AUDI has injected more grunt, better dynamics and even more luxury into its updated SQ8 performance SUV.

Yes, the RSQ8 sits above the SQ8, but as a hyper SUV the RS is really more about downright performance than offering a balanced luxury option. 

Audi’s shift to the 4.0-litre twin turbo petrol V8, a detuned version of the engine in the manic RSQ8, offers better driving dynamics and more pace than the outgoing diesel V8.

In the SQ8, more than 100kg has been pulled out of the front end thanks to the lighter engine, which has transformed the handling prowess of the SQ8.

The new V8 offers up 373kW/770Nm, mated to an eight-speed torque converter auto and all-wheel drive, a combination Audi says will propel the burly SQ8 to 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds. 

For perspective, the 0.7-second reduction in sprint time over the old model puts the SQ8 just three tenths off the RSQ8’s 3.8-second triple-digit sprint.

Audi’s Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system, all-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension are all standard and we couldn’t fault their operation or the seamless coherence of all these sophisticated systems working together.

What Audi will do, though, is offer to make the SQ8 even better with the optioal dynamic package that includes electromechanically active roll stabilisation and a sports rear diff. The optional extra, at $10,900, seriously elevates the driving experience. 

What’s particularly interesting about the electromechanical active roll stabilisation is that it features electric motors front and back which operate off a 48-volt system. The electric motors rotate each half of the stabiliser bars in opposite directions, creating torque that counteracts body roll. Fascinating, even if the engineers had to explain it a few times.  

The old SQ8 was well appointed, with loads of standard inclusions, and the new model is no different.

It isn’t, however, quite as ‘handy’ as its SQ7 sibling in that it doesn’t have seven seats, but in every other way the SQ8 is still a compelling all-rounder. 

Like the old model, it retains a 3500kg braked towing capacity and more cargo volume than most will use.

Behind the second row, there’s 605 litres of space, and behind the first row a full 1755 litres – a little down on the SQ7 but given its sleek body shape they’re respectable cargo volumes. 

The new SQ8 is an even more visually appealing example of an already desirable model, with loads of ‘S’ body styling elements, a more aggressive front grille treatment, guard-filling 22-inch wheels, and hands down the best-looking SUV rear end. In our opinion.

A subtle roof wing, quad-tip exhausts, and sharp lines hint at its performance pedigree while privacy glass, a huge panoramic sunroof, and Audi’s fancy Matrix LED headlights further add to the new model’s luxury appeal.

Inside the SQ8, there’s no shortage of S badging, Valcona leather and if you tick the ‘inlays in carbon vector’ extra, lashings of carbon-fibre feature across the dash. 

Much like its SQ7 twin-under-the-skin, the seats are exceptionally well bolstered, comfortable, and feature electric adjustability, heating, driver memory, and four-way lumbar support. 

The SQ8 has a virtual cockpit, consisting of a 12.3-inch screen with various view modes available – our pick being performance mode.

Front and centre, a 10.1-inch screen with haptic feedback serves infotainment duties, while a smaller 8.6-inch screen below offers ‘digital dials’ for climate control and other in-car functionality.

Audi’s infotainment system is top tier, with the typical smartphone integration, Audi Connect Plus software, a roof-mounted SOS call function, and epic 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system that positively pumps. A Friday afternoon highway run to the airport offered better audio than any set of headphones we’ve experienced. 

The SQ8 is safe, too, with all of Audi’s standard driver assist tech, but it’s by no means an irritating system. The safety features, like pre-sense front and rear, active lane assist, side and cross traffic assist, are as good as any. The parking cameras and 360-degree view are particularly useful when parking, because those 22-inch wheels wouldn’t look too good rashed up.