Audi Monterey Peninsula review

2026 Audi SQ8

Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a New 2026 Audi SQ8 near Monterey, CA

If you are shopping near Monterey, CA, for a high-performance luxury SUV that delivers both the emotional thrill of a V8 and the polish of cutting-edge technology, the 2026 Audi SQ8 belongs at the top of your list. With 500 HP from a 4.0-liter biturbo V8, signature S design cues, and an interior tailored for modern life, this SUV feels equally at home cruising from Pebble Beach to Carmel-by-the-Sea as it does carving a back road. Our team at Audi Monterey Peninsula is here to help you understand the highlights, options, and practical considerations so you can choose confidently and enjoy every mile.

2026 Audi SQ8 Overview

The 2026 Audi SQ8 is a commanding, design-forward performance SUV built around a 4.0-liter biturbo V8 delivering up to 500 HP and 568 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed Tiptronic® transmission helps channel that power with smooth authority, while available all-wheel steering sharpens low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability. The chassis is engineered for balance and comfort thanks to sport adaptive air suspension, and the available S sport package adds red brake calipers, a sport rear differential, and active roll stabilization for exceptional handling. Design touches, including Signature S exterior elements, available Black optic package, HD Matrix-design LED headlights with available Audi laser light, and available 23-inch wheels, give the SQ8 unmistakable presence.

Inside, Audi virtual cockpit plus and MMI® touch response put essential information and controls where you want them, while available Bang & Olufsen® Advanced sound with 3D sound elevates every note. Driver assistance tech, such as available Remote park assist plus, Top view camera system with Virtual 360 view, Adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance, and available Night vision assist, helps support confidence. If you are considering the 2026 Audi SQ8 near Monterey, CA, the blend of athletic performance, design sophistication, and advanced technology makes this SUV a compelling choice for daily driving and weekend escapes alike.

5 Key Reasons the 2025 Audi SQ8 Stands Out near Monterey, CA

Commanding performance: A 4.0-liter biturbo V8 serves up 500 HP and 568 lb-ft of torque with an 8-speed Tiptronic® transmission for effortless acceleration and refined cruising.
Agility and comfort: Sport adaptive air suspension and available all-wheel steering deliver crisp response in town with composed confidence on the highway.
Signature S design: Quad exhaust tips, alu-optic mirror housings, and a bold Singleframe® grille underscore the SQ8 identity, with available Black optic package and 23-inch wheels for added drama.
Immersive technology: Audi virtual cockpit plus, MMI® touch response, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and available Bang & Olufsen® Advanced sound bring seamless connectivity and rich audio.
Driver assistance depth: Available Remote park assist plus, Top view camera system with Virtual 360 view, Adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance, and available Night vision assist help support everyday peace of mind.

Put simply, the 2026 Audi SQ8 blends a thunderous powertrain with a carefully tuned chassis, intelligent interfaces, and sophisticated design, creating a performance SUV that’s as rewarding to drive as it is to live with every day.

Key Features of the 2025 Audi SQ8

4.0-liter biturbo V8 with 8-speed Tiptronic®

At the heart of the SQ8 is its formidable 4.0-liter biturbo V8, delivering up to 500 HP and 568 lb-ft of torque. This engine produces confident thrust across the rev range, while the 8-speed Tiptronic® transmission delivers crisp, well-timed shifts that keep the power on tap and the cabin serene. Launch performance is emphatic—0 to 60 mph in a manufacturer-estimated 4.0 seconds—yet the refinement you feel at a steady cruise is equally impressive. Whether you are merging onto Highway 1 or tackling hilly terrain, the powertrain is tuned for both responsiveness and smoothness, so the SQ8 feels in its element wherever you point it.

Sport adaptive air suspension

Continuously adapting to road conditions, the sport adaptive air suspension elevates both control and comfort. The system automatically adjusts damping and ride height to optimize dynamics, reduce body motion, and flatten out rough pavement. The result is that rare combination of precision and plushness—enabling confident, composed handling on twisty roads without compromising daily ride quality. Pair it with the available S sport package—adding the sport rear differential and active roll stabilization—and the SQ8’s chassis delivers remarkable poise, helping reduce body lean and enhancing rotation through corners while maintaining high-speed stability.

All-wheel steering

Available all-wheel steering builds agility and stability into every drive. At parking lot speeds, the rear wheels turn slightly in the opposite direction of the fronts to reduce the turning radius, making tight maneuvers feel more natural. At higher speeds, the rears turn in phase with the fronts to help stabilize lane changes and fast sweepers. The net effect is a big SUV that shrinks around you when space is tight, then stretches its legs with reassuring steadiness on the open road. If you regularly navigate crowded garages or narrow coastal lanes, all-wheel steering is a standout addition to the 2026 Audi SQ8.

Audi virtual cockpit plus and MMI® touch response

The 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus places key driving data directly in your field of view with crisp, customizable HD graphics, including a dedicated S performance display. The driver-centric MMI® touch response system complements it with intuitive haptic feedback and a secondary touchscreen for climate controls and handwriting recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ bring your apps, maps, playlists, and messages onboard without cords, while thoughtful menu layouts help minimize distractions. The interface feels modern, immediate, and tailored—making it easy to keep your attention on the road while staying connected to your digital life.

Bang & Olufsen® Advanced sound and connected services

For audiophiles, the available 1,920-watt Bang & Olufsen® Advanced sound system with 3D sound is a must. Twenty-three speakers—strategically positioned with retractable acoustic lens tweeters—create an enveloping stage that turns every drive into an event. Add Audi connect CARE® with remote start for integrated convenience and security features designed to lend peace of mind. Together, these technologies deliver an upscale in-cabin experience that is both expressive and effortless, allowing you to curate the soundtrack and comfort of your drive with a level of control and fidelity that stands out in the segment.

