Understated power, comfort
Price, Need more drama
Do you know what a Q car is? No, I don't mean Audi's Q SUV range, I mean a ‘Q car’, a sleeper car. Something that became extremely popular in the 80s and 90s, and has been the car of choice for a select group of people ever since. While the most legendary Q car of all time is possibly the E500, maybe a Lotus Carlton, Audi in particular, have also been the masters of the Q car for a while now too. All of it starting from, in my opinion, Ronin and the S8. Ronin, in my opinion, is an absolutely fantastic movie and still remains till this date one of my favourite automotive movies of all time, even though, strictly speaking, it is not an automotive movie, but a spy thriller. The S8, of course, is something that's never really been available to us in India, unless you import one, but the SQ8 now is. And in an Indian scenario where the roads are pathetic and it's just better to have an SUV to do things like getting in and out of, especially if you're an older middle-aged person, exactly the kind of profile who would be able to afford one of these in the first place, then the SQ8 actually does make a lot of sense.
So what is it? An SQ8 basically goes up against the likes of the GLE 53, which in my opinion is a phenomenal car, having driven one for nearly a quarter of a year. But the SQ8 is more grown up, more subtle, more subdued, and definitely in terms of a visual appeal, more down to earth as compared to its rivals, including the Porsche Cayenne. Which it is anyways loosely based on.
Let’s talk about the design. The SQ8 strikes a fine balance between athleticism and restraint. The bumpers are sculpted just enough to hint at performance without shouting about it, and the subtle styling tweaks over the standard Q8 give it a sporty stance without veering into the visual theatrics of the RS Q8. That’s important, because it keeps the car firmly within the realm of the true Q carfast, capable, but discreet.
There’s also a certain social advantage to this restraint. Unlike the RS Q8, the SQ8 spares you the inevitable “Why didn’t you just buy a Lamborghini Urus?” conversations, which can grow tiresome, especially when they come from people more interested in badges than the driving experience.
Personally, I find the overall styling immensely appealing. If I were to spec one, I’d opt for a more understated colour to enhance its sleeper persona. While the striking blue does draw attention, shades like silver or white, though not typically my favourites, would help the SQ8 blend seamlessly into traffic. Black, however, would be ideal for a fast Audi, lending it an air of quiet menace. I’d also keep the wheels in silver for a classic contrast and consider de-badging the rear altogether. After all, the essence of stealth wealth lies in anonymity, letting the performance do the talking only after you’ve already disappeared into the distance.
Step inside, and the SQ8 immediately impresses with its sense of solidity and impeccable build quality. The materials are unquestionably premium, and in certain areas, they may even surpass those found in its rivals from Stuttgart. However, despite a recent update, the cabin does feel like it belongs to a previous generation.
Visually, it lacks the contemporary flair of the Porsche Cayenne Coupé and the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe, both of which offer more striking and modern interior designs. Audi’s setup, while functional and familiar, no longer feels cutting-edge in a segment where visual drama increasingly plays a role in the ownership experience. That said, ergonomics remain excellent, and the tactile quality of the materials reinforces Audi’s reputation for vault-like construction.
On the move, the SQ8 reveals its true character. The cabin is exceptionally well insulated, creating a cocooned environment that prioritizes comfort and serenity. This is where the car’s “two-faced” personality comes into play. In Comfort mode, it settles into a relaxed, almost limousine-like demeanour, making it one of the finest companions for long cross-country journeys. Passengers can rest in near silence, undisturbed by road or wind noise.
Switch to Sport, however, and while the SQ8 does sharpen its responses, it never quite transforms into the extroverted performer that some might expect. The exhaust note remains relatively subdued, especially when compared to the more theatrical Mercedes-AMG GLE 53, which exhibits a far more pronounced Jekyll-and-Hyde character between its driving modes.
In terms of handling, the SQ8 demonstrates a typical Audi sense of composure and restraint. There is a noticeable hint of understeer when pushed hard, and the car’s considerable weight makes its presence felt through tighter corners. While grip levels are impressive and the overall stability is reassuring, enthusiasts may yearn for greater steering feedback, and a more dramatic exhaust response in Sport mode. But I do not think this car is for the pure enthusiast. This is for the grown up middle-aged man who has a family, status in society and wants something that excites him more than the usual on his daily commute while still being understated enough to look normal when you pull up at the Turf Club for dinner with your friends and their wives. these traits align with the SQ8’s overarching philosophy. It is less about outright aggression and more about delivering effortless, confidence-inspiring performance.
Where the SQ8 truly excels is in its role as a long-distance grand tourer. Few vehicles in this segment manage to blend performance and comfort with such finesse. It is a car that can devour vast stretches of highway with ease, offering a serene and comfortable environment for all occupants. Yet, when the mood strikes, it possesses the capability to unleash formidable performance, making spirited driving not just possible, but immensely satisfying.
Underlying all of this is a profound sense of solidity, a genuinely untouchable hallmark of Audi engineering. The SQ8 feels hewn from a single block of metal, exuding durability and confidence in every interaction. It both looks and feels like a tank, reinforcing its appeal as a dependable yet exhilarating companion for any journey. In fact, you know what this is - this is the kind of car you can buy once in your lifetime and call it a day. Your forever car. Your retirement present. And it will outlast you. For sure!
This is the first Audi I have driven in years for reasons I do not want to get into, and i’m glad my return to the ‘चार बंगली गाड़ी’ was this. To me, this is what the brand stands for. Usability and performance all wrapped up into a product that looks boring on the box but actually, isn't. It sure is expensive though at nearly 1.8 crores ex-showroom before you start ticking any boxes! Of course, wait a bit and there will be some discounts on it, but even at this price point, if you really want a forever car, few will ever beat this.
