Audi Q8 vs Audi SQ5
What's the difference?

Audi Q8

—

2025 price

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Audi SQ5

$49,990 - $89,950

2022 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz Eqe53

Mercedes-Benz Eqs450

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G580

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE400

Mercedes-Benz GLE450

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2025 Audi Q8

2022 Audi SQ5

By Emily Agar

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo V6, 3.0L

Diesel Turbo 6, 3.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Diesel/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

2.6L/100km (combined)

7.0L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

—

Electric range

74 km

Battery capacity

25.90 kWh

Seating

Likes

Athletic and sporty looks a winning combo
Drives beautifully
Improved EV driving range

Style with little sacrifice
Plenty of on-board tech
SQ5 is a fun and engaging drive

Dislikes

High price tag is hard to justify
Lacks clever storage options
Small boot compared to siblings

Price penalty for Sportback
Regular Q5 Sportback more premium than performance-focused
Cabin not quite premium at every touchpoint

2025 Audi Q8 Summary

The Audi Q8 has had a mid-life upgrade and it brings a few minor tweaks to the design, technology and equipment.

Plug-in hybrids tend to rank a little lower on my excitement scale when it comes to available powertrains because I usually find the constant charging inconvenient.

However, the electric driving range of the 60 TSFIe quattro S Line grade has been bolstered by 27km, increasing it to 74km overall.

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2022 Audi SQ5 Summary

The Audi Q5 now has a sportier-looking sibling, with the German brand's all-time best-selling SUV welcoming a sleeker, more aggressive solution it calls its Sportback range.

And look, spoiler alert, it looks better than the regular Q5. It's as simple as that. So if that's all you're here to find out, feel free to close the laptop, put the phone away, and move on with your day.

But you'd be doing yourself a disservice, because there are more questions to be answered here. Like will you paying in on-board comfort for this new raked roofline? Do the Sportback's sporty intentions make for a more annoying daily drive? And how much does Audi want you to pay for one?

All these questions and more answered. So stay with me.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Audi Q8 2022 Audi SQ5

Verdict

The updated Audi Q8 60 TFSIe quattro S line still looks good inside and out. It fits a family comfortably without feeling too big and there’s enough here to satisfy those who like the luxury features.

It's price tag will hurt it but the improved power outputs and driving range is a big plus and makes the plug-in hybrid powertrain make more sense.

Verdict

Let’s forget the money, for a second, because yes, you’re paying more for the Sportback variant. But if you can afford it, then why wouldn’t you. This is a sleeker, sportier and more stylish answer to the regular Q5, which was already a super-solid offering in the segment. And as far as I can tell, the practicality sacrifices you have to make are minimal at best.

So why not?

Audi Q8 vs Audi SQ5 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi Q8 vs Audi SQ5
What's the difference?