The 2023 Audi SQ8 is a squat, muscular midsize luxury SUV that puts thrilling performance over maximum cargo capacity. It still offers 60.7 cubic feet of cargo space, but it focuses on offering two rows of comfortable seating and engaging driving dynamics. The SQ8 was launched in 2020, and it carries over into 2023 with a few changes, including a new option and package newly upgraded LED headlights with integrated headlight washers.

Trims for the SQ8 are Premium Plus and Prestige. The Premium Plus trim is incredibly well-equipped and includes features such as 21-inch wheels, a hands-free power liftgate, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, power-adjustable front seats, quad-zone climate control, a Bang & Olufsen premium stereo system, and carbon fiber cabin inlays. The Premium Plus trim also comes standard with a fully digital instrument panel (Audi’s Virtual Cockpit) and a dual-screen central control system. The lower screen can adjust vehicle functions, such as the climate controls. The upper screen operates entertainment functions, such as the stereo. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For 2023, there’s a new Executive Package that adds, among other things, dual-pane, acoustic side-window glass.

Moving up to the Prestige trim adds heated rear seats, power soft-closing doors, remote parking assist, and a head-up display.

The 2023 Audi SQ8 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 which makes 500 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed through an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission to Quattro all-wheel drive. The SQ8 can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 155 mph. When properly equipped, the SQ8 can tow up to 7,700 pounds. The 2023 SQ8 returns fuel economy of 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 combined. Premium fuel is required.

In addition to offering straight-line speed, the SQ8 handles well, thanks to an adaptive air suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and all-wheel steering.

The SQ8 comes standard with a host of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control with lane guidance. Moving up to the Prestige trim adds further driver-assistance features.

Base MSRP for the 2023 Audi SQ8 is $93,500 for the Premium Plus trim. The Prestige trim starts at $100,100. The SQ8 is backed by a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty.