Compare two new cars by price, estimated monthly payment, fuel economy, and other specifications. Data comes from the CarPayCheck.com catalog and uses your selected financing terms.
| RS Q8 | SQ8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Audi | Audi |
| Starting price | — | — |
| Monthly payment | — | — |
| Fuel type | Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 16.0 mpg | 16.0 mpg |
| CO₂ emissions | 547 g/mi | 541 g/mi |
| Annual maintenance cost | — | — |
The RS Q8 was introduced as a 2020 model (no 2019 model exists), and the 2020-2021 variants with the 4.0T V8 are covered by NHTSA recall 21V244 for a fuel rail fitting that can loosen and leak fuel, creating a fire risk. Symptoms include a gasoline smell or visible fuel puddle. The recall repair is free; independent out-of-pocket repair is about $1,150 including parts and labor.
The RS Q8's rear driveline can develop excess backlash or dry splines, producing a loud metallic clunk or pop when shifting from Park to Reverse/Drive or under low-speed throttle changes. It can cause premature wear of driveshaft or differential flanges if ignored. Greasing the splines under a TSB typically costs around $300; if flange/driveshaft replacement is needed, expect $1,200 to $2,500.
The air suspension struts and compressor can leak from rubber bellows or O-rings, causing the vehicle to sit lower after sitting and the compressor to run constantly with a 'Suspension: Malfunction' message. If left unrepaired, the compressor can overheat and fail, leaving the car stuck on its bump stops. Replacing a strut is about $2,150 and compressor replacement is around $1,100 to $2,000, with full four-corner replacement exceeding $5,000.
The 48V battery or belt-driven starter/generator can fail, triggering a 'Start/Stop system unavailable' warning, check engine light with code P0A16, or loss of electrical power assistance and possible engine stall/limp mode. Replacing the BSG is about $2,150 including labor; the 48V lithium battery itself is $2,500 to $4,000 in parts. Ignoring it can leave the vehicle shut down while driving.
The MIB 3 infotainment system can freeze, go black, or reboot randomly while driving, and may drop Bluetooth/navigation or prevent the rear-view camera from engaging. Audi's software updates can reduce the problem but do not always fix hardware faults. A software update costs about $250 at an indie shop, while replacing the MMI control unit is $1,200 to $2,500.
The 4.0T V8's PCV/oil separator can fail, causing blue/white exhaust smoke, low oil pressure warnings, and oil consumption around one liter every 750 miles. If ignored, fouled spark plugs and severe carbon buildup can lead to expensive engine damage. Replacing the PCV/oil separator and valve cover assemblies is about $1,150; a damaged engine may require an $8,000 to $15,000 rebuild.
Yes, a 2021 recall (NHTSA 21V247000) addresses a high-pressure fuel pump leak that may cause a fire. Owners should contact an Audi dealer for a free repair, as the union nut can loosen and leak fuel into the engine bay. Visual or smell cues include a strong fuel odor or visible fuel puddle, with no warning light before failure.
Air suspension compressor and strut failures are common on 2019–2023 SQ8s, especially in humid conditions. Symptoms include the vehicle lowering to bump stops, a continuous-running compressor, and an 'Air Suspension Malfunction' warning. Compressor replacement costs $1,800–$2,800, while each strut runs $1,200–$2,000; full system repairs often exceed $4,000.
The 4.0L twin-turbo V8 in 2019–2024 SQ8s can suffer PCV diaphragm failure, causing rough idle, blue smoke, oil consumption, and a whistling noise. The camshaft adjuster bolts may also strip, leading to timing chain rattle and potential bent valves. PCV replacement costs $800–$1,500, but camshaft adjuster repairs range $4,000–$8,000.
The 48V mild-hybrid system's belt starter generator often fails on 2019–2024 SQ8s, showing warnings like 'Start/Stop System Unavailable' or '12V Battery Low'. In severe cases, the engine may stall while driving, causing a sudden loss of power steering and brake boost. Replacement typically costs $2,200–$3,800 at an independent shop, or over $4,500 at a dealership.
The 10.1-inch touchscreen in 2020–2023 SQ8s can delaminate, showing bubbles or cracks, and the MIB3 unit may freeze or black-screen, leaving climate controls inaccessible. Owners report unresponsive touches and audio cutouts, with full screen failure possible. Replacing the display costs $2,000–$3,500, and the main unit adds $1,500–$2,500.
Audi RS Q8 and Audi SQ8 suit different driving needs. The main differences below cover price, monthly payment, fuel economy, and running costs.
The models use different powertrains: RS Q8 — Hybrid; SQ8 — Gasoline. The better choice depends on your daily route and access to charging.
The final choice is about more than numbers: annual distance, city or highway use, and the space your household needs all matter. Use the CarPayCheck.com calculator to apply your financing terms and evaluate both cars in your situation.
Want to compare other models? Return to the full catalog or calculate financing using your own terms.
