2019 Audi Q8

Audi SQ7 and SQ8 (2025) Price & Specs

The facelifted Audi SQ7 and SQ8 will soon launch in South Africa, each switching from a V8 turbodiesel engine to a twin-turbo V8 petrol motor. Here’s what they cost…

The facelifted Audi SQ7 and SQ8 are just about to hit the market in South Africa. The big news? The old V8 TDI engine has made way for the Volkswagen Group’s familiar twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 petrol motor.

In addition, both the SQ7 and SQ8 are now available locally in Black Edition guise, which adds the Ingolstadt-based automaker’s Black Styling Package Plus along with black side-mirror caps, a black grille surround and privacy glazing for the rear windows.

So, how much do these updated derivatives cost? Well, the Audi SQ7 TFSI kicks off at R2 540 500, while specifying this variant in Black Edition form adds R34 000 to the price (taking it to R2 574 500). Meanwhile, the Audi SQ8 TFSI starts at R2 640 500, with the Black Edition version coming in from R2 675 500 (R35 000 up).

As a reminder, the 4.0-litre turbodiesel unit employed by the pre-facelift SQ7 and SQ8 offered peak outputs of 310 kW and 900 Nm. The TFSI-badged V8 petrol engine in the refreshed derivatives, meanwhile, sends 373 kW and 770 Nm to all 4 wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.

How much do the Audi SQ7 and SQ8 cost in SA?

Audi SQ7 TFSI – R2 540 500

Audi SQ7 TFSI Black Edition – R2 574 500

Audi SQ8 TFSI – R2 640 500

Audi SQ8 TFSI Black Edition – R2 675 500

The prices above include Audi’s 1-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

 
Audi Q7 & Q8 (2025) Launch Review

How much does Audi Q7 and SQ7 cost in South Africa?

Q7 55 TFSI quattro Tiptronic Platinum Edition R1 958 000
Q7 55 TFSI quattro Tiptronic Black Edition R1 987 900
SQ7 TFSI quattro Tiptronic R2 540 500
SQ7 TFSI quattro Tiptronic Black Edition R2 574 500

Prices (March 2025) include a 5-year/100 000 km Audi Freeway (service and maintenance) Plan.

How much does Audi Q8, SQ8 and RSQ8 cost in South Africa?

Audi Q8 45TDI quattro Platinum Edition R1 968 700
Audi Q8 45TDI quattro Black Edition R2 011 700
Audi Q8 55TFSI quattro Platinum Edition R2 015 400
Audi Q8 55TFSI quattro Black Edition R2 058 400
Audi SQ8 TFSI quattro R2 640 500
Audi SQ8 TFSI quattro Black Edition R2 675 500
Audi RSQ8 quattro Performance R3 266 100

Prices (March 2025) include a 5-year/100 000 km Audi Freeway (service and maintenance) Plan.

Summary

Before I forget, a more economical turbodiesel iteration of the Q7 is due to be released later this year… This 45 TDI model will certainly be the more sensible option and, with 183 kW and 600 Nm, it will hardly be a slouch. In truth, no matter which Premium SUV-flavoured Q model you settle on, you’ll encounter a Teutonic large luxury car rich in atmosphere with an engaging driving experience to match.

 
Audi Q8 55 TFSI S-Line turns heads

Again, this may just be unique to the press car I had on test – the air suspension couldn't be lowered or raised from the buttons located in the boot, although the automatic scrolling parcel shelf and electrically deployable tow-bar worked just fine.

Another issue I had is really just down to personal preference. The interior is quiet. You won't hear any road or wind noise. Which is what I didn't enjoy. If I'm driving a 3.0l V6 (and a 4.0l V8 in the case of the SQ8 and RSQ8), I want to hear that engine roar on start-up and hear the exhaust howling behind me as I launch forward. Even with the windows down in an underground parking garage, no such aural pleasure was forthcoming.

So while the Audi Q8 55 TFSI S-Line is a looker, with the go to match the show, it's just a bridge too far to live with its quality issues. Not for over two bar.

 
Audi Q8 45TDI (2025) Review – Can diesel still cut it in an electric world?

Fast Facts
Model: Audi Q8 45TDI quattro Black Edition
Price: R2 284 000 (incl. options)
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel
Power/Torque: 183 kW/600 Nm
Transmission: 8-speed tiptronic
Claimed 0-100 km/h: 7 seconds
Claimed Fuel Consumption: 7.8 L/100 km
Luggage Capacity: 605 litres

Audi Price and After-sales Support

The Audi Q8 45TDI quattro Black Edition is listed at R2 011 700 (August 2025). That is quite steep as is, but when you add R272 300 worth of optional extras, the final price – R2 284 000 – is astronomical.

When you compare the Q8 with its BMW X6 xDrive30d M Sport and Mercedes-Benz GLE450d coupe 4Matic AMG Line rivals, it becomes clear the Q8 is an expensive proposition and not the default choice.

Compare specs of Audi Q8 45TDI quattro Black Edition with those of its BMW and Mercedes-Benz rivals

The Q8 comes with a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan and a 1-year/unlimited km warranty.

Verdict

This Audi Q8 is easily one of the most enjoyable vehicles we’ve driven all year. The potent and efficient diesel engine is a triumph that proves the oil-burner is not yet a relic of the past, and the car’s well-built, user-friendly interior makes it a joy to use daily. The unique Sakhir Gold Metallic colour is a definite conversation starter, and the car as a whole is a true luxury SUV with a dynamic character and genuine practicality. The only real issue, and it’s a significant one, is the astronomical price tag. If you can justify the cost, you’re getting a well-rounded, well-engineered, and deeply satisfying vehicle.


1756713160785.png

1756713177487.png

1756713191600.png

1756713203566.png
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X