Not to be confused with the gas-powered SQ8 SUV, the SQ8 e-tron and its sleek Sportback sibling offer a sportier take on the electric Q8 e-tron. The SQ8’s tri-motor powertrain delivers 496 horsepower, which is 92 more than what the Q8 e-tron offers. With individual motors at each rear wheel allowing for torque-vectoring, these big EVs handle like much smaller vehicles. The suspension is stiffer than the regular Q8 e-tron’s, yet not uncomfortably so. Inside, the SQ8 e-tron boasts luxurious features and a plethora of screens, along with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-centering. Although the SQ8 e-tron won’t set any long-distance records with its range of up to 253 miles, it remains an enjoyable, quick option among strong competitors like the BMW iX and Tesla Model X.
Where This Vehicle Ranks
- #16 in Best Luxury Electric SUVs
- Competitors:
- Porsche Macan EV – Starting at $77,295
- Genesis Electrified GV70 – Starting at $66,950
- BMW iX – Starting at $88,425
- Volvo EX90 – Starting at $81,290
- Audi SQ6 e-tron – Starting at $74,195
- Audi SQ8 e-tron – Starting at $91,495
What’s New for 2025?
Following its 2024 rebranding, the SQ8 e-tron receives minor updates for the 2025 model year. There is a new 21-inch wheel option with summer tires, and the park-assist feature can now be operated remotely from outside the vehicle. Additionally, these SUVs now support the in-car Audi App Store and feature physical buttons in the rearview mirror to operate the Homelink garage-door controls.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The 2025 Audi SQ8 e-tron starts at $91,495, with prices going up to $100,295 depending on the trim and options.
Pricing:
- Premium Plus: $91,495
- Premium Plus Sportback: $94,295
- Prestige: $97,495
- Prestige Sportback: $100,295
Recommendation: The Premium Plus trim is the best value, offering luxury and convenience features such as a panoramic sunroof, genuine leather upholstery, and four-zone automatic climate control without the need for additional packages. The choice between the SUV body and the Sportback comes down to personal preference, but we recommend the more practical and less expensive SUV body.
Getting Started with EVs
- EV Range: Understanding EV range and what it means for your driving experience.
- EV Chargers: Finding and using EV chargers effectively.
- EV Tax Credits: Maximizing your savings with available tax credits.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
The SQ8 e-tron features a more powerful three-motor electric powertrain producing 496 horsepower, allowing it to accelerate to 60 mph in approximately 4.5 seconds. The dual electric motors on the rear axle enable torque-vectoring, enhancing cornering by sending more power to the outer rear wheel as needed. While the handling is confident and reasonably athletic, it doesn’t match the sharpness of other S-branded Audi models. The ride is firmer than the Q8 e-tron’s, a trade-off for enhanced performance on twisty roads.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
All SQ8 e-tron models come equipped with a 106.0-kWh battery pack, capable of being charged via a 170-kW DC fast-charging connection. This setup provides an EPA-estimated range of up to 253 miles per charge, dropping to 218 miles with larger 22-inch wheels.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The SQ8 e-tron is rated by the EPA at up to 72 MPGe in the city and 75 MPGe on the highway. While these figures may seem high compared to gas-powered SUVs, several electric alternatives boast higher ratings.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The SQ8 e-tron’s cabin is quiet and spacious, with ample room for adults in both rows. The interior emphasizes a digital experience, featuring Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster and two high-resolution touchscreens for controls and infotainment. Standard features include leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, heated front and rear seats, a power-operated liftgate, and a power-adjustable steering column.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The SQ8 e-tron includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen for primary controls and an 8.6-inch display for secondary controls like climate settings and drive modes. Standard tech features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, in-dash navigation, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a Bang & Olufsen stereo system, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Every SQ8 e-tron model comes with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control with lane-centering
For more information on crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Audi SQ8 e-tron offers competitive warranty coverage:
- Limited warranty: Four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty: Four years or 50,000 miles
- Electric components: Eight years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Conclusion
The Audi SQ8 e-tron stands out with its powerful performance, luxurious interior, and advanced tech features. While it faces stiff competition, it remains a top contender in the luxury electric SUV market. Choose the Premium Plus trim for the best blend of features and value, and enjoy a driving experience that combines sporty handling with upscale comfort.
