The 2025 Audi SQ8 e-tron and its Sportback counterpart offer a sportier take on the electric Q8 e-tron SUV. These sleek EVs are equipped with a tri-motor powertrain that delivers an impressive 496 horsepower, 92 more than the regular Q8 e-tron. The individual motors at each rear wheel enable torque-vectoring, enhancing the handling and agility of these larger electric vehicles.
In terms of design, the SQ8 e-tron maintains a luxurious and modern interior. It features a combination of upscale materials and a multitude of screens. The driver-assistance features are abundant, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering. The addition of physical buttons in the rearview mirror to operate the Homelink garage-door controls adds convenience for the driver.
For the 2025 model year, the SQ8 e-tron receives some minor updates. These include a newly available 21-inch wheel with summer tires and the ability to control the park-assist feature remotely from outside the vehicle. Furthermore, Audi has introduced an in-car Audi App Store, allowing owners to customize their driving experience.
With a starting price of $91,495, the SQ8 e-tron offers a range of trim options. The Premium Plus trim is recommended as it comes with all the luxury and convenience features one would expect, including a panoramic sunroof, genuine leather upholstery, and four-zone automatic climate control. As for the body style, the SUV body is considered more practical and cost-effective compared to the Sportback.
The SQ8 e-tron is powered by a three-motor electric powertrain that produces 496 horsepower. Although not tested, it is estimated to reach 0-60 mph in around 4.5 seconds. The rear axle’s two electric motors allow for a torque-vectoring effect, enhancing cornering performance. While the handling is confident and reasonably athletic, it may not offer the same level of responsiveness as other S-branded Audi models. However, the SQ8 e-tron provides a more enjoyable driving experience on twisty roads.
In terms of range and charging, all SQ8 e-tron models come with a 106.0-kWh battery pack that provides an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 253 miles per charge. Charging can be done through a 170-kW DC fast-charging connection. It’s worth noting that with larger 22-inch wheels, the range estimate drops to 218 miles. The SQ8 e-tron achieves an EPA rating of up to 72 MPGe city and 75 MPGe highway.
The SQ8 e-tron’s interior offers a quiet and spacious cabin suitable for adults in both rows of seats. The dashboard is dominated by multiple high-resolution screens, including Audi’s Virtual Cockpit and two flush-mounted touchscreens in the center. The vehicle comes with a range of upscale features, such as leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and heated front and rear seats.
Infotainment and connectivity are well-covered in the SQ8 e-tron. It features a large 10.1-inch touchscreen display and a smaller 8.6-inch display for secondary controls. Standard 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 is a priority in the SQ8 e-tron, with a suite of driver-assistance features coming standard. These include automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering. The vehicle also offers excellent crash-test ratings according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The warranty and maintenance coverage for the SQ8 e-tron are similar to other Audi e-tron models. It includes a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty, a four-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty, and eight years or 100,000 miles of coverage for electric components.
In conclusion, the 2025 Audi SQ8 e-tron and its Sportback variant offer a compelling electric SUV option. With its powerful tri-motor powertrain, luxurious interior, and advanced safety features, it competes well against strong rivals like the BMW iX and Tesla Model X. While it may not have the longest range in its class, the SQ8 e-tron makes up for it with its sporty handling and engaging driving experience.
