For those who like the stylish design of the two-row Audi Q8 luxury SUV but want a bit more power, the 2026 Audi SQ8 is just the ticket. With its turbocharged V8 engine and standard quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, the SQ8 bundles a premium design with overtly sporty styling and legitimate performance credentials.
2026 Audi SQ8 Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Audi SQ8
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Audi SQ8
The Audi Q8 and SQ8 SUVs received a comprehensive refresh for the 2024 model year, and, as was the case last year, the latest model receives just a few changes to the vehicle’s list of optional packages. For 2026, the Carbon Package is optional on both the base Premium Plus and the upgraded Prestige trim levels.
Design
The SQ8 is undeniably handsome, with a bold Singleframe grille that ties it to the rest of Audi’s lineup. Unique detailing includes a mix of bright and dark scallop-shaped elements in the grille, aluminum-look mirror housings, and quad exhaust tips. An optional Black Optic Package adds dark exterior bits along with unique metallic black wheels. Alternatively, a Carbon Package adds exterior trim pieces molded from carbon fiber, including the mirror housings, the side sills, and the taillight details. Standard equipment includes 22-inch wheels, while 23-inch bicolor wheels are optional.
Powertrain
The 2026 Audi SQ8 does not lack power. A twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine generates 500 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque, routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. While quattro AWD is standard, along with all-wheel steering, the available S Sport Package adds a sport rear differential and active roll stabilization to improve handling and reduce lean in corners. Further improving driving dynamics and comfort is Audi’s Sport Adaptive Air Suspension, which constantly adjusts the ride based on road conditions. An optional tow hitch is available and the SQ8’s towing capacity stands at 7,700 pounds.
Interior
Buyers who need three rows of seats may prefer the Audi SQ7, but the SQ8’s blend of five seats, a useful cargo area, and low-slung styling will appeal to buyers who don’t need to move more than four adults at a time. Heated front seats are standard, and the leather interior is available in three colors: Black with Rock Gray stitching, Rotor Gray with Rock Gray stitching, or Arras Red with Rock Gray stitching. The optional Executive Package adds ventilation to the front seats, heat to the rear seats, and rear-seat window sunshades. Buyers who choose the upgraded SQ8 Prestige trim level can also choose Black leather with Crimson Red stitching. An optional Luxury Package for the Prestige model adds more leather inside, covering the full dash, the upper door panels, the center console, and the armrests, plus a Dinamica (a suede-like material) headliner.
Technology
A two-tier infotainment system with a 10.1-inch upper display and an 8.6-inch lower display sits in the center of the SQ8’s dashboard, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit Plus tech is used for the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and offers three display modes, including a dedicated S-labeled performance cluster. A Bang & Olufsen premium sound system is standard, but those who truly love their tunes can opt for an upgraded 23-speaker system with 3D sound.
