Hey, I'm back. Had to put off my buying decision, but am now at it again, this time for the 2022 model year. Still love this video review, and understand there are only minimal, minor changes from 2021 to 2022. Am still considering either the Q8 or SQ8, but leaning strongly towards the SQ8. I'd get the Prestige, the air suspension, and the all wheel steering with either, basically fully loaded, and with the SQ8 I think I would also add the sports package. It sounds like that added rear sport ltd slip diff that comes with the sport package wouldn't hurt and might well help some on slippery, snowy winter roads, secondary and highways (Not so concerned about off roads, just bad weather conditions while on various roads, especially snow). Two quick questions: One, if I add the sports package, does that added rear slip diff in any way change how much and when more or less power is sent to the front or rear axel, or does it only change how much of whatever power would already be going to the rear axel might be sent to the right or left wheel? (I would be hesitant to add the sport package if that added rear elsd somehow kept more power to the rear axel versus the front axel than it otherwise would without the rear elsd in slippery, snow wintery road conditions; I like that from the base starting point of a 40/60 front/rear power split, up to 70% of the power can go to the front axel, and up to 85% can go to the rear, as conditions dictate, and I would not want that to change because with the added sport elsd what power goes to the rear can also go to the right or left wheel) And two, when I put it into Off Road, which I believe is how you get the Q8 and SQ8 to use the air suspension to raise up the extra max +2"s of height, can I still drive at whatever speed I wish in that setting, or is it like the GM 4WD suv's apparently are that if I want their max extra 2"'s I have to put it into 4WD Low which cannot be driven at high speeds, only very low ones? Thanks. And a final comment: I learned a very positive thing about these Audi's since my earlier visit to your review. The Q8 and SQ8 with their adaptive air suspension, they both start at a standard height of 8.7"s and can go up to a max height of 10.7" (Apparently 9.7" in All Road, and 10.7" in Off Road), and that is fantastic. Ironically, the big full size GM truck framed suv's like the Yukons, they start at just 8" height standard and can only go up to a max of 10", the Audi's have more road clearance, awesome, and ironic. Also, related to my second question above, with any of those GM suv's, the only way to get that last inch of height, up to 10"s, is apparently by putting it into 4WD Low, and you cannot drive fast in 4WD Low, apparently since that locks everything up. I am hoping in the Audi's in the Off Road setting with that max 2" added, that you can drive at whatever speed is called for, slow or fast; it sounds like you can, but I wanted to ask).
Excellent review. Thank you. I do have a few questions related to the Q8 and SQ8 in their suv roles instead of sport car roles. Obviously you don't take one of these "off roading", but being an suv I would like to know there is some flexibility to go off road to get to a destination, say a favored campsite or fishing spot. Even more importantly, how do they handle winter weather, whether highways or less well maintained back roads to get to ski areas, and to do so during the worst winter snow storms (Those are the best ski days after all). Could you provide more insight into how these two handle off road and severe winter weather driving, individually and compared to each other? And the 285/40/22 wheels concern me some, should I forego the black optics cosmetic packages that I love so much so as to get the 285/45/21 wheels instead, or will the difference there between the 45 and 40 sidewall figures be negligible and just go for the 40/22's and black optics look? Also, with the SQ8 I can option the Sport Package that includes Active Roll Stabilization and Sport Rear Differential, the later I assume means a limited slip differential, clearly those will help with summer driving, but with either or both features provide a noticeable improvement over the Q8 (apparently without them) in the off road and more important winter driving with snow and ice and slush and often rougher roads? Any additional input from you, or other posters here, on these specific issues would be very much appreciated. I am trying to decide between the loaded 2021 Q8 Prestige or loaded 2021 SQ8 Prestige. I'd prefer the better mpg of the Q8, but that perhaps shouldn't be my priority given that I want to use their full suv capabilities to the extent they have such anyway. Thanks again.
