2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron: A Comprehensive Guide On Features, Specs, And Pricing

Audi is synonymous with luxury cars, and it’s no surprise that the automaker has ventured into the all-electric vehicle space with its very own EVs. A decade after debuting the e-tron name at the 2009 International Motor Show Germany, Audi released the e-tron SUV in 2019 as its first all-electric vehicle. This mid-size SUV took the automobile industry by storm and gave Audi a foundation to build on as it furthers its pursuit of the ultimate luxury EV.

In the years since, the e-tron name has been used on all of Audi’s electric vehicles, and as of 2024, the luxury SUV has been renamed as the Q8 e-tron. Like with many of its other popular models over the decades, Audi couldn’t leave well enough alone and decided to release an S-variant of the popular electric SUV, and the Audi SQ8 e-tron was born. Even though 2024 is the first official model year for the Audi SQ8 e-tron, it’s essentially a re-branded e-tron S SUV of previous years, but that just means Audi has had a few years to make the SQ8 e-tron as good as it gets.

What’s New For 2024

For all intents and purposes, Audi is treating the SQ8 e-tron like its own car rather than just a re-brand. Instead, it’s now the upgraded S-variant of the standard Audi Q8 e-tron SUV. Like its non-S brethren, the Audi SQ8 e-tron is available in two body styles: the standard SQ8 e-tron and the rounded, hatchback-like SQ8 Sportback e-tron. Both body styles are also available in the base trim known as Premium Plus and the upgraded trim, Prestige.

2024 Highlights

• First model year of the S-variant Q8 e-tron
• Tri-motor setup pumps out 496 horsepower
• Luxurious interior packed with tech
• 170 kW Fast-Charging Capability
• 10-80% charge in 31 minutes

Exterior Dimensions

(Data sourced from Audi)

Specifications And Performance

No matter which body style or trim of the Audi SQ8 e-tron you go with, they all come with identical power output and performance numbers. The tri-motor setup, which places one motor on the front axle and two on the rear axle, puts out 496 horsepower, enough ponies to propel the 6,118-pound SUV from 0 to 60 MPH in just 4.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 130 MPH. The single-speed automatic transmission makes the entire drive a smooth, seamless experience that makes it feel like you’re riding on a rail that just keeps getting faster and faster.

For comparison’s sake, this is the S-variant of the standard Audi Q8 e-tron after all, these numbers are significantly better across the board. The regular Q8 e-tron uses a dual-motor powertrain that puts out nearly 100 less horsepower and takes a whopping 5.4 seconds to reach 60 MPH. In short, the SQ8 e-tron leaves the non-S model in the dust and races its way towards higher competition in the sporty all-electric SUV space.

Performance Specifications

(Data sourced from Audi)

Towing and Payload Capacities

While all-electric SUVs typically aren’t touted for their towing prowess, the Audi SQ8 e-tron has shocked naysayers with a maximum towing capacity of 3,300 pounds. This might not be enough to haul another vehicle across the country or to replace a work truck on the job site, but it’s more than enough to hold its own against other comparable electric cars and SUVs. All trims of the SQ8 are compatible with standard towing hitches, and it has more than enough power to tow a few small things around town here and there.

(Data sourced from Audi)

Audi SQ8 e-tron Charging Time And Range

All four trims of the Audi SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron come with the same 106.0 kWh battery, and they all also have the same battery, tri-motor setup, and power output, so it’s no surprise that they all come with a 253-mile range. Note that this range provided by Audi is for SQ8 models with 20-inch wheels, and you can expect it to go down slightly if you opt for larger wheel packages.

While this range might be enough for most EV drivers to get around town and get to work and back, it’s not exactly enough to hop in the SQ8 e-tron and take it on a cross-country road trip. To help ease the pain of a relatively short range, Audi made all trims of the SQ8 capable of 170 kilowatt (kW) charging at DC Fast-Charging stations. This enables the SQ8 e-tron to go from 10- to 80-inch charge in just over half an hour, making it a bit easier to plan road trips and longer journeys in the SUV.

(​​​​​​Data sourced from Audi)

To sweeten the pot even more for EV enthusiasts, all Audi SQ8 e-trons come with two years of unlimited charging at Electrify America charging stations. These superchargers support up to 350 kW of Fast Charging, meaning they can easily max out the SQ8’s fastest charging capability (170 kW) to get drivers back on the road as quickly as possible.

Interior Technology, Luxury, And Comfort

Best Interior Features Of The 2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron

• Virtual cockpit with three digital screens
• Front sport seats standard
• Heated and cooled front seats
• Built-in seat massagers
• Head-up display

Since the SQ8 e-tron is essentially just a sportier version of the base Audi Q8 e-tron, it has all of the same creature comforts you’d expect in a luxury SUV, though you’ll definitely still feel the sporty aspects when you sit down. First and foremost, the front seats are body-hugging sport seats standard, making it feel like you’re getting into a racecar rather than a grocery getter. Speaking of the seats, they also come heated and air-conditioned, and they even have built-in massagers to ensure you’re relaxed for the entirety of its 253-mile range.