5 Buying Considerations Before You Choose Your Audi SQ8

Performance priorities: If you value quick acceleration, confident passing power, and a composed ride, the SQ8’s biturbo V8 and sport adaptive air suspension deliver a standout balance of speed and civility.
Parking and maneuverability: Available all-wheel steering meaningfully eases tight turns and garage maneuvers; it is a smart choice if you frequently park in compact spaces.
Lighting and visibility: The available HD Matrix-design LED headlights with Audi laser light enhance nighttime visibility, helpful for rural or coastal drives with limited street lighting.
Audio and infotainment: If immersive sound and seamless smartphone integration are must-haves, consider the available Bang & Olufsen® Advanced sound and take advantage of wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.
Assistance technologies: Features like Adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance, Top view camera system with Virtual 360 view, and available Remote park assist plus can support everyday convenience and confidence.

Choosing options that reflect your driving environment and daily routine is the best way to tailor the 2026 Audi SQ8 to your life. Consider where you drive most, how you park, and which tech you will use every day—then select the packages that pay dividends on every trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What powers the 2026 Audi SQ8 and how quick is it?

The 2026 Audi SQ8 is powered by a 4.0-liter biturbo V8 producing up to 500 HP and 568 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic® transmission. Audi estimates 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds, delivering immediate punch off the line and strong, sustained acceleration for passing.

How does available all-wheel steering change the driving experience?

All-wheel steering turns the rear wheels slightly opposite the fronts at low speeds to tighten the turning radius for easier parking and U-turns. At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in phase with the fronts for enhanced stability during lane changes and sweeping curves, adding agility where you want it and calm where you need it.

Which lighting technologies are available?

HD Matrix-design LED headlights provide precise, modern illumination, while available Audi laser light projects a strong beam to help illuminate the way ahead. The result is confident visibility that complements the SQ8’s athletic stance and S-specific exterior details.

What driver assistance features stand out?

Available Remote park assist plus can automatically maneuver in and out of perpendicular or parallel spaces via the myAudi app, while the Top view camera system with Virtual 360 view helps with precise positioning. Adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance supports smoother highway driving, and available Night vision assist can highlight people and larger animals ahead.

Step-by-Step Tips for Test Driving the 2025 Audi SQ8

Start with the interface: Set up wireless Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™, explore Audi virtual cockpit plus views, and test the MMI® touch response haptics to see how the system fits your routine.
Sample tight spaces: Find a compact lot to experience available all-wheel steering and, if equipped, try Remote park assist plus to appreciate its precision and convenience.
Vary the roads: Drive city streets, a winding section, and highway to feel the breadth of the sport adaptive air suspension and the V8’s effortless torque.
Evaluate visibility: If available, test the HD Matrix-design LED headlights and Audi laser light after dusk to gauge clarity and reach.
Listen critically: Cue up familiar tracks to evaluate the available Bang & Olufsen® Advanced 3D sound and confirm it meets your expectations.
Check cargo and comfort: Sit in all seating positions, explore cabin storage, and verify that seating support and ergonomics suit longer drives.

A thoughtful test drive should mirror how you plan to live with your SUV—connect your phone, park in a real-world space, drive your typical mix of roads, and listen the way you would on a commute or weekend getaway. This approach reveals how seamlessly the SQ8 fits your daily life.

Why Buy from Audi Bakersfield near Monterey, CA?

Local expertise: Our product specialists know the 2026 Audi SQ8 inside and out and can help you tailor performance, tech, and design packages to your needs.
Convenience and care: From streamlined appointments to Audi-certified service, our team supports you long after delivery with genuine parts and expert technicians.
Flexible options: We offer a range of lease and finance solutions to align with your timeline and driving goals.
Thoughtful test drives: We encourage routes that highlight the SQ8’s strengths—tight urban turns, scenic highways, and coastal roads—so you feel its full capability.
Community focus: As your Central Coast Audi Center, we are committed to attentive, personalized service every step of the way.

We built our process around you—clear communication, knowledgeable guidance, and experiences that help you evaluate the 2026 Audi SQ8 on your terms. Audi Monterey Peninsula is ready to support you at every stage.

Next Steps

Define your priorities: Decide which performance, design, audio, and driver assistance features matter most to you.
Explore packages: Consider the available S sport package, Black optic package, Luxury package, and lighting options to match your taste and driving environment.
Schedule a test drive: Book a time that lets you experience city, coastal, and highway driving in one session.
Bring the essentials: Have your driver’s license, insurance, and a favored playlist to test connectivity and audio.
Plan your timeline: Discuss build, delivery, and any upcoming trips so we can align your SQ8 with your schedule.

Our team will help you map out the process and tailor the experience to your needs. When you are ready to take the next step with a 2026 Audi SQ8 near Monterey, CA, we will make it smooth and straightforward.

Request More Info About the 2025 Audi SQ8 near Monterey, CA

If you are ready to learn more, our team at Audi Monterey Peninsula is here to help you compare configurations, walk through option packages, and arrange a test drive that highlights the strengths you care about most. We will showcase the 4.0-liter biturbo V8’s confident performance, the composure of sport adaptive air suspension, the everyday agility of available all-wheel steering, and the clarity of Audi virtual cockpit plus and MMI® touch response. From the drama of Signature S design and available Black optic package to the enveloping sound of available Bang & Olufsen® Advanced 3D audio, the 2026 Audi SQ8 delivers a rewarding experience at every touchpoint. Reach out to our team, and we will guide you through the details, answer your questions, and help you select the right build for your driving life.