“Fast...throaty...comfortable. Road noise is the biggest disappointment. Can hear gravel/sand hitting the wheel.”
Audi SQ7: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Audi SQ7 is a three-row luxury performance SUV that combines seven-passenger seating with a 500-hp twin-turbo V8 and AWD. It is known for discreet styling, quick performance, and a comfortable ride supported by standard air suspension and all-wheel steering.
Since its 2020 U.S. launch, the SQ7 has followed one clear idea: give the family-friendly Q7 serious V8 performance without sacrificing its three-row usefulness. Standard air suspension and all-wheel steering help it balance speed with everyday comfort. Its styling remains relatively understated compared with louder performance SUVs.
Strengths
- Its 500-hp twin-turbo V8 gives this family SUV serious performance without flashy styling.
- Seven seats make it more practical for families than many performance-focused SUVs.
- Standard air suspension and all-wheel steering help it stay comfortable and manageable in everyday driving.
- Standard AWD helps put the V8’s power down with confidence.
- The 2026 SQ7 can tow up to 7,700 pounds.
Who it's for
The SQ7 fits a family that needs seven seats but still wants strong acceleration, luxury, and a more discreet look than many performance SUVs provide. It also makes sense for towing, with a maximum rating of 7,700 pounds in 2026. It is less suited to shoppers focused on fuel economy, since the 2026 model is rated at 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.
Audi SQ7 lineup
The SQ7 lineup has generally stayed simple, with Premium Plus and Prestige trims. Premium Plus is the straightforward pick because it retains the model’s defining hardware, including the 500-hp V8, AWD, air suspension, and all-wheel steering. Prestige is the step-up choice for shoppers seeking the more comprehensively equipped version; in 2023, for example, it gained added parking technology. Either trim keeps the same core mix of three-row space and understated performance.
Audi SQ7 generations
From 2020 to 2026, the SQ7 spans 1 generation. The current 2nd Generation — 4M arrived for 2020.
2nd Generation — 4M (2020–Present)
The U.S.-market SQ7 arrived for 2020 as the performance version of the refreshed three-row Q7. This generation pairs a 500-hp twin-turbo V8 with AWD, air suspension, all-wheel steering, and a dual-touchscreen cabin; a 2025 update revised the exterior and lighting.
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2026
Road-sign recognition became standard across the lineup.
2025Mid-cycle update
Refreshed grille, front-end details, lighting, taillights, and rear diffuser. The touchscreen system also gained built-in app support.
2024
Carryover year with the same V8, AWD, and Premium Plus and Prestige trim lineup.
2023
Cabin materials improved, including stitched leatherette on the dashboard, while some trims received added equipment.
2022
Adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance and rear-seat side airbags became standard across the lineup.
2021
The Premium Plus trim gained a standard heated steering wheel, and package contents were reshuffled.
2020New generation
First U.S. SQ7 model year, with a 500-hp twin-turbo V8, AWD, air suspension, all-wheel steering, and three-row seating.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Audi SQ7.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Audi SQ7 just a sportier Q7?
Yes. The Audi SQ7 is the high-performance version of the Q7, with a 500-hp twin-turbo V8, standard all-wheel drive, sport air suspension, all-wheel steering, three rows, and more understated styling than many performance SUVs.
How many people does the Audi SQ7 seat?
The Audi SQ7 seats seven in three rows. It combines family-friendly passenger space with the power and handling hardware of an Audi S model, rather than trading the third row for a sportier layout.
Is the Audi SQ7 a hybrid?
No. U.S.-market Audi SQ7 models from 2020 through 2026 use a gasoline 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. The lineup described here does not include a hybrid or electric version.
Does the Audi SQ7 have all-wheel drive?
Yes. All-wheel drive is standard on the Audi SQ7, working with its 500-hp V8, sport air suspension, and all-wheel steering to give this large three-row SUV secure traction and more responsive handling.
What is the Audi SQ7 known for?
The Audi SQ7 is known for combining seven-passenger usefulness with strong V8 performance. Standard air suspension and all-wheel steering help it stay comfortable and manageable, while its styling remains relatively discreet.
Who is the Audi SQ7 a good fit for?
The Audi SQ7 suits someone who needs three rows but does not want a conventional family SUV driving experience. It offers seven seats, luxury features, and 500-hp V8 performance without the attention-grabbing look of some rivals.
Has the Audi SQ7 been redesigned since it came to the U.S.?
No. The U.S.-market Audi SQ7 arrived for 2020 on the second-generation Q7 platform and remains part of that generation through 2026. It received a noticeable exterior and lighting refresh for 2025, but that was not a full redesign.
How much can the Audi SQ7 tow?
The latest Audi SQ7 is rated to tow up to 7,700 pounds. That gives it useful trailer capability alongside its seven-seat cabin, though actual limits depend on the vehicle's equipment and towing setup.
Audi SQ7 Reviews
What owners are saying about the Audi SQ7.
4.3
Audi SQ7
(114 reviews)
“If you want luxury and basic practical use it is a good car but the cost is something to consider”
“It's an excellent vehicle. Very quick and beautifully appointed with room for 7 people or cargo.”
“If you are looking for an extremely safe, reliable, and most powerful vehicle you can purchase, it's the SQ7!”
“Great Quality Vehicle with comfort, performance and usability, only downside is tech is a bit long in the tooth (I also own 2 teslas)”
“This is a great family vehicle with enough power and luxury for the most avid car enthusiast.”