Audi’s three-row family hauler is taking driving fun up a notch with the new 500-horsepower 2020 Audi SQ7. The model maintains much of what buyers want from their Q7 but amplifies the power and connected drive experience of the model, giving the BMW X7 M50i direct competition.
The German automaker has given the SQ7 a host of typical sport model upgrades to differentiate it from the typical Q7 including S-model bumpers with integrated front splitter, a platinum double-slat Singleframe grille, Alu-optic exterior side mirror housings, S-specific quad tailpipes, and a rear diffuser inlay.
The SUV has many familiar features inside and out that link it to the traditional Q7.Photo courtesy of Audi AG
It rides on standard 21-inch V-spoke bi-color wheels with summer performance tires.
The available Black Optic package adds a black exterior kit with black Singleframe grille, black exterior mirror housings, black roof rails, and 21-inch bi-color wheels with summer performance tires.
The Q7 packs a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine under its hood that delivers 500 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. That power plant is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and gets from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds – the same as the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 that also was revealed this week.
Along with its standard all-wheel drive, the model has an S-tuned adaptive air suspension, which electronically controls the vehicle’s adaptive dampers, automatically regulating vehicle dynamics and enhancing ride quality. Adding the Sport Package to the model gives its active roll stabilization, all-wheel drive with a sport differential, and red brake calipers.
The SUV is available with a top-view camera.Photo courtesy of Audi AG
With the available towing package, the SQ7 is capable of towing a maximum 7,700 lbs.
Drivers sit behind a three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters. There are steel doorsills with an illuminated S logo inside the cabin.
Audi has given the model front S sport seats that are lined with contrast-stitched Valcona leather. The seats are heated and feature Black, Rotor Gray, or Arras Red leather with a diamond cross-stitch pattern.
Those seats also come standard with eight-way power with four-way power lumbar adjustment. The model is available with ventilated and messaging front seats. The SQ7 seats seven, just like the Q7.
The SUV features S-sport badging on the interior and exterior.Photo courtesy of Audi AG
The second-row features a 35/30/35 split tumble-folding design with fore/aft positioning and recline functionality. The third-row seats split 50-50 and have electronic folding functionality. There are five LATCH child seat connection points.
Audi’s long list of standard and available features in the model includes a 10.1-inch upper display screen for infotainment functions and an 8.6-inch lower screen for climate control and comfort functionality, 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit screen, Wi-Fi hot spot, Amazon Music connectivity, full-color head up display, wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 19-speaker sound system, and a 23-speaker sound system.
Additionally, Audi offers the following standard and available driver assist technology: adaptive cruise control, a top-view camera, intersection assist with braking to prevent side impact collisions, turn assist, and traffic sign recognition.
Diamond quilting comes standard on the model’s seats.Photo courtesy of Audi AG
The 2020 Audi SQ7 will be available in the Premium Plus trim for $84,800. The Prestige grade will start at $90,400. There is an additional $995 destination and delivery charge.
