Audi SQ8 review

There’s an extensive range of adjustment for the steering wheel and the Audi SQ8's Super Sport driver's seat is well-bolstered for good side support. The seat is electrically adjustable and includes four-way lumbar support and an extendable seat cushion. The Vorspung trim includes an electrically adjustable steering column and a massaging function for the front seats.  

Digital instruments take the place of conventional analogue dials on a high-definition 12.3in screen. It displays a multitude of additional data depending on how you set it up, including sat-nav maps and music playlists.

There's another haptic-feedback 8.4in touchscreen below the infotainment touchscreen. It looks after the climate control settings but it's unnecessarily fiddly to use compared with simple, physical buttons, which many of the SQ8’s rivals have. 

All-round visibility is good, despite the car’s sloping roofline. To help you out when reversing into a tight spot, all versions have a rear-view camera and front and rear parking sensors. A 360-degree parking camera is available as an option (another item that’s standard on the Vorsprung trim). Matrix LED headlights are included, too, which help to take the stress out of driving at night. They use clever technology so you can leave the main beams on without blinding the drivers in front. 

You can’t fault the build quality in the SQ8. Everything is tightly screwed down and the switches operate with slick precision. The top-spec Vorsprung model is even plusher, with extended leather wrapping the dashboard and centre console, generous amounts of carbon fibre and Alcantara suede trim for the roof lining. It’s right up there with the Porsche Cayenne Coupé for build quality and beats the Mercedes GLE Coupé, which looks great inside but has some flimsier bits of trim.