How Much is the Audi SQ8? A Complete Price Guide
Are you dreaming about owning an Audi SQ8? I was too, until I finally decided to research the real costs of this luxury SUV. The Audi SQ8 is a high-performance version of the regular Q8, with more power and fancy features. But how much do you need to spend to get one? In this post, I’ll break down all the costs of buying and owning an SQ8, from the base price to extras, and even how much you might pay each month.
Base Price and Trim Levels
The Audi SQ8 isn’t cheap – but you get what you pay for. Let’s look at what you can expect to spend on this performance SUV.
Starting MSRP
The 2025 Audi SQ8 starts at $96,800 for the base Premium Plus trim. This is just the beginning price before you add any extras or packages. The higher Prestige trim level starts at $104,500. These prices are before tax, title, license, and dealer fees, which can add several thousand dollars more.
Premium Plus vs. Prestige Trim
The Premium Plus is the “base” SQ8, but it still comes packed with lots of luxury features. The Prestige trim adds even more fancy stuff like better headlights, more safety tech, and nicer interior materials.
Extra Costs and Options
One thing to know about luxury cars like the Audi SQ8 is that the starting price is just that – a start. Most buyers add options that can raise the price quite a bit.
Popular Option Packages
The Sport Package costs around $5,900 and adds special wheels, sport seats, and red brake calipers. The Luxury Package runs about $3,200 and includes fancier leather and comfort features. The Black Optic Package, priced at $2,500, gives your SQ8 a more aggressive look with black trim and special wheels.
Individual Options
You can also pick and choose single options. Special paint colors cost between $595 and $1,500. Upgraded wheels range from $1,200 to $2,500. The Bang & Olufsen sound system is about $5,000 if it’s not already included in your trim. Rear seat entertainment systems add another $2,000.
Regional Price Differences
What you pay for an SQ8 can change depending on where you live in the country.
State Taxes and Fees
Some states have higher taxes on luxury vehicles. In places like California, you might pay up to 10% in sales tax on your SQ8, adding nearly $10,000 to the price! Other states like New Hampshire have no sales tax at all. Registration fees also vary widely – from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000 in some states.
Dealer Markup and Availability
When demand is high and supply is low, dealers sometimes add “market adjustments” to the price. During 2024-2025, some SQ8 models have seen markups of $5,000 to $15,000 above MSRP in popular areas. Rural dealers might offer better deals than city dealers where demand is higher.
Ownership Costs
The price tag is just the beginning – owning an SQ8 costs money too.
Insurance
Insurance for an Audi SQ8 is not cheap. Most owners report paying between $2,000 and $3,500 per year, depending on their driving record, location, and coverage levels. That’s about $170-290 per month just for insurance!
Maintenance
Audi provides free scheduled maintenance for the first year or 10,000 miles. After that, expect to pay about $1,200-1,800 for each major service. Oil changes alone run about $200-300. The 4-year/50,000-mile warranty helps, but once that ends, repairs can get expensive.
Financing and Leasing Options
Most people don’t pay cash for an SQ8. Here’s what financing or leasing might look like.
Typical Loan Terms
With good credit, you might qualify for interest rates between 4.5% and 7% on a new SQ8. On a $100,000 SQ8 with 10% down and a 60-month loan at 5.5% interest, your monthly payment would be around $1,700.
Leasing Costs
Leasing is popular with luxury cars. Current lease offers on the SQ8 run about $1,100-1,500 per month with $5,000-7,000 due at signing on a 36-month lease. This can be cheaper monthly than buying, but you won’t own the car at the end.
Price Comparison Table
| Feature | 2025 SQ8 Premium Plus | 2025 SQ8 Prestige | Competitor BMW X6 M50i | Competitor Porsche Cayenne GTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base MSRP | $96,800 | $104,500 | $93,600 | $118,100 |
| Horsepower | 500 hp | 500 hp | 523 hp | 453 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 4.1 sec | 4.1 sec | 4.0 sec | 4.2 sec |
| Fuel Economy | 17 mpg combined | 17 mpg combined | 18 mpg combined | 17 mpg combined |
| Warranty | 4yr/50k miles | 4yr/50k miles | 4yr/50k miles | 4yr/50k miles |
| Cargo Space | 30.5 cu ft | 30.5 cu ft | 27.4 cu ft | 27.1 cu ft |
| Popular Options | +$5,900-15,000 | +$3,000-10,000 | +$6,200-18,000 | +$10,000-25,000 |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $115,000 | $123,000 | $112,000 | $140,000 |
Used SQ8 Pricing
If a new SQ8 is too expensive, maybe a used one makes more sense.
Model Year Price Differences
A one-year-old SQ8 (2024 model) typically sells for about $85,000-92,000, saving you around 10-15% off new. Two to three-year-old models (2022-2023) generally range from $75,000-85,000. The savings get bigger as the car gets older, but so do the potential repair costs.
Certified Pre-Owned Options
Audi’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program adds about $2,000-3,000 to a used SQ8’s price but extends the warranty. This can be a good middle ground between new and used, giving you some peace of mind with your purchase.
When to Buy for the Best Deal
Timing your purchase can save you thousands on an SQ8.
Seasonal Trends
December typically offers the best deals as dealers try to meet year-end goals. The end of any month can be good too. Avoid spring and early summer when demand is highest and prices tend to be less flexible.
Model Year Changeovers
When new model years arrive (usually late summer/early fall), dealers offer better deals on the outgoing model year. If you don’t need the newest updates, shopping during this transition can save you 5-8%.
FAQ About Audi SQ8 Pricing
Is the Audi SQ8 worth the high price tag?
If you value performance, luxury, and brand prestige, many owners say yes. The SQ8 offers a balance of sporty handling and practical utility that few other vehicles can match. However, if you just want a nice SUV without the sport features, the regular Q8 saves you about $20,000.
How much extra should I budget for options?
Most SQ8 buyers add between $5,000 and $15,000 in options. The average out-the-door price ends up being about $110,000-115,000 for most buyers.
Can I negotiate the price of an SQ8?
Yes, but your success depends on supply and demand. When inventory is low, dealers have less reason to discount. Currently, most buyers report negotiating 2-4% off MSRP, which can save you $2,000-4,000.
How does the SQ8 compare price-wise to its competitors?
The SQ8 is priced similarly to the BMW X6 M50i, a bit less than the Porsche Cayenne GTS, and more than the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53. Its mix of features and performance makes it competitive in its price range.
Do Audi SQ8s hold their value?
The SQ8 holds its value better than average for luxury vehicles. After three years, expect it to retain about 60-65% of its original value, which is good for this segment. This helps if you plan to sell or trade it in down the road.
In closing, the Audi SQ8 is definitely an expensive vehicle, starting at nearly $97,000 and easily crossing the $110,000 mark with options. But for what you get – a 500-horsepower luxury SUV with amazing handling and tons of tech – many buyers find it worth the price. Just be sure to budget not just for the purchase but also for the ongoing costs of ownership like insurance, maintenance, and fuel.
