2024 Audi SQ8 First Drive Review: Subtle Changes Make All the Difference

Glance at the 2024 Audi Q8 and you might miss the restyled bodywork or new lights front and back that set it apart.
Far from an insult, it’s an example of Audi being, well, Audi. Revolutionary change is rarely in the offing for this brand, which is probably what’s gotten it to this point in the first place. So with the Q8 on the receiving end of a refresh after a handful of years on the market, it’s no surprise that a smattering of tiny tweaks is all that was required to further refine this flagship SUV.
The 2024 Audi SQ8, meanwhile, ups the ante with a pair of extra cylinders and plenty more output. Officially, the 4.0L V8 spins up 500 hp and 569 lb-ft of torque - plenty for this or any other application. It’s enough to provide catapulting power when it’s needed, with a flood of turbocharged torque heading towards the road almost as soon as it’s called for.
AutoTrader.ca Road Test Editor Dan Ilika gives his first impressions of Audi's performance-oriented mid-size SUV.
www.AutoTrader.ca
00:00 Intro: 2024 Audi SQ8
00:39 Powertrain & Specs
01:37 New laser headlights and OLED taillights
02:40 Space & Practicality
03:12 Performance & Power delivery
04:07 Pricing & Value

[@rightlanehog3151]

Dan, That is an awfully long way to go for a test drive.

[@your_royal_highness]

It’s plenty big enough to storage. It is a two row and a pretty good-looking suv. The SQ 7 and 8 for ‘24 are preferred over the RSQ8 for this year. It might well be my next car (to replace my SQ5). The Q8 is a fine car, with plenty of juice all by itself. I will consider the X5 vs the Q8, but if I go performance, I will probably opt for the SQ8.

[@kaitanodieuleveut9552]

🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤ awesome Amazing Wonderfull 👍👍👍😱😱😱😱😱💯💯💯🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💪💪💪💪💪

[@bartoski-ag]

both sq8 and rsq8 chip to 700hp just buy this one

[@1bluensx]

So….i had the most difficult time trying to decide between the SQ8 and the RSQ8. So I ordered both. They both just came in (April 2024). Which one did I take???…. This might surprise anyone, but I took the SQ8. Just seemed more practical, and especially since I got it with 22” all season tires. The RSQ8, Having 23” and limited winter tire options was the deal breaker for me, I live in NJ. AND…..Like others have said, it can be tuned to almost 700hp, pretty simply, and still reliably

[@Hofology]

@@1bluensxwow dealing with similar internal debate a living in Queens. While my ego feels like I need the RSQ8 the SQ8 seems much more practical esp given 22 vs 23’s in the winter. I have a S6 on 21” with 35s that are bane of my existence- every major pothole equals bubble on sidewall

[@1bluensx]

@@Hofology I took delivery of a 2024 SQ8 on April 16th. Very happy with it. And the 22” stock rims actually have a decent sidewall. I completely get the “ego” thing, I struggled with the same thing. “Do I really want to drive around with the “inferior version” lol. The answer is yes, in practicality. I also have a NSX, 911 turbo, and a McLaren 720s. After blasting on backroads the last couple of weeks, realize that this Audi will never be a sports car. It handles great! I also opted for the sport differential on the SQ8. But after everything is said and done….its still damn heavy. And….noticeable. It won’t replace a car feel…even if it’s the RS. That said, I also got a really nice discount on the SQ. The sticker was 119,500. I walked out the door for 112,500. And then…..ready for this? A $2000 Costco discount on top of that! The real life gas mileage sucks. I’m getting 12.5 mpg over the past 1k miles. Sticker says 17/21. No way