Hey Nathan, I have a reply here from some folks over at Audi: Regarding inclement weather, the differential can only benefit traction scenarios with the limited-slip diff, as it does force both rear drive wheels to move in the same direction without binding. The Sport diff is only on the rear, as you really don’t want a locking limited slip diff on the front end, as it could force a massively wide turning circle and binding. It’s something you might see on a 4WD Low setting on a hardcore off-roader because that’s all done at ultra-low-speeds, and the vehicles are often compromised for on-road duty. Generally speaking, that sort of feature is designed for more off-road-oriented vehicles at very low speeds. However, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that the Q8/SQ8 is incredibly competent. It has Torsen center and rear differentials and rear bias. It can transfer massive amounts of its power front to rear or side to side in the rear. Its traction-management system can also brake individual wheels when needed in certain circumstances. Which is all to say the Sport diff is primarily for on-road driving, and the vehicle is perfectly fine at going farther off-road than one will likely ever need. This video will show you how the Q8 outperformed nearly every one of its competitors off-road: ruclips.net/video/0H_UxhRXgec/видео.html quattro permanent all-wheel drive with self-locking center differential as standard: Front/rear power distribution of 40:60 as standard and optionally up to 70:30 or 15:85 Sport differential The sport differential provides for better driving dynamics, traction and stability. It actively distributes drive torque between the rear wheels, adding a self-locking center differential to the quattro drive. In addition to the features of a conventional differential, the sport differential integrates an internal gear and a multi-plate clutch with electro-hydraulic actuation on the left and right. The clutches are operated by the hydraulic control unit. An electric motor drives the high-performance oil pump, which generates the required hydraulic pressure. When the clutch closes, it steplessly forces the higher speed on the superposition gear for the relevant wheel. When it is forced to turn faster, the extra torque required for this is taken - via the differential - from the wheel across from it on the inside of the curve. In this way nearly all of the torque can be directed to one wheel. The sport differential can distribute the torque between the left and right wheels in all operating states, including in overrun. When turning into or accelerating in a curve, most of the torque is directed to the outside wheel - the vehicle is literally pushed into the curve and even the onset of understeer is eliminated. In case of oversteer, the sport differential stabilizes the vehicle by shifting torque to the wheel on the inside of the curve. In many models the sport differential is controlled by the electronic chassis platform. The software for the sport differential constantly computes the ideal distribution of torque at the rear axle for driving dynamics. This takes into account the steering angle, yaw rate, lateral acceleration and driving speed. Drivers can influence system characteristics by networking with Audi drive select. In some models, they can have the torque distribution displayed on the center display. The graphic depiction includes both the distribution of torque between the front and rear axles and the distribution between the wheels of the rear axle.
@@UnBoxedAutos Thank you for getting me so much info. As a lay person, a bunch of it is difficult to understand, the details so far beyond my more general questions, but I learned a lot, and am going to try to figure out the rest. I would ask for one main clarification, a second further down: First, in the 4th paragraph, a single line referencing the standard 40:60 front/rear split, optionally up to 70:30 or 15:85. Can you clarify that a bit more for me? Is that saying that in the Q8, the power is fixed at 40:60 between the front axel and rear axel, and does not vary, but if you go to the SQ8 you can get the optional Rear Sport Diff, which then allows in the SQ8 for the power to shift as needed between the front and rear axels to those degrees in either direction? Or is that optional capability in favor of front or rear found in both the Q8 and SQ8, and determined by the vehicle itself as it drives in varying circumstances? Thanks if you can clarify this one part especially. Second, as for other aspects of the info provided, it sounds like the optional rear Sport Diff available in the SQ8 is really just to enhance turning ability/control on dry roads, a good idea for such a powerful vehicle, and really doesn't do much if anything to address bad roads or bad weather slippage situations, other aspects of the cars deal with that, is that correct? Thanks.
