Overview

What's New for 2022

The Audi SQ7 comes in two trim levels: Premium Plus and Prestige. The Premium Plus is the most popular model, and it's our recommendation as well. We'll explain why.

Premium Plus

Starting at $87,595 (including destination fees), the Premium Plus is decked out with 21-inch wheels, an adjustable air suspension, upgraded brakes, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, a heated steering wheel, four-zone climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, a premium Bang and Olufsen audio system, and a power-folding third row.

Prestige

The Prestige trim starts at $92,595. In addition to the features found on the Premium Plus, the Prestige adds heated and cooled 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated second-row seats, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist.

The Audi SQ7's most substantive upgrade is the standard 4.0-liter, turbocharged V8 engine. Rated at 500 horsepower, and combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, it's capable of propelling the midsize SUV from zero to 60 mph in just over 4 seconds, according to Audi. That's a remarkable feat for a vehicle of its size. The standard adjustable air suspension is tuned to deliver sharp handling that makes this SUV feel more nimble than you might expect, yet it's also surprisingly comfortable on the highway.

There are even more powerful engines available in competitors like the BMW X5 M and Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S, but unless all-out performance is a top priority, the SQ7 delivers more than enough fun behind the wheel for just about any driver.

Inside, the Audi SQ7 boasts a modern cabin with comfortable, leather-upholstered seats, and luxury décor with fine grain wood and brushed aluminum trim. All models come with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Buyers can opt for massaging front seats and premium leather. Regardless of how it's equipped, the cabin of the SQ7 looks and feels like a modern luxury vehicle. All the controls deliver solid feedback and the quality of construction is impeccable. The first and second rows give adult passengers adequate elbow room, but the third row is best suited to kids.

The SQ7's cargo hold is also on the small side with only 14 cubic feet available behind the third-row seat. It's worth noting that the competing BMW X5 M and Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S don't offer third-row seating.

The Audi SQ7 has not been evaluated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The standard 2021 Audi Q7 was tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and received its top overall rating of "Good."

The SQ7 features a long list of advanced safety equipment that's typical for the segment. This includes parking sensors, automatic high-beam headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot warning, and pedestrian detection.

The Audi SQ7 really is the whole package. It's one of the quickest and most powerful luxury SUVs on the road, and its three-row cabin is useful yet elegant. It also has all of the technology and safety features you would expect for the price point. The BMW X5 M boasts an even more powerful engine, but its interior isn't as elegant and it doesn't offer a third row of seating. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S is also more powerful and it does have a beautiful interior, but it commands a six-figure sticker price.

Audi SQ7 vs. BMW X5 M

Audi SQ7 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE