UPDATED AUDI SQ8 | The Ultimate Daily Driver?

[@richardsimms251]

Absolutely great presentation. Thank you

[@TheMickeJ]

I love my 2025 Q8! ❤ Can’t wait to drive it! I am in love in it! ❤️

[@brianbarbe9646]

Has the button where you have the option to override the auto engine start stop been removed like in BMW's?

[@Nate-zy5ce]

I'm considering a 2025 Q8 or SQ8, Prestige in either case. I just wish Audi would let me choose the wheel size when I get the fully loaded Prestige, instead of pushing me into the 22' or now 23" wheels. I live in mountainy ski country with its often rougher roads here in the US, and would greatly prefer the thicker rubber sidewalls of the 21" or even better 20" wheels. Being forced into 22" wheels if I got the black optics and s-line packages is why I did not buy back in 2021. Even just being able to get the slightly thicker rubber of the 21" wheels would be worth it to me.

[@rykehuss3435]

Who is stopping you from switching the wheels after you buy it? yeah its gonna cost extra, but if you got this kind of money... Just seems silly to stop yourself from buying what you want because of some little thing you could change afterwards with ease. I have no doubt the dealership themselves would do it for you if they do maintenance there too, just get it with the 22" in the trim you want, then tell the dealer you want a set of 21's or 20's and want them to put them on it before delivery. Easy peasy

[@Nate-zy5ce]

@@rykehuss3435 I actually tried to do that here in SLC in late 2021 and the young sales guy said they couldn't do it. But I will look into it again, and if they can't here, maybe another dealership in this state or a nearby one will. I"m thinking if I drop to 20" the brakes might be too large and force a change in the brakes. I'll confirm that, but if so, then I'd likely just drop to the 21", along the lines of any extra rubber would be useful. On well maintained roads, it apparently drives great, and the air suspension is apparently exceptional, but that little extra rubber on the roads here would be nice to have. Of course I'll have to find out the price too, including net of any trade in. But I agree with you.

[@rykehuss3435]

@@Nate-zy5ce Young sales guy probably has no idea, he just doesnt want to go against the grain so to speak. Talk to a senior or leadership. And if that doesnt do it, there's countless mechanic shops that'll easily do a thing like switch out new wheels for ya. You just gotta buy the wheels yourself, a small inconvenience for a great car. But yea youre right about the brakes not fitting if the diameter is too little. Audi offers the 21" so they'll definitely fit on it. But lower can be possible too, for example Porsche doesnt offer 19" on the Cayenne S but they do fit for winter tires as per Porsche forums. Just gotta call around and ask some questions.

[@Nate-zy5ce]

@@rykehuss3435 You are being so helpful, I have another question for you. I have thought about getting the Q8 Prestige instead of the SQ8, since the SQ8 is at least $25k more. But I would love the loaded SQ8 Prestige with what I think they call the Sport package, which comes with the sport rear differential which adds power distribution side to side as needed in the rear in addition to the normal quattro all wheel drive front to back, plus active roll stabilization. I'm thinking the rear differential would help grip a bit better in snowstorms, for one thing. My question though. Do you think adding that package and its added features would significantly increase maintenance inconvenience and costs, or maybe just marginally?

[@rykehuss3435]

@@Nate-zy5ce Nah, thats almost meaningless for your use case. Both cars have great 4WD. The rear diff isnt gonna save you if you get stuck in a proper snow hell. Snow chains on tires will. Buy the SQ8 if you thirst after the V8. If not, the Q8 has even more comfortable suspension and will do everything the SQ8 does except have a rowdy V8 with more horsepower. Its still got a nice V6 though, and no PHEV garbage if you dont go for that model.

[@rykehuss3435]

This with 21" wheels is the best daily driver you can buy new imo. Merc GLE 580 could be a contender if they didnt stupidly go for capacitive buttons on the steering wheel. Audi is also the only manufacturer who makes the coupe SUV look good. All modern BMW's are butt ugly, and the coupe SUV's of Merc are pretty ugly too but the classic suv's look pretty nice

[@YeganVigeh]

BMW always stays a step ahead of Audi .

[@questioneverything0000]

Especially in its ugly appearance.

[@rykehuss3435]

their cars are freaking ugly nowadays. And also ruined the experience with touchscreen and capacitive button hell

[@lotz871]

Really? Which cars are you comparing?