Audi SQ8 Looks Expensive in Navarra Blue and Daytona Grey

The SQ8 starts from €103,000 in Germany, and some people say that's too much money. Frankly, we've seen so many regular Q8 models configured over 150k to know it's not. Which doesn't mean you're getting a great deal with the performance model.

For example, both shades of paint we mentioned cost €1,050 extra, plus another €1,500 for those 22-inch wheels, which are running 285/40 profile Continental ContiSport Contact 6 tires. Red bucket seats with integrated headrests should add €2,200. Honestly, we'd be here all day if we were no name all the expensive options on the show car.

But at least you're getting a good engine as standard. The 4.0 TDI is the largest diesel in Europe that you can drive without a truck license. Shared with Bentley, this unit's electric supercharger helps it deliver 435 HP and 900 Nm of torque at just 1,250rpm for a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 4.8 seconds. CO2 emissions sit at 205 grams per kilometer while average fuel consumption is 7.8 l/100km.

So what's this about it being a hybrid? Well, the 48-volt hardware can capture energy at a rate of up to 8kW, while the computers also allow the engine to be shut off completely while coasting between 55 and 160 km/h.

The SUV hides its 2365kg well being wider and lower than the SQ7. Rivals will include the newly launched BMW X6, the Porsche Cayenne Coupe and GLE Coupe. But the question is how many luxury buyers still want a big diesel?