Audi SQ8 vs Volvo C40
What's the difference?

Audi SQ8

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2025 price

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Volvo C40

$34,990 - $49,990

2023 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 Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2025 Audi SQ8

2023 Volvo C40

By Emily Agar

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Twin Turbo V8, 4.0L

Electric motor type

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Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

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Fuel Efficiency

11.9L/100km (combined)

Electric range

—

Energy consumption

—

Battery capacity

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Seating

Likes

Understated but elegant looks
Gusty engine that delivers serious power
Comfortably fits a large family

Great charging and range
Two well specified variants
Impressive driving performance

Dislikes

Never hits any thrilling notes
Technology is harder than it needs to be
Internal storage could be better

Single motor not as good value
Seats could be more comfortable
Rear seat space compromised

2025 Audi SQ8 Summary

The Audi SQ8 has had a mid-life refresh but this upper large SUV still offers luxury with its powerful V8 engine that fans know and love, as well as the features you would expect in a top model.

It competes against the Mercedes-AMG GLE and Porsche Cayenne but we’re family testing the SQ8 to see how it handles domestic life.

Keep reading to see what we’ve discovered.

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2023 Volvo C40 Summary

Throughout its history Volvo has been known for a lot of things. Being a safety leader, dorky but endearing station wagons, ‘bloody Volvo drivers’, and more recently, a trailblazer in minimalist premium design.

The C40 is the first step in a next chapter for Volvo, with the brand wanting to be known next for its leadership in the electric space. For the first time for Volvo, it’s a fully electric offering

But in a world of Teslas, Polestars, and Mercedes Benz EQs, where does the C40 sit, and is it worth considering in an increasingly congested premium small SUV space?

We went to its Australian launch to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Audi SQ8 2023 Volvo C40

Verdict

The Audi SQ8 isn’t your typical performance SUV. It’s more refined and less flashy. The tech can be more complicated than it needs to be and if you’re wanting that V8 soundscape, you won’t find it here.

However, the handling and on road experience are superb plus you can comfortably haul the family around and look good doing it.

Verdict

The C40 becomes a compelling option in the electrified small SUV space, offering a premium look and feel, great range and tech inclusions at the price, as well as awesome on-road dynamics.

Its main downsides are the rear seat, which is compromised by its platform and design-led roofline, and the overwhelming power and added traction of the dual-motor makes the single motor less attractive on the value front.

Still, regardless of variant chosen, the C40 looks to offer a stand-out balance of price, range, and performance, against its traditional rivals and newcomers alike.

Audi SQ8 vs Volvo C40 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi SQ8 vs Volvo C40
What's the difference?