MSRP: $90,200
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Overview
The 2025 Audi SQ8 e-tron electric performance midsize SUV is the sportier and more powerful sibling of the Q8 e-tron, which itself started life as just the e-tron at its MY2022 launch before getting the Q8 designation for MY2024. Dual electric motors provide Quattro AWD with 496 hp and 718 lb-ft of torque, enabling the 6,118-pound SUV to sprint to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. A 106-kWh battery is good for a range of up to 242 miles.
You’ll notice that all of these figures now trail newer rivals; even the cheapest and slowest BMW iX beats it on performance and range. The 400-volt electrical architecture means it takes half an hour to charge the battery to 80%, with maximum DC fast charging limited to 170 kW. This is also the car’s last model year, so is there anything that still recommends the SQ8 e-tron? Let’s see.
What’s New for 2025?
The 2025 SQ8 e-tron gets mild tweaks only. The HomeLink remote moves from the touchscreen to a physical button on the rearview mirror, and the Park Assist Plus feature is upgraded to Remote Park Assist Plus, which now allows the driver to park and retrieve the car from outside the vehicle. The Audi App Store is also being made available to the SQ8 e-tron’s infotainment system this year. Last of all, the car gets access to a new 21-inch 5-arm-star S Design alloy wheel with a two-color finish.Â
The 2025 Audi SQ8 e-tron’s price increases by only $400 this year.
Exterior
The SQ8 e-tron’s design is a refinement of the old e-tron S’s, with a closed-off Audi Singleframe grille, Matrix LED headlights, and a practical, fairly traditional SUV shape. The Sportback trades surprisingly little rear headroom and cargo space for a svelte fastback shape. Both ride on 20-inch wheels, but 21s and 22s are offered at the expense of range.
Audi
Audi
Audi
Interior
The cabin features a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen, and a lower 8.6-inch climate touchscreen, and it takes some getting used to. From the base level, heated front seats, leather upholstery, heated power front seats, a panoramic sunroof, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 4-zone climate control, and a 16-speaker B&O audio system. The Premium Plus gains a surround-view camera, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a wireless charging pad, while the Prestige is the only trim with soft-close doors, massaging front seats, advanced remote parking assistance, and a head-up display.
Rear-seat legroom is a generous 39.1 inches, and the Sportback’s 37.9 inches of rear headroom is only 0.7 inches less than that of the SUV. Its trunk is also a little smaller, offering 27.2 cu-ft with the rear seat up, as opposed to 28.5 cu-ft.
Audi
Audi
Audi
Price Range and Best Value Trim
| Model | Price |
| Base: SQ8 e-tron Premium Plus | $90,200 |
| SQ8 e-tron Prestige | $96,200 |
| SQ8 Sportback e-tron Premium Plus | $93,000 |
| Top: SQ8 Sportback e-tron Prestige | $99,000 |
| Best value: SQ8 e-tron Premium Plus | $90,200 |
Key Specs
Powertrain
| Motors | HP | Torque | Battery | Architecture | Drive |
| Triple electric (2 rear + 1 front) | 496 hp | 718 lb-ft | 106 kWh | 400V | quattro AWD |
Performance and Charging
| Metric | Figure |
| 0-60 mph | 4.2 s |
| Top Speed | 130 mph |
| DC Fast Charge | 10-80% in ~30 min |
| Level 2 AC (9.6 kW standard) | ~13 hours |
| Level 2 AC (19.2 kW optional) | ~6.5 hours |
| Cargo | 28.5-56.5 cu-ft (SUV); 27.2-54.5 cu-ft (Sportback) |
Efficiency (MPGe)
| Wheel Size | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Cost | Range |
| 20″ (SUV and Sportback) | 68 | 72 | 70 | $1,100 | 242 mi |
| 21/22″ (SUV and Sportback) | 59 | 60 | 60 | $1,250 | 208 mi |
Warranty
| Coverage | Duration |
| New Vehicle Limited | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| EV Battery | 8 years / 100,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | Not included |
| Corrosion Perforation | 12 years / unlimited miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 years / unlimited miles |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Tri-motor setup with 496 hp and 718 lb-ft delivers strong, balanced acceleration
- Standard Bang and Olufsen, Valcona leather, and heated front and rear seats
- Sportback body offers a sleeker alternative with identical performance
- 28.5 cu-ft of cargo is generous for a luxury electric SUV
Cons:
- 242-mile range on 20-inch wheels trails many newer EV competitors
- 400V architecture charges slower than the newer 800V SQ6 e-tron
- Larger wheels drastically cut range to 208 miles (34-mile drop)
- Older platform lacks the efficiency gains of Audi’s newer PPE vehicles
Verdict
The Audi SQ8 e-tron still looks stylish and offers a spacious cabin and trunk, with excellent material quality and comfort, but it has fallen behind in terms of charging speed, range, and performance, which are now well behind the class best. No doubt, its replacement on the new 800-volt PPE platform will make big strides in these regards. As things currently stand, it’s still a great option for anybody looking for a practical luxury SUV with Audi quality, but you’d have to haggle for a great deal to justify going for the old model.
Competitors:
About the author
Cobus F. Potgieter
Reviews and Features Editor