Hey, I'm back. Had to put off my buying decision, but am now at it again, this time for the 2022 model year. Still love this video review, and understand there are only minimal, minor changes from 2021 to 2022. Am still considering either the Q8 or SQ8, but leaning strongly towards the SQ8. I'd get the Prestige, the air suspension, and the all wheel steering with either, basically fully loaded, and with the SQ8 I think I would also add the sports package. It sounds like that added rear sport ltd slip diff that comes with the sport package wouldn't hurt and might well help some on slippery, snowy winter roads, secondary and highways (Not so concerned about off roads, just bad weather conditions while on various roads, especially snow). Two quick questions:
One, if I add the sports package, does that added rear slip diff in any way change how much and when more or less power is sent to the front or rear axel, or does it only change how much of whatever power would already be going to the rear axel might be sent to the right or left wheel? (I would be hesitant to add the sport package if that added rear elsd somehow kept more power to the rear axel versus the front axel than it otherwise would without the rear elsd in slippery, snow wintery road conditions; I like that from the base starting point of a 40/60 front/rear power split, up to 70% of the power can go to the front axel, and up to 85% can go to the rear, as conditions dictate, and I would not want that to change because with the added sport elsd what power goes to the rear can also go to the right or left wheel)
And two, when I put it into Off Road, which I believe is how you get the Q8 and SQ8 to use the air suspension to raise up the extra max +2"s of height, can I still drive at whatever speed I wish in that setting, or is it like the GM 4WD suv's apparently are that if I want their max extra 2"'s I have to put it into 4WD Low which cannot be driven at high speeds, only very low ones? Thanks.
And a final comment: I learned a very positive thing about these Audi's since my earlier visit to your review. The Q8 and SQ8 with their adaptive air suspension, they both start at a standard height of 8.7"s and can go up to a max height of 10.7" (Apparently 9.7" in All Road, and 10.7" in Off Road), and that is fantastic. Ironically, the big full size GM truck framed suv's like the Yukons, they start at just 8" height standard and can only go up to a max of 10", the Audi's have more road clearance, awesome, and ironic. Also, related to my second question above, with any of those GM suv's, the only way to get that last inch of height, up to 10"s, is apparently by putting it into 4WD Low, and you cannot drive fast in 4WD Low, apparently since that locks everything up. I am hoping in the Audi's in the Off Road setting with that max 2" added, that you can drive at whatever speed is called for, slow or fast; it sounds like you can, but I wanted to ask).
4.3 seconds
Yes, you are correct.
Unfortunately a good review spoilt by an awful background noise, I bailed out at 8min !
0-60 low 4’s or high 3’s. I’ve seen 3.8.
Under perfect conditions, it will do 0-60 in 3.6 seconds - per Car & Driver testing. But I'd say around 4.0 to 4.2 on the street.
What’s the name of the color?
Navarro Blue
one kidney that's my bargain, is it enough?
Probably not
Excellent review. Thank you. I do have a few questions related to the Q8 and SQ8 in their suv roles instead of sport car roles. Obviously you don't take one of these "off roading", but being an suv I would like to know there is some flexibility to go off road to get to a destination, say a favored campsite or fishing spot. Even more importantly, how do they handle winter weather, whether highways or less well maintained back roads to get to ski areas, and to do so during the worst winter snow storms (Those are the best ski days after all). Could you provide more insight into how these two handle off road and severe winter weather driving, individually and compared to each other? And the 285/40/22 wheels concern me some, should I forego the black optics cosmetic packages that I love so much so as to get the 285/45/21 wheels instead, or will the difference there between the 45 and 40 sidewall figures be negligible and just go for the 40/22's and black optics look? Also, with the SQ8 I can option the Sport Package that includes Active Roll Stabilization and Sport Rear Differential, the later I assume means a limited slip differential, clearly those will help with summer driving, but with either or both features provide a noticeable improvement over the Q8 (apparently without them) in the off road and more important winter driving with snow and ice and slush and often rougher roads? Any additional input from you, or other posters here, on these specific issues would be very much appreciated. I am trying to decide between the loaded 2021 Q8 Prestige or loaded 2021 SQ8 Prestige. I'd prefer the better mpg of the Q8, but that perhaps shouldn't be my priority given that I want to use their full suv capabilities to the extent they have such anyway. Thanks again.
