2021 Audi SQ8 Sounds Brutal With New 4.0-Liter TFSI V8

Everybody grows up dreaming of owning a Ferrari or Lamborghini. However, life hits you hard with things like commutes, back problems, and kids, so that juicy Berlinetta loses its appeal. The next best thing is something like the SQ7/8, still using a V8 engine, but in a more sensible package.

The switch from TDI to TFSI is an interesting, multi-layered one. You won't be reaching for that diesel pump at the gas station, or worrying about your fuel filter getting clogged up every year. On the other hand, fuel economy is obviously not going to be as good.

The power rating has gone up as well. While the 4.0 TDI was the most powerful engine of its kind in the world at 429 horsepower, it's not a match for the 500 horsepower TFSI. This is a de-tuned version (with smaller turbos) of the V8 in the RS Q8, as well as the RS7 Sportback.

The old TDI was a good engine, but it didn't sound very sporty. The videos below let us sample a new 8-cylinder track coming from Audi's performance SUVs. There's no fake exhaust sound here, and although the experience is slightly muted, it's nothing a good aftermarket exhaust can't fix.

The old TDI V8 engine struggled to rev past 3,500 rpm, while this TFSI offers top-shelf performance at about 5,500 rpm. Both models have obviously also become faster, with the 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) sprint going from 4.8 to 4.1 seconds.

Though emissions and economy tests have changed in the past few years, we think the SQ models have taken a big hit in those departments. But 12 l/100 km combined (German market number, equivalent to 19 mpg U.S.) in a big SUV isn't that bad.