Written by
on July 22, 2026

With 591 Horsepower, the Audi SQ7 is the Family SUV for the Chronically Late

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front three quarter view, suv parked beneath modern columns with mountain skyline in distance.

Audi

MSRP

By Drew Dorian

Overview

Want an SUV with speed, luxury, and practicality in equal doses? The Audi SQ7 offers that trifecta, with a premium interior, three rows of seats, and a 591-hp twin-turbo V-8 engine. An adaptive air-spring suspension system is standard, which is meant to help the SQ7 deliver dual-purpose transit with a softer ride for commuting and a stiffer setup for weekend corner carving.

Tech lovers will find plenty to like inside the SQ7's cabin as well, as the dashboard is literally covered in screens. A host of driver-assistance features are also on hand. But the SQ7's main draw is its performance, which is expected to be truly bananas for a family SUV.

Expert Tip: If the SQ7 sounds like a bit too much, consider stepping down to the Q7, which is essentially the same SUV but without the V-8 or the six-figure price tag.

What's New for 2027?

The SQ7 has been redesigned for 2027, entering its second generation as the performance variant of the standard Q7 SUV.

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Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Engine: 591-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain: all-wheel drive

While the standard Q7 SUV comes with a healthy 429 horsepower from its turbocharged V-6, the SQ7 offers a bonkers 591 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged V-8. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard.

We haven't driven it yet, but we expect the SQ7 to be a driver's delight. It comes with an adaptive air-spring suspension system as standard, which can be upgraded to an optional sport adaptive air-spring system, which results in a 1.2-inch lower ride height. Other upgrades over the standard Q7 include bigger brakes, available summer tires, and optional 23-inch wheels. When we get a chance to test drive the SQ7, we will update this story with driving impressions.

0–60-MPH Times

Claimed 60-mph Time: 3.7 seconds

In Comparison: While the SQ7 may not end up being as quick as rivals such as the Land Rover Range Rover Sport SV or the Porsche Cayenne GTS, it'll likely be a close race. And we are willing to bet a 3.7-second 60 mph time for a family SUV will be overkill for all but the most aggressive drivers.

Towing and Payload Capacity

Max Towing: 7700 pounds

In Comparison: The SQ7 is rated to tow the same 7700 pounds as the standard Q7. That number is slightly more than you can pull with the Range Rover Sport SV and the Cayenne GTS.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

First Row: The SQ7's interior design mostly mirrors that of the standard Q7's, except it wears a sportier-looking wardrobe. The center console sports a pair of cupholders along with two smartphone charging pads. Leather upholstery is standard and offered in a range of colors, including a cool blue color that Audi calls Baikal Blue.

Second Row: While a three-seat bench is standard, the SQ7 can be had with a pair of second row captain's chairs instead. Passenger space looks to be on par with other three-row SUV rivals, and adults should have no trouble finding a comfortable position.

Third Row: The two-seat third row, however, is likely to be a place only children would find accommodating. When we get a chance to squeeze back there ourselves, we'll update this story with details.

Cargo Capacity: With 15.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row, the SQ7 offers average cargo room for the class. Drop the third row, and there's a lot more space, up to 42.9 cubic feet. If you need to haul more stuff and people, the larger Audi Q9 SUV might be worth a look.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Infotainment: 14.5-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch passenger touchscreen
Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Audio System: 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo (standard), 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo (optional)

Three different digital displays cover nearly every square inch of the SQ7's dashboard. A 14.5-inch touchscreen sits between an 11.9-inch gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch passenger display. The software is Audi's latest version of MMI, which digitizes most of the SUV's controls, including—annoyingly—the direction of airflow from the dashboard vents.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is Bluetooth connectivity and an in-dash navigation system. The base SQ7 comes with a 16-speaker stereo tuned by Bang & Olufsen, but a 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo is an option, too.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Driver-assistance features abound in the SQ7, ranging from expected basics—such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist—to convenient extras such as automatic high-beam headlamps and parking sensors.

Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control
Optional Safety Features: self-parking feature, 360-degree exterior camera system

For information about the SQ7's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The SQ7 has class-typical warranty coverage, matching rivals such as BMW and Volvo.

Limited Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles
Complimentary Maintenance: three years or 30,000 miles

As more information becomes available, we'll update this story with more details about:

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
C/D Test Results and Specs

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