Hey Nathan,
I have a reply here from some folks over at Audi:
Regarding inclement weather, the differential can only benefit traction scenarios with the limited-slip diff, as it does force both rear drive wheels to move in the same direction without binding. The Sport diff is only on the rear, as you really don’t want a locking limited slip diff on the front end, as it could force a massively wide turning circle and binding. It’s something you might see on a 4WD Low setting on a hardcore off-roader because that’s all done at ultra-low-speeds, and the vehicles are often compromised for on-road duty. Generally speaking, that sort of feature is designed for more off-road-oriented vehicles at very low speeds.
However, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that the Q8/SQ8 is incredibly competent. It has Torsen center and rear differentials and rear bias. It can transfer massive amounts of its power front to rear or side to side in the rear. Its traction-management system can also brake individual wheels when needed in certain circumstances. Which is all to say the Sport diff is primarily for on-road driving, and the vehicle is perfectly fine at going farther off-road than one will likely ever need.
This video will show you how the Q8 outperformed nearly every one of its competitors off-road: ruclips.net/video/0H_UxhRXgec/видео.html
quattro permanent all-wheel drive with self-locking center differential as standard: Front/rear power distribution of 40:60 as standard and optionally up to 70:30 or 15:85
Sport differential
The sport differential provides for better driving dynamics, traction and stability. It actively distributes drive torque between the rear wheels, adding a self-locking center differential to the quattro drive.
In addition to the features of a conventional differential, the sport differential integrates an internal gear and a multi-plate clutch with electro-hydraulic actuation on the left and right. The clutches are operated by the hydraulic control unit. An electric motor drives the high-performance oil pump, which generates the required hydraulic pressure. When the clutch closes, it steplessly forces the higher speed on the superposition gear for the relevant wheel. When it is forced to turn faster, the extra torque required for this is taken - via the differential - from the wheel across from it on the inside of the curve. In this way nearly all of the torque can be directed to one wheel.
The sport differential can distribute the torque between the left and right wheels in all operating states, including in overrun. When turning into or accelerating in a curve, most of the torque is directed to the outside wheel - the vehicle is literally pushed into the curve and even the onset of understeer is eliminated. In case of oversteer, the sport differential stabilizes the vehicle by shifting torque to the wheel on the inside of the curve.
In many models the sport differential is controlled by the electronic chassis platform. The software for the sport differential constantly computes the ideal distribution of torque at the rear axle for driving dynamics. This takes into account the steering angle, yaw rate, lateral acceleration and driving speed. Drivers can influence system characteristics by networking with Audi drive select. In some models, they can have the torque distribution displayed on the center display. The graphic depiction includes both the distribution of torque between the front and rear axles and the distribution between the wheels of the rear axle.
@@UnBoxedAutos Thank you for getting me so much info. As a lay person, a bunch of it is difficult to understand, the details so far beyond my more general questions, but I learned a lot, and am going to try to figure out the rest. I would ask for one main clarification, a second further down: First, in the 4th paragraph, a single line referencing the standard 40:60 front/rear split, optionally up to 70:30 or 15:85. Can you clarify that a bit more for me? Is that saying that in the Q8, the power is fixed at 40:60 between the front axel and rear axel, and does not vary, but if you go to the SQ8 you can get the optional Rear Sport Diff, which then allows in the SQ8 for the power to shift as needed between the front and rear axels to those degrees in either direction? Or is that optional capability in favor of front or rear found in both the Q8 and SQ8, and determined by the vehicle itself as it drives in varying circumstances? Thanks if you can clarify this one part especially.
Second, as for other aspects of the info provided, it sounds like the optional rear Sport Diff available in the SQ8 is really just to enhance turning ability/control on dry roads, a good idea for such a powerful vehicle, and really doesn't do much if anything to address bad roads or bad weather slippage situations, other aspects of the cars deal with that, is that correct? Thanks.