Used 2022 Audi SQ8 for sale Near Me

Since the Audi SQ8 is going only through a spec update this year, the Trimline will more or less stay the same as the previous year. The range gets split into two trims namely the premium Plus and the Prestige trims. The entry-level Premium Plus trim would start at around $90,100 while the fully-loaded Prestige trim would push the pricing to slightly over $96,000. Both the trims will be offered in a similar drivetrain configuration and the Audi Quattro all-wheel-drive system will come in as standard. Adaptive air suspension and all-wheel steering also come in as a part of the standard package.

Coming to the equipment list, Audi is expected to leave out nothing. For starters, the base trim will come on 21” inch wheels and will get the complete LED treatment for exterior lighting including dynamic rear blinkers. On the inside, a 12.3” digital instrument cluster,10.1 in multimedia touchscreen, and an 8.6-inch climate control display will come in as standard. Seats come upholstered in Volcano leather and the front seats get heating and ventilation function. Additional creature comfort features like customizable ambient lighting, 4-zone climate control, and a premium audio system do raise the overall appeal of the SUV.

Which trim should you buy?

In the case of the 2022 SQ8, there is not a whole lot of money separating the two trims. If it were our money, we would definitely put in on the Prestige trim over the Premium Plus cause, for around 6 grand more, you are getting an upgrade on both the safety and comfort departments. Features such as an advanced driver assistance package, heads-up display, matrix LED headlights, power rear sunblinds, and heated rear seats do add an additional layer of safety and convenience. So if you are someone willing to spend this kind of money on an SUV, you better get the best one especially when there are no big voids between the pricing of the individual trims.

2022 Audi SQ8 Release date

Since most of Audi’s lineup has gone through the 2022 model year transition silently, expect the SQ8 to also go through the same quite soon. Based on what we know, the SQ8 will be available for configuration sometime in the third quarter of this year with deliveries expected to commence toward the fourth quarter of this year.

Big and powerful V8 engines are not engines known for their efficiency especially when you have two turbos breathing in air and there is a whole lot of weight to carry around. The 2022 SQ8 is expected to return around 17 mpg in regular driving conditions, which for us, falls into the average category. 

With a maximum expected fuel economy number of 21 mpg on the highways, the 2022 Audi SQ8 will take you about 472.5 miles before its 22.5-gallon tank runs out of gas. Also, the 15 mpg average economy within city limits is one of the lowest figures we have ever extracted from a car of this class, most probably owing to the full-time engaged Quattro all-wheel-drive system.

*2021 MY data were taken for reference

The Mercedes GLE Coupe with its E-boost tech and smaller engine manages to eke out a win when it comes to individual economy figures. Also, its comparatively larger tank and higher efficiency figures help it pull off the best-combined range of 450 miles. The Porsche, with figures identical to the Mercedes, manages to return the best tank range in this comparison owing to its big 23.7-gallon fuel tank. The Audi and the BMW both trade blows in this case with the SQ8 returning the worst city mileage in this comparison, managing just 15mpg on a good day. The X6 M50i here is able to strike balance, managing fuel economies comparable to best in this comparison despite sporting the biggest and most powerful engine here.

The 2022 Audi SQ8 should follow the design language and layout of current generation premium end products, ditching all physical buttons and knobs in favor of touchscreen. Even though it feels a bit overdone you can’t deny the fact that these cars have some of the coolest and cleanest looking interiors in the business. The volcano leather seat looks and feels sublime while the heating and ventilation functions add extra versatility. With 41.6 inches of legroom and 59.5 inches of shoulder available at your disposal, getting cozy on those seats won't be a big task. Also, the steering wheel falls into hand quite easily and the power adjustments mean that you get the perfect setting in a jiffy.

 The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is crisp, easy to configure, and very functional. It is easily the best configuration we have come across. The slightly slanted center console houses the infotainment screen and the screen for the climate control system. It looks cool when everything lights up when you press the ignition button. But that’s where all the fun parts about this are. In addition to the fact that these controls feel complicated, these screens get a lot of glare during the day and the display takes on a lot of fingerprints. So make sure that you carry a piece of cloth as it will need a wipe down every single day if you are someone who frequently fiddles with the controls. The rear seats are very big and offer a good amount of leg and shoulder room. At 31 cu-ft., the truck is not the largest we have seen but does fit in 3 medium-sized travel bags with ease.

*2021 MY data were taken for reference

When it comes to overall seating space, the 2022 Audi SQ8 is expected to lead the class offering its occupant an abundance of leg and shoulder room on both rows. The Mercedes and BMW follow close by offering similar amounts of space in the front row while the BMW takes a fall when it comes to rear legroom, measuring in at just 35.7-inches. 

For that compromise in legroom, BMW strikes back with the biggest boot in this comparison measuring in at a whopping 45.5 cu-ft, which is at least 12 cu ft. bigger than its competition. The Porsche GTS, with its tighter proportions, falls to the bottom of the game when it comes to usable cabin space. Some standout cabin features expected on the new model year are

• 12.3-inch Audi Virtual cockpit
• 10.1-inch infotainment screen and 8.6-inch HVAC control screen
• Volcano leather upholstery with S embossing
• Powered front seats with heating and ventilation
• Heated rear seats (prestige)
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with S emblem and paddle shifters.
• Power adjustable steering column.
• Interior ambient lighting.

What’s there to keep you entertained?

A 10.1-inch central infotainment system and an 8.6-inch HVAC control screen below it would be the attention-grabbing feature inside the cabin, like in previous years. Even though the interface is a bit tough to navigate through, it feels really smooth and the animations look pretty cool. Wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay come in as standard with the SUV. The wireless charging dock makes sure that you don’t drain your phone using these features and the screen itself feels pretty ergonomically placed.

