However, between the digital instrument cluster and the two touchscreens, the cabin can feel a bit overwhelming if you already spend too much time staring at screens.

Inside, the SQ8 is modern and techy with flat, glossy surfaces everywhere you look. Comfort mode also makes the steering feel more natural. The electronically controlled chassis aids allow you to switch off the intensity at any time, at which point the SQ8 becomes a pleasantly mild-mannered cruiser, taking bumps and potholes in stride. LOWS: Sticky steering in Dynamic mode, thirsty V-8, longish braking distance. What's not to like? The 173-foot stop from 70 mph stretches a bit longer than we'd like, and in Dynamic mode, it feels like the steering wheel resists your efforts to wind or unwind lock as if the rack is filled with Krazy Glue. It simply always feels quick-in corners, on straights, and even when parked. With front- and rear-end grip neatly in sync, the SQ8 feels neither obstinate nor unstable. The SQ8 never pushes like the nose-heavy SUV that it is, nor does it ever hesitate to turn in. Summer tires are available as a no-cost option once you spring for the $1000 22-inch wheels, but we never wanted for more grip. The SQ8 looped the skidpad with an admirable 0.92 g of lateral grip on the standard 21-inch wheels with Hankook Dynapro HP2 Plus all-season tires. By splitting the torque distribution between the right and left rear wheels unevenly, the trick diff can make this 5469-pound ute turn in like a lithe and balanced sports car. The electric motors in the middles of the anti-roll bars hold the body flat in corners. All that electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical wizardry is handling black magic. If you splurge on the $5900 Sport package that's only available on the uplevel $95,495 Prestige trim (and you probably should), Audi also includes active anti-roll bars and a torque-vectoring rear differential. The SQ8's chassis is fortified with standard air springs, adaptive dampers, and rear-wheel steering. HIGHS: Lambo-like experience for Audi money, sports-sedan agility, flies under the radar.

Audi s8 city car driving 1.4.1