Best S-Badged Audi SUVs: The Performance Sweet Spot

Audi is a German brand, known and beloved for its ability to produce a wide range of well-equipped and well-engineered cars, all with a premium touch that sets them apart from the crowd. In addition to these core models, Audi has also been producing performance cars for decades, including iconic models like the original Quattro, the awesomely powerful yet recently discontinued R8 supercar, and various RS monsters.

However, for many, these high-performance models are a tad too hardcore. For instance, the current 2025 Audi RS6 Avant churns out 621 horsepower, and costs from $126,600 – isn’t there a middle ground we could choose from?

As it happens, there is, and Audi dubs these models as its ‘S’ range. Sitting in between the core models and the flagship RS performance trims, Audi’s S cars are the perfect blend of performance and comfort. While a range of sedans and wagons are available in this spec, it’s Audi’s selection of sporty SUVs that this article focuses on. Read on to discover the best S-trim Audi SUV for your budget, as we cover specs, pricing and performance.

All specs and stats provided have been gathered from Audi directly, unless otherwise specified. Fuel economy is displayed as city/highway/combined, as per EPA-rated estimates.

1 2025 Audi SQ5

Kicking Audi’s S range of SUVs off is the SQ5, the smallest and cheapest offering in the lineup. Available only as a five-seater, the Q5 family is squarely aimed at smaller families and urban commuters, and while all models are well-equipped with impressive tech and smartly trimmed cabins, the SQ5 introduces a healthy dose of performance too.

Under the hood sits a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 349 horses to all four wheels. That’s enough power to see this fairly reserved and unassuming SUV power from 0 to 60 mph in under five seconds, and yet it will still return a combined average of 21 mpg. An all-new SQ5 is set to arrive in the USA in early 2025.

2 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback

In much earlier Audi models, the Sportback name was reserved for five-door variants of hatchbacks, such as with the A3 Sportback, which was simply known as the A3 in three-door trims. However, in Audi’s current linuep, and with the SQ5, Sportback instead denotes a sleeker, coupe-esque silhouette. When lined up side-by-side with the standard SQ5, it’s easy to notice the rakish roofline and lower-slung aesthetic of the Sportback model.

Motivation comes courtesy of the same turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, although the sharp and sleek exterior comes at a slight premium, with a starting MSRP of $61,800 for the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback.

3 2025 Audi SQ6 e-tron

Brands such as Tesla and Lucid have enjoyed much success with performance-orientated models in recent years, and so it only makes sense that premium brand Audi would want to join in on the fun. Typically, Audi has not pioneered the EV sector, although Audi’s focus on expanding its electric e-tron range has not gone unnoticed in recent years.

The SQ6 e-tron is the cheapest way into an electric S model for 2025, and it certainly boasts enough power to deserve that S designation. Dual electric motors work together to produce an impressive 509 horsepower, while also offering drivers up to 275 miles of EPA-rated range. Inside, twin dash-mounted screens take center stage – the first being a striking 14.5-inch MMI panoramic display, and the other a 10.9-inch infotainment passenger display.

4 2025 Audi SQ7

Audi’s first ever foray into the SUV world came in 2006, in the shape of the flagship Q7. Since then, the model has continued to push boundaries, selling as both a diesel V12-powered model in the ’00s, and now as a 500-horsepower SQ7.

Audi’s high-performance RS models often compromise comfort in the name of speed, but the S models walk a fine line between luxury and sporty flavor.

– Jared Rosenholtz, CarBuzz

In order to propel all 5,291 lbs of this SUV at an appropriate pace for an S model, a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine is utilized. Furthermore, it also fits the bill as the perfect family car, thanks to three rows of seats inside. To make loading easier, the power tailgate can be opened hands free, and the third row can be dropped by simply pulling a latch in the trunk. Doing so expands the cargo capacity from 14.2 cubic feet to 35.7 cubic feet. For bigger shopping trips, drop the second row down also, in order to gift yourself a maximum of 69.6 cubic feet.

5 2025 Audi SQ8

The SQ8 can be considered the SQ7’s sleeker, two-row brother, with a distinctly sportier aesthetic too. It may look more athletic, but the SQ8 is still powered by the same twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. That’s no bad thing, either, as with 500 horsepower it more than shifts – any more power, and it would be stepping into the RS Q8’s territory.

Nudging close to $100,000, at $97,600 before options, the SQ8 is hardly what you would consider a bargain – not at face value, at least. However, when you take into account that it’s $28,200 cheaper than the RS counterpart, and competitively priced against segment rivals such as BMW’s X6, it does start to make quite a compelling argument.

6 2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron

Perhaps appealing to a more grown-up audience, the 2024 SQ8 e-tron looks somewhat more subdued, and a whole lot less angry than the gas-powered SQ8. That’s not to suggest that it’s a slouch, not by any means. The electric powertrain here boasts three motors, one more than the SQ6 e-tron, although interestingly enough, 10 fewer horsepower.

Performance figures to one side, the SQ8 e-tron offers a respectable 242 miles of range. While that’s not enough to take on the likes of Tesla and Lucid, it’s ample for most folks’ daily commute, and therefore stands as a solid alternative for those that prefer German quality and the premium package that Audi offers. On the practicality front, there is 29 cubic feet of space to be found in the trunk of an SQ8 e-tron, which can swell to 56 cubic feet with the second-row dropped flat. For extra storage points, Audi squeezes in an extra two cubic feet of space in the frunk.

7 2024 Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron

As is to be expected, the SQ8 e-tron Sportback neither boasts nor suffers from any more or less output than the standard SQ8 e-tron, being powered by the same 496-horsepower tri-motor setup. For the gearhead owner, that equates to a 4.2-second 0 to 60 mph time, and a top speed of 130 mph.

Much the same as what’s seen with the SQ5’s pricing structure, the sleek and rakish rear of the Sportback commands a small premium – $2,800 to be exact. This does eat slightly into rear occupant space, and cargo capacity, but the SQ8 e-tron Sportback is still not what you would consider cramped. For a great mix of style, performance and impressive tech, the SQ8 e-tron Sportback is one of the best Audi SUVs out there.

Sources: Audi