2025 Audi SQ8 Prestige Review: Twin-Turbo Refinement Confronts Aging Technology - Yanko Design
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2025 Audi SQ8 Prestige Review: Twin-Turbo Refinement Confronts Aging Technology - Yanko Design
"At 6:47 AM in Dallas traffic, the 2025 Audi SQ8 Prestige transforms from luxury cruiser to exotic performance machine with a single throttle stab. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 unleashes 500 horsepower that pins you to massaging leather seats while delivering a 3.6-second sprint to 60 mph. This creates an intoxicating contradiction. Here sits automotive engineering excellence wrapped in a seven-year-old design struggling against newer competitors."
"Yet excellence comes with frustration. Nearly a decade ago, when I first experienced the clicked haptic feedback, it felt impressive and futuristic. My opinion has changed completely. The MMI touchscreen now requires excessive pressure for simple inputs while Apple CarPlay freezes during routine connections. This technology feels unacceptable at this price point. Buyers face a choice between proven V8 character and cutting-edge infotainment sophistication."
"The SQ8 uses restraint where BMW goes aggressive. This seven-year-old design whispers its capabilities rather than shouting them like an X6 M50i with its kidney grilles and angular bodywork. My test car's Black Optic package transforms chrome into dark elements that create visual cohesion. The 23-inch multispoke wheels add drama but punish ride quality over broken Dallas pavement. Carbon mirror housings and side sills provide subtle enhancement without crossing into BMW's theatrical territory."
The 2025 Audi SQ8 Prestige combines a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 500 horsepower with massaging leather seats and a 3.6-second 0-60 mph time, blending luxury and performance. The vehicle includes S Sport and Luxury packages, carbon accents, Black Optic elements, 23-inch wheels, and a Bang & Olufsen 23-speaker audio system. The exterior design is seven years old and favors restraint over aggressive styling. The MMI touchscreen requires excessive pressure and Apple CarPlay can freeze, undermining the cabin experience. Buyers must weigh proven V8 character against dated design and unreliable infotainment.
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