The SQ8 is the latest addition to the Audi Q8 line-up, slotting right between the standard model and the range-topping RS Q8 Performance. For buyers considering the Audi flagship SUV, could the new SQ8 variant - which positions itself as a middle ground in both performance and price - be the one to go for? That's what we set out to find, based on a comparison of their respective specifications and features on paper.
Audi Q8 vs SQ8 vs RS Q8 Performance: Engine specs
Starting with the powertrains, the standard Q8 uses a 340hp V6, while moving up to the SQ8 brings in the RS Q8 Performance's V8, albeit in a lower state of tune. Compared with the regular model, the SQ8 makes a sizeable jump in output, with 167hp and 270Nm more on tap. That also shows up in acceleration, reaching 100kph from rest 1.5 seconds quicker than the regular Q8 (claimed by Audi). The RS Q8 Performance takes things a step further by adding a further 133hp and 80Nm, trimming 0.5 seconds off the SQ8's sprint time. It's also the only one here that can go past 300kph without a limiter, which underlines its performance-first brief.
Audi Q8 vs SQ8 vs RS Q8 Performance: Mechanical differences
The standard Q8 misses out on all-wheel steering, which the SQ8 gets, giving the mid-spec model a more advanced setup. Next, the SQ8 comes with standard disc brakes, with ceramic units available as an option, but the RS Q8 goes a step further, with ceramic brakes and active-roll stabilisation as standard. Active-roll stabilisation is optional on the SQ8 but it's not available on the standard Q8.
Audi Q8 vs SQ8 vs RS Q8 Performance: Features
Exterior
Talking about the exterior, all three variants are similar in terms of standard features like LED headlights and DRLs, soft-close doors, a powered tailgate, a rear wiper and washer, and LED tail-lights bridged by a thin light bar. The distinction, however, comes in the form of design tweaks to the front grille, bumpers and wheels. Also, both the standard model and SQ8 sit on 21-inch wheels, but only the latter offers 22-inch wheels as an option, while the RS Q8 Performance goes a step further with 23-inch wheels. Variant-specific S and RS badges along with the iconic red rhombus add further visual separation.
Interior
Inside, all three get the same set of screens: 12.3-inch driver's display, 10.1-inch touchscreen and an 8.8-inch climate control touchscreen, 4-zone AC, paddle shifters and a Bang & Olufsen sound system, so there's no compromise even in the base Q8. Where the differences come in is in creature comforts and seat functionality. The SQ8 offers features like seat ventilation, massage and rear seat heating, albeit as optional extras, which the regular Q8 entirely misses out on. Steering adjustment also improves as you move up the range, with the Q8 getting manual adjustment, while the SQ8 and RS Q8 offer electric adjustment; the latter is also the only one to get steering heating.
The Q8 gets a fixed glass roof, while the SQ8 upgrades to an openable panoramic sunroof. Given its performance focus, the RS Q8 Performance does not get a sunroof as standard, but it can still be had as an optional extra. It also comes with more comprehensive seat memory (extending beyond just the driver), and standardises features like ventilated seats while adding extras like an air ioniser and fragrance system, which are either optional or unavailable on the lower variants. There's also the option to upgrade to a 23-speaker setup on the RS Q8.
Audi SQ8 vs standard Q8 vs RS Q8 Performance: Price
Evidently, the Audi Q8 range is neatly tiered, but what stands out is how wide the price gaps are. The standard Q8 undercuts the SQ8 by Rs 68 lakh, while the RS Q8 Performance costs Rs 56 lakh more than the mid-spec variant. It's worth noting, though, that the SQ8’s Rs 1.78 crore price, announced on March 17, 2026, is introductory and could rise later. What this effectively does is position the SQ8 as the middle ground, offering a meaningful step up in performance and features without crossing into full RS territory. It also helps that the SQ8 comes with a long list of optional equipment, which should appeal to luxury SUV buyers who like to customise their car to suit their own taste.
Saptarshi Mondal
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Saumil Shah
