“This vehicle is extremely sporty and beefy. The reliability of an Audi is unmatched. If you want luxury with performance, the SQ8 is it.”
2023 Audi SQ8: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2023 Audi SQ8 is that HD Matrix-design LED headlights are standard on both trims. This is otherwise a light update, with animated exterior lighting, revised Premium Plus wheels, and added parking assistance for Prestige.
About the 2023 Audi SQ8
1st-generation SQ8 in the US, fourth model year, final pre-refresh year before the 2024 styling update.
Audi positions the SQ8 as the performance version of its flagship coupe-roof luxury SUV: a vehicle that blends everyday SUV usefulness, bold styling, and S-model V8 performance. It sits between the regular Q8 and the more extreme RS Q8, giving buyers strong acceleration, a rich cabin, and sharper handling without turning into a track-focused machine. Its appeal is the mix of speed, comfort, technology, and a more understated look than many rivals.
The 2023 SQ8 remains a two-trim performance SUV built around a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, an eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive, an adaptive air suspension, and all-wheel steering. Premium Plus covers the core performance and cabin technology, while Prestige adds comfort and convenience features such as a head-up display, remote parking assistance, soft-closing doors, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats.
What changed, by category
Styling
HD Matrix-design LED headlights become standard on both trims, and animated headlight and taillight sequences are added across the lineup. Premium Plus also receives a revised standard wheel design.
Tech
Prestige adds remote park assist plus as standard equipment, allowing the vehicle to help handle parking maneuvers.
2023 Audi SQ8 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 14 mpg | 14 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Horsepower | 500 hp | 500 hp |
| Torque | 568 lb-ft | 568 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7700 lb | 7700 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 60.7 cu-ft | 60.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 40.2 in | 40.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Night Vision System | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Roof Rails | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Rear Window Shades | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2023 Audi SQ8?
The biggest change is that HD Matrix-design LED headlights are standard on both 2023 SQ8 trims. Audi also adds animated headlight and taillight sequences across the lineup.
Was the 2023 Audi SQ8 redesigned?
No, the 2023 Audi SQ8 was not redesigned. It is the final model year before the 2024 styling refresh and receives only light equipment and appearance updates.
Did the 2023 Audi SQ8 receive a new engine or powertrain?
No, the 2023 SQ8 keeps the same twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel-drive system as the prior year.
How do the 2023 SQ8 Premium Plus and Prestige trims differ?
Premium Plus provides the core V8 performance hardware, digital displays, navigation, smartphone connectivity, premium audio, and driver-assistance features. Prestige adds a head-up display, remote parking assistance, soft-closing doors, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and quieter dual-pane side glass.
Is the 2023 Audi SQ8 meaningfully different from the 2022 model?
No, the differences are modest. The 2023 model mainly brings standard upgraded LED headlights, animated exterior lighting, revised Premium Plus wheels, and standard remote parking assistance on Prestige; its basic design, trims, and V8 powertrain carry over.
2023 Audi SQ8 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Audi SQ8.
4.4
2023 Audi SQ8
(30 reviews)
“I don't love how when you get out of park and put the gas on, it can jolt into gear. Same thing with braking - can be jolting, not smooth.”
“Comfortable ride while being super quick when it needs to be. Best of both worlds in comfort and sports car. Beautiful design inside and out and stands out on the road, doesn't look like every other car out there. I have already recommended the vehicle.”