The 2021 Audi SQ8 returns with no major changes after being introduced last year. The SQ8 remains the German marque’s flagship performance SUV. A compact two-model range is powered by a four-liter V8 gas engine, while raiding the options list can push the price of either model north of $100,000.

The Audi SQ8 is available in two trim levels: Premium Plus and Prestige. Pricing starts at $90,195 including destination for the Premium Plus and climbs to $95,695 for the Prestige.

Every SQ8 is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. This pumps out 500 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque, fed to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It can go from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds.

The SQ8 returns an EPA-estimated 15 miles per gallon city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 combined.

The SQ8 is a midsize crossover with seating for five passengers. There's 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, or 60.7 with it folded down.

The SQ8 packs in a great deal of safety kit. All models get blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a surround-view camera, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. The Prestige further gets adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.

Twin haptic touchscreens control the SQ8’s infotainment system, while Audi’s 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit displays other vital statistics behind the wheel. A 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system pumps out 730 watts, with front and rear USB ports supporting auxiliary inputs. There’s also wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto support, navigation, and wireless device charging and signal boosting. The Prestige trim adds a head-up display.

Given its price, you’d expect the entry-level SQ8 Premium Plus to be groaning with features, and it does a good job of living up to its name. Premium Plus models feature 21-inch wheels, LED headlights, quad exhaust outlets, and a power tailgate.

Rear occupants benefit from heat-insulating side and rear windows, and four-zone climate keeps everyone cool as the sun beats down through the panoramic sunroof. Valcona leather seats with contrast diamond stitching are heated and ventilated in the front.

For $6,300, the Luxury Package extends the leather across the door armrests, center console, and sun blinds. It also delivers dual-pane acoustic side windows with side and rear window sunshades, a black Alcantara headliner panel, massaging front seats, and memory for the passenger seat.

For $5,500 more, the Prestige receives the extended leather portion of the Luxury Package as standard. HD matrix LED lights and a head-up display makes the driver’s life easier, as do adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. Heated rear seats are standard.

Prestige buyers can add a 23-speaker, 1,920-watt Bang and Olufsen audio system for $5,000, or a $2,500 night vision assistant with thermal imagery of the road ahead including large animal and pedestrian detection.

Compare SQ8 Specs