Driving Audi’s upper luxury SQ8 SUV – this coupe style SUV was upgraded last
year, 4.0-litre twin turbo petrol power replacing diesel power in the first model.
Unlike the seven-seat Audi SQ7, the sportier SQ8 is a five-seater with a sloped
roof line and whilst they look similar, the SQ8 is 61mm shorter, 25mm wider and
85mm lower. An upper luxury SUV at $168,000 it sells in relatively small numbers.
A distinctive SUV with four-wheel steering, four-wheel drive powered as I said by
a 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol engine driving through an 8-speed automatic. Visually
big and imposing with a wide stance sitting on 22 wheels it tips the scales at 2480
kilos with a braked towing capacity of 3,500kilos. The interior best described as
sumptuous and built for comfort, Nappa leather quilted power heated and cooled
seat, lashings of black piano finishes and two large touch screens, in this case
surprisingly user friendly. With a gutsy 770Nm of torque between 2 and 4,000 revs
the Audi SQ8 is a very docile driver about town with a cosseted ride. But with an
adaptive air suspension on an open winding road it transforms into a taut driving
machine offering amazing cornering stability. Expensive yes but just so
competent. I’m David Berthon

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