2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron Review

The competition in Malaysia's high-end electric vehicle market is heating up, with many brands introducing models combining performance and luxury in the E-Segment category. As the brand's flagship pure electric SUV, the 2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron not only continues the luxurious gene of the Q8 series but also delivers a robust performance of 503PS through its electric drivetrain, meeting the needs of users who seek high-end quality and driving pleasure. With the test car we got this time, the main focus is to verify whether its static luxury feel is up to the mark, whether its dynamic performance matches the sporty positioning of "SQ," and how it performs in terms of daily usage, range, and practicality.

At first glance, the SQ8 e-tron exudes a flagship presence. The overall design retains the smooth and sleek style of the Q8 series, but details are given a sportier touch: the front features a closed octagonal grille adorned with silver trim on the outer edge, paired with sharp LED headlight assemblies on both sides, offering high recognizability. The side profile of the car features lines extending from the A-pillar to the rear, drawing a coupe-like silhouette. The large 22-inch wheels with 285/35 R22 wide tires further enhance the sporty feel. At the rear, the through-type LED taillight is a signature Audi design, creating a prominent visual effect when lit. The diffuser design below also subtly signals its performance orientation. Regarding the lighting system, LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights come standard. The automatic headlight function can switch according to ambient brightness, making daily use very convenient.

Stepping inside, a feeling of luxury and technology floods in. The interior features Audi's family-style virtual cockpit design, with the instrument panel wrapped in soft materials complemented by metallic trims and piano black panels, creating a delicate touch. The center console is simply laid out, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display at the top and a separate climate control panel below. The operations are intuitive, and the response is swift. In terms of configuration, the full digital instrument cluster provides rich information and allows customization of content such as range and navigation. The steering wheel supports electric adjustment and is equipped with multifunctional buttons and paddles for convenient driver control. As for the seats, the front seats are electrically adjustable and offer good support, ensuring comfort even during long journeys. The rear seats are split 60:40 and foldable, allowing for high spatial flexibility. The air conditioning system features front and rear zone automatic climate control, with independent rear vents to cater to the needs of all family members. The Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker sound system delivers outstanding sound quality, providing an immersive auditory experience.

In terms of space, the SQ8 e-tron's dimensions are 4915mm×1976mm×1617mm, with a wheelbase of 2928mm, offering ample space for the front and rear passengers. When the front seats are properly adjusted, there’s still more than a fist's worth of headroom for the front occupants. Even with three adults in the rear, it does not feel cramped, with about two fists’ worth of legroom and sufficient headroom. Regarding storage capacity, the door pockets can hold large bottles of beverages, while the center armrest and glove compartment also provide decent space. The trunk offers moderate standard space, which can be expanded by folding the rear seats down to accommodate larger items, meeting the needs of family outings or transporting bulkier goods. Additionally, the interior is equipped with 220V/230V power outlets, making it convenient for charging laptops and other devices, showing attention to practical details.

The dynamic driving performance of the SQ8 e-tron is impressive. It features dual front and rear permanent magnet synchronous motors, with a combined system output of 370kW (503PS) and a peak torque of 973N·m. According to official specifications, it accelerates from 0-100km/h in just 4.5 seconds. During actual driving, the power response is quick at the start, delivering a strong pushback feeling as soon as you step on the accelerator. The mid-to-late stage acceleration is also powerful, instilling great confidence when overtaking. There are multiple driving modes to choose from, and switching to Sport mode makes power output more aggressive, with the steering wheel becoming heavier, which suits users seeking driving excitement. In Comfort mode, the power output is smoother, making it more suitable for daily commuting.

In terms of handling and chassis, the SQ8 e-tron employs front and rear multi-link independent suspension. The tuning leans towards sporty yet maintains comfort. When cornering, the suspension provides adequate support, resulting in minimal body roll and good stability. On bumpy roads, the suspension absorbs most of the minor vibrations, maintaining comfort inside the cabin. The steering wheel is precise with very little play, making it very agile for handling despite being a large SUV. The braking performance is also excellent, with a linear pedal feel and ample braking force, providing sufficient confidence during emergency braking.

As for range, the SQ8 e-tron is equipped with a 114kWh ternary lithium battery, with an official pure electric range of 471km. During our daily driving test (with city roads and highways each accounting for half), the range achievement rate was about 80%, with energy consumption around 26kWh per 100km, which is close to the official figure of 25.3kWh/100km, meeting expectations. Regarding charging, although we didn't test the fast-charging speed this time, considering the large battery capacity, the fast-charging performance should be able to replenish enough power within a short time.

In terms of ride comfort, the SQ8 e-tron excels as well. The cabin features excellent sound insulation, with wind and tire noise well-controlled at high speeds. The energy recovery system offers different strength levels, and when set to the lowest, the driving experience is similar to that of a fuel-powered car, without a noticeable dragging sensation. The seats are also very comfortable, with great support and cushioning, ensuring a fatigue-free experience even on long journeys.

In summary, the 2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron boasts clear core advantages: luxurious interior quality, strong performance, abundant features, and good space. Compared to other pure electric SUVs in the same segment, it offers a more comprehensive set of features, with standard safety tech such as lane assist, lane departure warning, and active braking, providing good value for money. This vehicle is ideal for users who prioritize luxury and driving pleasure. Whether it's for daily family use or occasionally chasing speed and thrill, it satisfies those needs. If you're looking for a premium electric SUV without compromising on performance and luxury, the SQ8 e-tron is a great option to consider.