, digital gauge cluster, touch-sensitive dash controls, and a head-up display.

SQ5’s standard safety package comprises automatic high beams, top-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, exit assist, rear cross traffic alert, front and rear collision warning and intervention, camera and distance sensors, active cruise control, and tire pressure monitoring.

Key Options

The SQ5’s key option is a driver assistance package that comprises intersection and turn assists, traffic sign recognition, active cruise and traffic jam assistants, active lane departure warning, predictive efficiency assist, and emergency assist.

Stand-alone extras include the dynamic plus package of electromechanical roll stabilization with a sport differential; and you can add massaging front seats with passenger memory and an air ionizer with fragrance dispenser. Also on the menu are 22-inch wheels and tires.

Fuel Economy

Audi’s fuel consumption estimates for the SQ5 are 16.0/11.4 L/100 km (city/highway).

Competition

If you’re in the market for a quick mid-size luxury crossover, you can cross-shop the SQ8 against the BMW X5 M50i; the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53; Porsche’s Cayenne GTS Coupe; the Land Rover Range Rover Sport; and Jaguar’s F-Pace.