Audi SQ8 Brochure

Buying the SQ8 was a heart-over-head decision. It’s incredibly fast, the build quality is flawless, and it feels special every time you pull the door handle. The night vision assistant is a cool party trick that’s actually useful on unlit highways. The 4.4 rating is simply due to the options list; for a car that costs this much, Audi still charges extra for things that should really be standard. But once you’re behind the wheel and that V8 roars to life, you stop caring about the invoice.

The matrix LED headlights on the 2026 model are like something out of a sci-fi movie; the way they dance and avoid blinding oncoming traffic is brilliant. The ADAS features feel very natural and not "twitchy" like in some other brands. It’s a very confidence-inspiring car to drive in the rain. I gave it a 4.4 because the gloss black trim on the center console scratches very easily. I’ve already had to get mine polished twice in four months.

That 4.0-liter V8 engine is a masterpiece. The pops and crackles on the downshifts in Sport mode bring a smile to my face every single time. It feels much more substantial and "mechanical" than the electric SUVs I was considering. The ride quality on the 22-inch wheels is surprisingly good, though you do feel the sharpest bumps. I’d recommend opting for the smaller wheels if you live in an area with really bad roads. Overall, it’s a brilliant performance machine that doesn't sacrifice daily usability.