In a market crowded with high-performance luxury SUVs, the 2025 Audi SQ8 Prestige distinguishes itself by striking a rare balance between raw power and refined sophistication. Positioned above the standard Q8 but without the flamboyance or extreme pricing of its Lamborghini cousin, the Urus, the SQ8 delivers a driving experience that is both exhilarating and practical, wrapped in Audi’s unmistakably understated design language.
The updates for 2025 enhance both comfort and customization. Traffic sign recognition and LED interior lighting are now standard features, while the Prestige trim introduces massaging and memory functions for the front seats. Audi has also expanded personalization with the addition of a Carbon Package and a new Audi Sport Express Red stitching package. These refinements may appear subtle, but they help further elevate the SQ8’s appeal for luxury buyers who expect both performance and exclusivity.
Beneath its sculpted hood lies the SQ8’s most impressive feature: a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that produces 500 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, this SUV sprints from zero to sixty miles per hour in just 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 155 miles per hour. Its combined fuel economy of 17 miles per gallon is typical for this class, though buyers will likely prioritize performance over efficiency. The fact that this engine is a slightly detuned version of the Lamborghini Urus powertrain only adds to its credibility. The driving character is assertive yet civilized, with a sport-tuned suspension and selectable drive modes that make it agile in corners but still comfortable enough for longer trips. Even with the optional 23-inch wheels fitted with summer tires, the SQ8 manages to balance performance with daily drivability.
Safety and driver assistance remain a core part of Audi’s strategy, and the SQ8 Prestige arrives with an impressive suite of standard features. Forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology come standard. The Prestige trim builds on this with a head-up display, soft-close doors, heated rear seats, and power rear sunshades, broadening its appeal as both a high-performance machine and a family-ready luxury SUV.
Step inside and the SQ8 Prestige makes a strong case for Audi’s reputation in interior craftsmanship. Black accents, diamond-stitched seating, and available carbon-fiber trim complement a modern technology package led by Audi’s dual-touchscreen infotainment system and reconfigurable Virtual Cockpit display. The Prestige trim ensures that the cabin emphasizes comfort as much as style, with front seats that now include both massaging and memory functions. For audiophiles, an optional Bang & Olufsen Advanced 3D Sound System can transform the cabin into a concert hall, while the luxury leather package and available night vision assistance expand both comfort and safety. A Wi-Fi hotspot, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, is standard, reinforcing Audi’s focus on connectivity and convenience.
On the outside, the SQ8 maintains the understated sophistication that has long defined Audi’s design language. Subtle yet aggressive touches include a distinctive grille and enlarged air intakes, which can be enhanced further with the Carbon Package or Black Optic Package. For buyers seeking something bolder, the Audi Sport Package adds red stitching, red seatbelts, and sport-inspired accents that give the interior a more dramatic flair. The test model was finished in Daytona Gray Pearl and fitted with both the Prestige and S Sport packages, pushing the final price close to $130,000. Despite its focus on performance, the SQ8 remains a practical utility vehicle with 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 61 cubic feet when the seats are folded. Unlike some competitors, Audi has chosen to keep the SQ8 strictly as a two-row SUV, which limits passenger capacity but preserves its focus on luxury and comfort for five occupants.
Pricing for the 2025 SQ8 starts at $97,600, with the Prestige trim beginning at $104,900. Fully equipped, the model tested reached the $130,000 mark. Audi backs the SQ8 with a four-year or 50,000-mile warranty for both limited and powertrain coverage, but it does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance, a consideration buyers should keep in mind when weighing long-term ownership costs.
The SQ8’s strengths are clear. Its 500-horsepower twin-turbo V8 is powerful and responsive, its cabin is crafted with exceptional materials, and the driving experience is equal parts thrilling and refined. However, it is not without shortcomings. Interior storage options are somewhat limited, the absence of a third-row seat may be a drawback for larger families, and some may find the LED interior lighting package underwhelming at this price point.
In terms of competition, the SQ8 Prestige squares off against some of the most formidable names in the luxury performance SUV segment, including the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5 M, BMW X6 M, Mercedes-AMG GLE 63, and Jaguar F-Pace SVR. Where rivals often lean into flashier styling or raw aggression, Audi continues to emphasize restraint, refinement, and balance. This makes the SQ8 particularly appealing to buyers who want standout performance without drawing unnecessary attention.
The 2025 Audi SQ8 Prestige ultimately represents more than just another luxury SUV. It embodies Audi’s philosophy of delivering exhilarating power within a package that is still practical, comfortable, and technologically advanced. For those who want the essence of a Lamborghini Urus without the dramatic styling or seven-figure price tag, the SQ8 Prestige offers a compelling alternative. While it is not perfect, with a few practical compromises and steep option pricing, it remains one of the most well-rounded vehicles in its class. By blending power with polish, Audi has ensured that the SQ8 Prestige continues to be a benchmark in the luxury performance SUV market.
Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®, is a nationally recognized automotive expert, analyst, and consumer advocate. You’ve seen her on television, radio, and across digital platforms, breaking down the latest in automotive news and reviews. For more updates and expert insight, follow Lauren at The Car Coach Reports.