What we are not fans of, is the lower HVAC screen. It feels more or less like a gimmick and requires you to take your eyes off the road for even the basic controls. Also, these glossy screens do collect a lot of dust while fingerprints are inevitable. In addition, the standard car comes equipped with a 17-speaker Bang and Olufsen 3D Audi system capable of 730 watts of output. The Prestige trim comes with a 19 speaker unit with inbuilt amplifiers that maxes out at 1,820 Watts. Some of the infotainment features expected of the 2022 SQ8 are;

• 10.1-inch touchscreen with Audi MMI
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wired Android Auto
• Handwriting input
• Natural voice processing
• 17-speaker Bang and Olufsen Premium Audio system
• Navigation and real-time traffic updates

The 2022 Audi SQ8 will carry over the bodywork of the current model year SUV with little or no changes done. We think it is a great idea as the current SUV looks menacing enough and the addition of any design element would be overdoing things. The massive front grille and that big air intake on either side of the bumper give it a prominent stance and exude a sporty outlook. The slim LED headlamps do complement that approach and make the front end much more aggressive. The sharp lines do continue to the rear slim wraparound taillamps with the dynamic blinkers adding a bit of sophistication. A pair of big chrome-tipped tailpipes at either side of the faux scuff plates showcase the sporting credentials.

As far as equipment goes, expect the 2022 SQ8 to ride on 21” wheels as standard. Exterior lights are all LEDs and you could even get the HD matrix lights with full animation if you go for the higher Prestige trim. Power moonroof, automatic tailgate, and power auto-dimming exterior mirrors, auto-wipers with heated jets, roof rails all come in as a part of the standard package. Audi also offers a black optic package for $2,200 which takes the wheel sizes up to 22 inches and everything that has been done in chrome and grey colors, gets blackened out.

*2021 MY data were taken for reference

There is no running away from the fact that the SQ8 is the hefty one of the lot. Also, the Audi is the longest SUV here with the longest wheelbase and overall length. Even though the plus-size does compromise slightly in performance and economy, it offers the best cabin room in this comparison. 

Both the BMW and Mercedes manage to squeeze in similar wheelbases despite the reduced overall length. The GLE 53 is also the tallest one here. The Porsche, being the smallest car here, does benefit from it when it comes to performance and agility, but fails to bring in the practicality and comfort levels of the competition. Some standout features expected on the 2022 Audi SQ8 are;

• 21” 10 V-spoke S design wheels
• Full LED headlamps with automatic high beams.
• LED taillamps with dynamic blinkers.
• Chrome tipped dual exhaust mufflers.
• Panoramic glass sunroof
• Power liftgates
• Rear Fog Lamps
• Perimeter/approach lights

The 2022 SQ8 will undoubtedly be one of the safest SUVs in this category. Sharing its underpinnings with the regular Q8, the 2022 SQ8 will come out with excellent safety scores if tested. As of that, the 2021 Q8 was awarded all 5 stars by the NHTSA and was also rated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. 

Besides the structural integrity, Audi has left no stones unturned when it comes to loading the SUV with its comprehensive list of passive safety and driver assistance features. If that doesn’t suffice you, Audi also sells optional driver assistance packages at $1,750 which includes adaptive cruise assist, intersection assist, and a traffic sign recognition system. Some safety features expected to come in as standard on the 2022 Audi SQ8 are;

• Top view camera
• Audi Pre Sense; Front and Rear
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Blind Spot detection
• Lane departure warning
• Front collision-mitigation system
• Tire pressure warning
• Audi side assist blind-spot detection system

2022 Audi SQ8 vs 2021 BMW X6 M50i

The BMW X6 M50i is the affordable car in comparison here. Moreover, it does pack in a lot more punch from the engine side and surprisingly is also an economical machine. Also, driving back to back, the BMW does offer better driver involvement and the steering also feels more consistent. The only place where the SQ8 stands a chance of beating the BMW is with its futuristic cabin and seating room, both of which in no way feels like a deal-breaker in the BMW. So if we were the one to opt, keeping the keywords performance and fun as the primary need, saving 4 grand and going for the X6 M50i would be our obvious way.

 2022 Audi SQ8 vs 2021 Mercedes GLE 53 Coupe

If it's all-out performance and numbers that you are after, then there is no replacement for the SQ8. At this price and in this comparison, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 does feel a bit too casual both in terms of performance and feel. Even though the Merc does have a lower price tag, a luxurious cabin, and an economical drivetrain in its favor, the SQ8 will be the way to go given the primary motives of this class, which is pure performance.

 2022 Audi SQ8 vs 2021 Porsche Cayenne S Coupe

Both cars stand identical when it comes to pricing. The few things separating them is performance, agility, practicality, and brand recognition. If you want the best performance coupled with top practicality, the SQ8 will be the only way to go. Or else, if it’s the best possible dynamics and the brand that is getting you, then the Porsche Cayenne S coupe will serve you better.

No doubt that the Audi SQ8 is one of those SUVs that could put a smile on your face and we are not joking around when we say this. The sheer brutality with which it launches and the kind of noises it makes from the exhaust does give it a raw feel. The chassis is pretty much sorted and the handling is commendable for an SUV that weighs this much. You are most definitely getting a Urus experience here for less than half the price, which is not a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination. 

At the same time, with one of the most futuristic and spacious cabins in its category, the SQ8 stands on a different league of its own. That said, if fun is your priority, which probably is when going for one of these SUVs, remember one thing. Many other SUVs offer similar or even better experiences behind the wheel at much lesser starting prices, and that is where the SQ8 gets hit.