Audi SQ8 e-tron

Audi SQ8 e-tron: Which Version Should You Buy?

The Audi SQ8 e-tron catalogue contains two closely related S 95 AT versions: the original SUV 5-doors introduced in September 2020 and its restyled counterpart introduced in February 2023. Both are Electro, AWD models with an Automatic, 1-speed gearbox, identical 4.5-second acceleration to 100 km/h, a 210 km/h top speed, a 2,695 kg kerb weight, and a 3,245 kg gross weight.

The Audi SQ8 e-tron catalogue contains two closely related S 95 AT versions: the original SUV 5-doors introduced in September 2020 and its restyled counterpart introduced in February 2023. Both are Electro, AWD models with an Automatic, 1-speed gearbox, identical 4.5-second acceleration to 100 km/h, a 210 km/h top speed, a 2,695 kg kerb weight, and a 3,245 kg gross weight. The main choice is therefore between the original version’s 503 hp and 973 Nm and the restyled version’s 496 hp and 992 Nm. Choose the original for the higher power figure and fully independent pneumatic suspension in the supplied specifications; choose the restyling if its additional 19 Nm matters more than its 7 hp reduction.

Generations and versions

The Audi SQ8 e-tron has one generation represented by two production phases in the catalogue.

The original 1 generation started in September 2020. It is an SUV 5-doors with one version, S 95 AT (503 hp). This version produces 369 kW, 503 hp, and 973 Nm. Its front and rear suspension are both Independent, pneumatic.

The 1 generation, restyling started in February 2023 and remains part of the same generation rather than constituting another generation. It is also an SUV 5-doors with one version, S 95 AT (496 hp). Output changed to 364 kW and 496 hp, while torque increased to 992 Nm. The listed front suspension remains Independent, pneumatic, but the rear suspension is specified as Dependent, pneumatic.

No Sportback body is included in the supplied catalogue data, so the comparison here applies only to the SUV 5-doors.

Audi SQ8 e-tron engine and specs

Despite the familiar “engine” search term, both S 95 AT versions use an Electro powertrain. Engine displacement, cylinder count, cylinder layout, and boost are not measured for either version.

The restyled S 95 AT (496 hp) has 19 Nm more torque but 7 hp and 5 kW less power than the original S 95 AT (503 hp). Power per litre cannot be calculated because displacement is not measured. Based on the common 2,695 kg kerb weight, the original carries approximately 5.36 kg per horsepower, while the restyling carries approximately 5.43 kg per horsepower. That gives the original a small numerical advantage of about 0.07 kg per horsepower.

Both versions use ventilated disc brakes at the front and rear. The front suspension is Independent, pneumatic in both. At the rear, the original is listed as Independent, pneumatic, whereas the restyling is listed as Dependent, pneumatic.

Audi SQ8 e-tron performance, acceleration, and economy

There is no measured performance advantage between the two versions: each reaches 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and has a maximum speed of 210 km/h. A 0–60 mph time is not measured, so it should not be inferred from the 0–100 km/h result.

City, highway, and combined fuel-consumption figures are not measured for either version. Range and battery size are also not measured. Consequently, the supplied data cannot support a range or economy comparison between the original and restyled Audi SQ8 e-tron.

Audi SQ8 e-tron dimensions and weight

The two versions have the same 2,695 kg kerb weight and 3,245 kg gross weight. The difference between gross and kerb weight is 550 kg for each version. Ground clearance is measured at 175 mm for the original S 95 AT (503 hp) but is not measured for the restyled S 95 AT (496 hp); this absence does not establish that the restyled vehicle has different clearance.

Tank capacity, wheel sizes, and exterior dimensions are not measured for either version. A Sportback dimensions or weight comparison is not possible because no Sportback version appears in the supplied data.

Which Audi SQ8 e-tron version should you buy?

Choose the original S 95 AT (503 hp) if maximum listed power is the priority. It provides 7 hp and 5 kW more than the restyled version without carrying additional kerb weight. Its approximately 5.36 kg-per-horsepower ratio is also slightly better than the restyled version’s approximately 5.43 kg per horsepower. The original additionally has Independent, pneumatic suspension listed at both ends and a measured ground-clearance figure of 175 mm.

Choose the restyled S 95 AT (496 hp) if the later production phase and higher torque figure are more important. It produces 992 Nm, which is 19 Nm more than the original’s 973 Nm, while retaining the same 4.5-second 0–100 km/h time, 210 km/h top speed, AWD, Automatic 1-speed gearbox, and 2,695 kg kerb weight. Its listed rear suspension, however, is Dependent, pneumatic rather than Independent, pneumatic.

On the available numbers, the original S 95 AT (503 hp) is the stronger specification-led choice: it has more power, a marginally better weight-to-power result, and fully independent pneumatic suspension in the catalogue, with no measured loss in acceleration or maximum speed. The restyled S 95 AT (496 hp) is the torque-led alternative. Price data, sale listings, range, battery size, reliability, and problems are not measured, so none can legitimately decide the purchase between these two versions.