2023 Audi SQ8 Interior and Cargo

As expected, the SQ8 is laden with only the most premium materials. The base trim - if you can call it that - comes with Valcona leather upholstery as standard. These perforated and diamond-stitched seats can be had in Arras Red with Rock Gray stitching, Black with Rock Gray stitching, or Rotor Gray with Rock Gray stitching. The soft-touch materials make it an ultra-luxurious environment as well, with both models sporting a leather upper dashboard and the Prestige boasting an extended leather package. Adding to the decadent feel are inlays in Carbon Vector, with high-gloss Gray Oak wood a no-cost option.

A testament to its practicality, the Audi SQ8 offers 30.5 cubes behind the second row. This is considerably more than the Cayenne GTS Coupe's 21.1 cubes, making it the more practical of the two. It's also got a bigger trunk in comparison to the X6 that offers around 27.4 cubic feet. The rear of the SQ8 will accommodate a small family's holiday luggage with ease and this makes it the perfect mode of transportation for those who regularly head to the airport for leisure travel. If you need to accommodate larger items, the second row folds flat to allow for a total of 60.7 cubes.

In-cabin storage is not especially generous for a vehicle of this size, but you do get large door pockets and a bin in the center console. As usual, there are dual cupholders alongside the shift lever, along with two more integrated into the fold-down center rear armrest.

Audi was very generous with the standard features on the base model in the Audi SQ8 lineup. A power tailgate, four-zone climate control, and a tilt and telescopic multifunction steering wheel are included at entry-level along with ambient LED interior lighting and multi-way power-adjustable front seats with heating. The safety features include Audi pre-sense front, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a top-view camera. Audi side assist with rear cross-traffic assist round off the list for the base model. The Prestige adds extended leather bits along with ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and extra safety gear in the form of traffic-sign recognition and a head-up display.

The tech setup in the SQ8 models is excellent. It's simply laid out and boasts all the necessary features that you could want from a modern SUV. The dual-screen system is made up of a 10.1-inch upper screen that can be operated via touch or the use of a physical dial in the center console. Audi's Virtual Cockpit is also standard on both models and uses a 12.3-inch display, while below the center touchscreen, there is yet another 8.6-inch touchscreen. There are a ton of haptic surfaces throughout the cabin that allow for the accurate control of the infotainment system. That said, there are times when one wishes for a simple physical button when accessing certain features on the move. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are enabled by the 10.1-inch screen along with a Google Maps navigation system, Bluetooth streaming, and HD Radio. A 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system is standard on both trims, but on the Prestige, an optional 23-speaker setup is available with a 1,920-watt kick for $5,000.