Overview
With the SQ7, Audi brings its trademark style and sophistication to a high-performance SUV. Its twin-turbo V8 engine generates 500 hp, accelerating to 60 mph in well under five seconds, and capable of towing 7,700 lbs when properly equipped. The driver can adjust the air suspension on the fly to conquer four-season weather conditions. Inside the three-row cabin, there is seating for seven, though the rearmost row is too small for adults. The SQ7 has the same beautiful materials and attention to detail you'd find in Audi's fanciest sedans, with several interactive screens and a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system. It's expensive, but the Audi SQ7 delivers a sporty driving experience and tons of luxury in a versatile vehicle ready to take on all roads.
Positives
Fun-to-drive with power and agility; Sophisticated and elegant interior; Comprehensive standard features list; Remains quiet and comfortable at speed
Considerations
High starting price spirals with options; Snug third-row seat is best for kids; Small cargo area with seats in place
Verdict
At first glance, the Audi SQ7 looks identical to the more common Q7 luxury SUV. But beneath its sheet metal, the SQ7 has the soul of a sports car, with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 500 hp. Matching its quick acceleration is the grip of standard all-wheel-drive and advanced suspension settings. Inside, the SQ7's cabin is plush and refined, remaining quiet at highway speeds. There is seating for seven, though the third-row is snug.
What's New for2021
A heated steering wheel comes standard. Executive Package now has more leather trim
Trims and Pricing
The Audi SQ7 is offered in two trims: Premium Plus and Prestige. Both come with three rows of seating, a twin-turbocharged V8 engine making 500 hp, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and Quattro all-wheel-drive.
Pricing starts at around $85,000 for the SQ7 Premium Plus. Lane-departure warning alerts when the vehicle leaves its lane, while automatic emergency braking helps bring the SUV to a stop before a collision can occur. The SQ7's exterior comes with 21-inch alloy wheels, high-performance brakes, and an adaptive air suspension that automatically adjusts to different road conditions. The cabin includes top-shelf features like a heated steering wheel, premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, four zones of climate control, a digital gauge cluster, a dual-touchscreen infotainment system, Bang & Olufsen premium audio, and a surround-view camera.
The Prestige trim retails for roughly $91,500, coming with the features mentioned above, plus acoustic glass for a quieter interior and doors that automatically close. The front seats have heat and cooling, while the back seats are heated, too. Passengers get extra sunshine and panoramic views from the vast moonroof. More driver safety tech is standard, like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, intersection assist, and a head-up display.
Some of the SQ7's optional features include a WiFi hotspot for high-speed internet access, a surround-sound system, and massaging front seats. The optional Towing Package raises the hauling capacity to an impressive 7,700 lbs. A Prestige-only Sport Package adds a Quattro sport rear differential and active roll stabilization that help tighten up handling and reduces body lean. Red brake calipers subtly denote it.
Engine and Performance
Power flows from a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0-60 mph in as little as 4.3 seconds. The EPA estimates fuel economy at around 17 mpg.
The engine links to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
All-wheel steering improves vehicle agility by turning the rear wheels out slightly to enhance the front wheels' dexterity. It allows the SQ7 to maneuver along windy canyon roads, change lanes, navigate traffic, and turn into parking spaces.
Audi's Drive Select system enhances the driving experience with six preset modes, like Offroad, Allroad, Comfort, and Auto. Choosing one of the presets configures the vehicles' throttle response, steering, transmission, and ride height to fit the road conditions. It works in concert with the standard adaptive air suspension.
Trailering is a maximum of 7,700 lbs with the optional Towing Package.
Interior
The SQ7's cabin is similar to other Audi cars and SUVs, with sleek style, sophisticated technology, and high-quality materials. What makes it unique is its interior size and passenger space. Based on the Q7 luxury SUV, the SQ7 has seating for seven people.
Audi excels with cabin technology. A dual-screen MMI infotainment system cascades down the dashboard waterfall-style. The upper screen handles most of the vehicle's infotainment and performance functions, while the lower display manages seating and climate controls. It takes some practice getting used to using screens instead of physical buttons. But, the high-definition system is bright and user-friendly. Integrating your smartphone's multimedia features into your vehicle has never been simpler with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There is plenty of seating space in the first two rows. Leather upholstery comes standard throughout. A heated steering wheel and heated front seats make the all-wheel-drive SQ7 a great four-season performance machine. Unfortunately, the third row has only 29.2 inches of leg space. It makes it best for kids, not adults. There are 14.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third-row; fold both back rows for 69.6 cubic feet of space.