The SQ8 e-tron also supports four-zone climate control so everyone stays comfortable no matter where they’re sitting. The power panoramic sunroof opens at the touch of a button to provide unbridled views of the sky, both day and night. The rearview mirror automatically dims lights so you aren’t blinded while you drive, and the integrated digital compass makes it easy to always know which way you’re headed.

The amenities and creature comforts are great, but the interior of the Audi SQ8 e-tron simply looks incredible, too. With square carbon panels, aluminum inlays, stainless steel pedals, and ambient lighting, it’s a striking interior that screams luxury. Topping it all off is the Bang & Olufsen surround sound system that uses 3D sound to truly immerse you in whatever you’re listening to.

Technology

For anyone not used to modern technology in a car, sitting in the SQ8 e-tron will feel like you’ve just stepped into the future. Complete with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, the SQ8 e-tron comes standard with a 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch touchscreen that controls the infotainment system, and an 8.6-inch touchscreen just below that for all other controls (climate, seat temperature, defrost, and more).

Topping off the science fiction feel of a modern high-tech interior is the head-up display on the windshield, providing a dedicated digital screen for the driver, just like a fighter pilot. All trims also come standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to make smartphone integration a breeze, and the included wireless charging pad ensures your device will never run out of juice.

Interior Dimensions

(Data sourced from Audi)

Safety And Reliability

Unlike some of the other vehicles at this price point, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has tested and rated both the standard Audi SQ8 e-tron as well as the SQ8 Sportback e-tron. The weird part? Neither vehicle has an overall crash safety rating or side crash rating. That said, they both scored 4/5 stars on the front crash rating and received a perfect 5-star rollover rating. The SQ8 e-tron also has no active recalls, investigations, or complaints, further showcasing its overall safety and reliability.

Driver Assistance Features

As one of the best luxury car makers on the planet, it’s no surprise that the new Audis come loaded with all sorts of driver-assistance features and tech that make driving the SQ8 e-tron both easier and safer. This suite of features includes some of the more common ones like adaptive cruise control and lane guidance, but it also comes with a few of the more advanced features like parking assistance, 360-degree camera systems, a head-up display on the windshield to reduce the amount of time you have to take your eyes off the road.

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane guidance
• Lane-keeping assist
• Park assist
• Virtual 360-degree cameras
• Top-view camera system
• Head-up display
• Audi pre sense front collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Pre-conditioning through the myAudi app

Warranties

Similar to other new Audi models, all trims of the SQ8 e-tron come standard with Audi’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty. This comprehensive coverage includes a 48-month/50,000-mile full warranty, 96 months/100,000 miles of coverage for the battery and related electrical components, and an impressive 60-month/57,000-mile maintenance warranty through prepaid Audi Care coverage.

Audi also provides four years of roadside assistance at no additional cost and 12 years of corrosion coverage. Both of these have no mileage limits whatsoever, so drivers can really rack up the miles on their SQ8 and still maintain basic coverage.

(Data sourced from Audi)

2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron Versus Its Competitors

The rivalry between Audi and BMW is just about as old as the two companies themselves, with each one vying for control of the luxury car market. That’s why it makes sense to compare the SQ8 e-tron to the BMW iX, which is a glimpse into the future of BMW’s electric vehicle lineup. Since the SQ8 is a sportier version of the standard Audi Q8, comparing the two models head-to-head will help you determine which one gives you the best bang for your buck.

How The Audi SQ8 e-tron Compares To The BMW iX

• 	2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron	2024 BMW iX
  Model	Audi SQ8 e-tron	BMW iX
  Engine	Tri-motor setup	Dual-permanent-magnet-motors
  Transmission	Single-speed automatic	Single-speed automatic
  Horsepower	496 HP	516-610 HP
  Driveline	All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
  Range	253 miles	296-311 miles
  MSRP	$89,800 – $101,045	$87,100
  Fuel Economy	72-75 MPGe	77-86 MPGe
  Charge Time	16.0 hours	12 hours @ 240V
  0-60 MPH	4.2 seconds	4.4-3.6 seconds

One of the Audi SQ8 e-tron’s fiercest competitors is the BMW iX, a luxury all-electric SUV that’s been in production since 2022. The BMW iX comes in two trims, with the base model iX xDrive50 starting at $87,100 and the performance-oriented iX M60 starting at a whopping $111,500.

