Being medium sized, the SQ8 provides a decent amount of interior space, despite it also being positioned as an SUV coupe. 

For most people, room isn’t an issue, vision is good, and the essentials such as ventilation, storage and entry/egress are spot-on. The driving position is first class, too.

Other noteworthy items are the tall, wide centre console that adds a solidity to the cabin, the bracing yet inviting front sports seats, and a dashboard offering a trio of electronic screens – one ahead of the driver and known as the Virtual Cockpit, as well as two in the middle console area.

Some owners will need a few moments to learn how to operate the haptic touchscreens, but their controls follow logic and convention.

That rear is fine for most taller passengers, with cosseting outboard seats offering comfort and convenience. 

However, back there, some road noise intrusion is noticeable. Overall, though, the SQ8's interior is a high sensory experience that goes a long way to help justify the expensive positioning.

The SQ8 TFSI can streak from zero to 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 250km/h. The latter is electronically governed.

The SQ8 TFSI is only offered as a single grade specification.

It's well equipped too, with items such as 12.3-inch digital instrumentation, satellite navigation, Audi Connect Plus emergency assistance, DAB+ digital radio, Bang & Olufsen audio with 19 speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Bluetooth telephony. 

Additionally, you'll find four-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, rear privacy glass, soft-close doors, a powered tailgate with gesture control, heated/folding heated exterior mirrors with memory function, adaptable air suspension, four-wheel steering, Matrix LED headlights, surround-view cameras, adaptive cruise control with full stop/go, eight airbags, leather trim, electrically adjustable sports front seats with heating and driver’s side memory, metallic paint, a sports steering wheel with paddle shifts and 22-inch alloy wheels. 

Note, however, that a space-saver spare wheel is fitted.

Unlike the closely-related Audi SQ7 TFSI, the SQ8 TFSI is angled more towards the SUV coupe market, so does not offer the third-row pair of seats.

That said, being a sports performance take, the SQ8 does come with Audi Sports-designed front bucket seats that are heated, while offering a driver's side memory function. They're bolstered but comfortable, electrically adjustable and fine to sit in all day.

Moving to the rear, the 40/20/40 split bench is certainly accommodating and supportive for the outboard occupants, but the centre perch is hard and high – too much so for most people. But the bench is fixed and the backrest does not recline. It does feature a centre armrest that folds to reveal cupholders, however.