The price tag of the BMW iX xDrive50 stacks up nicely with the base model Audi SQ8 e-tron, making head-to-head comparisons a bit easier. The xDrive50 comes standard with a 516-horsepower motor setup that launches the SUV from 0 to 60 MPH in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 124 MPH. Both of these marks fall just shy of the SQ8 e-tron, though the difference is negligible for the majority of drivers.

What isn’t negligible, however, is the vastly better battery offered in the BMW. The iX xDrive50 has a maximum range of 311 miles, which is quite a bit further than what the Audi can do. It also only takes 11 hours to fully charge the battery at home, compared to the 16 hours needed to charge the SQ8 e-tron back to 100%.

When you step inside both vehicles, the interior of the SQ8 e-tron helps the Audi make up some ground, providing a much more luxurious, tech-filled experience than the iX. Drivers who prefer a more minimalist interior (it’s not nearly as bland as what’s in the Tesla Cybertruck) will lean towards the BMW, with its quaint single touchscreen and smooth dash. The Audi might have a bit more going for it on the inside, but it really comes down to personal preference on this one.

How The Audi SQ8 e-tron Compares To The Audi Q8 e-tron

• 	2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron	2024 Audi Q8 e-tron
  Model	Audi SQ8 e-tron	Audi Q8 E-Tron
  Engine	Tri-motor setup	Dual-permanent-magnet motors
  Transmission	Single-speed automatic	Single-speed automatic
  Horsepower	496 HP	402 HP
  Driveline	All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
  Range	253 miles	285-300 miles
  MSRP	$89,800 – $101,045	$74,400
  Fuel Economy	72-75 MPGe	81-86 MPGe
  Charge Time	16.0 hours	16 hours @ 240V
  0-60 MPH	4.2 seconds	5.4 seconds

For die-hard Audi fans in the market for an all-electric SUV, it very well may come down to the standard Q8 e-tron and the sporty SQ8 e-tron. Since the S-variants of most Audis are considered direct upgrades, it might seem obvious that the SQ8 e-tron is the clear choice, but that might not always be the case.

In terms of all-out performance, the SQ8 e-tron is, of course, the winner across the board. With its tri-motor setup, the SQ8 e-tron makes 496 horsepower to the standard Q8 e-tron’s 402 horsepower, allowing it to reach 60 MPH in just 4.2 seconds rather than the 5.4 seconds for the non-S variant. The interior is also much sportier, with the racecar-like seats and stiffer suspension, but that also makes for a slightly less comfortable ride.

Outside of power and related performance, the standard Q8 e-tron takes the cake. It comes with a 285-mile range compared to the S-version’s 253 miles. The Q8 e-tron was also named one of the 2023 IIHS Top Safety Picks, showing that it’s rated as one of the safest vehicles on the road. Above all else, the Q8 e-tron is substantially cheaper than the SQ8 e-tron, starting at $74,400.

When deciding between these two versions of essentially the same electric SUV, is having more power worth more than $15,000 to you?

How Much The 2024 SQ8 e-tron Costs

Even though there are four different trims to choose from, the price range between all of them spans less than $10,000, making it easier to select the perfect model for you. The base model is the SQ8 Premium Plus, which starts at $89,800. Drivers who prefer that hatchback feel and decide to go with the SQ8 Sportback Premium Plus will have to pay $92,600. No matter which body style you opt for, upgrading to the Prestige trim adds another $6,000, making the SQ8 Prestige $95,800 and the SQ8 Sportback Prestige $98,600.

Keep in mind that these prices do not include the $1,195 destination fee to have the SQ8 delivered to a dealer or any other costs associated with the purchase, like taxes and title fees.

(Prices sourced from Audi)

Efficiency

(Data sourced from Audi and the EPA)

Is It Worth Buying An Audi SQ8 e-tron?

Anytime you’re in the market for a new car, the urge to upgrade to the sportier, more performance-oriented model is always going to be there, especially if you’re a bit of a gearhead. After all, that’s why the S-variants of Audi vehicles exist in the first place, and the SQ8 e-tron is no exception. With more power, better performance, and a much racier feel than the standard Audi Q8 e-tron, the S-version seems like a no-brainer, but it might not be worth the extra $15,000+.

At the price point of the Audi SQ8 e-tron, you can also start looking at other models like the BMW iX xDrive50, which offers similar performance in terms of speed, but far better range and charging characteristics. That said, the interior SQ8 e-tron is absolutely packed with tech and comfort, which might help make up the difference a bit. The all-digital display of the Virtual Cockpit and 3D surround sound really do a lot of the heavy lifting here.

At the end of the day, for the money, you could likely get a better all-electric SUV than the Audi SQ8 e-tron, but that’s not to say it’s a poor choice. If you’re dead set on an Audi, the non-S version might give you more bang for your buck, but you may get a few extra smiles out of each charge on the SQ8 e-tron.