It has been over a year since we saw the new Audi Q7 debut at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show,->ke222 and we’ve been waiting to see the new SQ7 makes its debut. We saw the spy shots of the SQ7 testing in April of last year with almost no camo, but since then the SQ7 has faded away into the back of our minds. We thought the wait was going to last forever since we didn’t the SQ7 debut during the first press days of the 2016 Geneva Auto Show,->ke228 but as it turns out, Audi decided to skip bringing it to the show. Instead, Audi->ke14 pulled the sheet off of its new SQ7 at its headquarters in Ingolstadt.

At first, you might think Audi was a little lazy with the SQ7 – it does look almost identical to the Q7->ke1083 that debuted last year. But, it has its own little differences on the outside, some new engine technology under the hood, and can be optioned as a five-seater or seven-seater. On top of that, this is the first time Audi is throwing the “S” treatment at its largest SUV,->ke145 so it is something to be excited about.

So, now that Audi has finally released details about its largest S model let’s take a closer look at it. We have lots of details to cover – especially in the drivetrain department – so you might want to get comfortable.

Updated 03/03/2016: Audi dropped the official details on the new SQ7 TDI.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2017 Audi SQ7.

2017 Audi SQ7

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 Audi SQ7
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 435
  • Torque: 663
  • Transmission: eight-speed Tiptronic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

At a glance, the SQ7 looks identical to the Q7 that has already been in showrooms for a while now. But, take a closer look and you’ll notice some subtle differences. Up front, it has Audi’s sculpted grille, but the grille has been changed a bit for the SQ7. It is outlined in aluminum, but compared to the standard Q7, the bottom of the grille is now blocked off by an aluminum insert. There is also an SQ7 badge to one side of the Audi symbol. The headlights and hood are the same, but if you look down at the fascia, there is another minor change. You’ll notice the SQ7 has the same fog lights as the Q7, but those corner vents on the fascia are functional and are also aluminum.

To the sides, there isn’t really much to speak of regarding change between the Q7 and SQ7. The side view mirrors are housed in aluminum on the SQ7, and those bump panels on the door are also done in aluminum – just like the two racks on the roof. The SQ7 also comes with some interesting wheels as well. There are of a five spoke design, but there are two arms in each gap between the spokes. The way the wheels are set up, those arms between the spokes almost makes it look like the spokes are bent outward from the wheel when looked at from certain angles.

To the rear, you’ll notice the same taillights and overhang on the hatch, but what is that opposite of the “SQ7” badge? That is a TDI emblem – that’s right, this baby is a diesel. We’ll talk about that more later on, so you’ll have to keep reading for all those juicy details. Down below those corner reflectors on the rear fascia, Audi has replaced the rear diffuser with an aluminum unit with imprinted mesh at the top. The other significant change is the square, quad exhaust pipes poking out from the corners of that aluminum rear diffuser.

Like I said, it really isn’t much, but there are enough subtle differences to set the SQ7 apart from the standard Q7. At least Audi went with some aluminum inserts. It’s a stylish idea, and it really works well with the overall design of the body. When the SQ7 hits dealerships, it will be offered in 12 different colors.

Interior

When you look inside the new SQ7, you’ll notice a lot of the same design cues used in the standard Q7 but with an “S” twist to them here and there. In base form, the SQ7 comes with analog gauges that have gray backgrounds with white needles. There is also a special welcome screen and S-badging on the dash. Customers can upgrade the instrument cluster to Audi’s virtual cockpit as shown in the photo’s released by Audi, which includes a 12.3-inch display with awesome looking graphics. The display mode can be changed with the controls on the steering wheel, but should include information about fuel usage, remaining mileage, tire pressure, and digital gauges for vehicle and engine speed.

Naturally the SQ7 comes with the pop-up infotainment screen on top of the dash. As an option, MMI navigation plus, with MMI all-in-touch is available. This system uses a similar pop-up screen but has a touchscreen glass surface on the center console – just ahead of the shifter – that provides a means of controlling the display from a relaxed position and offers haptic feedback as selections are made. The system offers integrated 4G LTE connectivity with a Wi-Fi hotspot when the Audi Connect package is opted for. With that package also comes myCarManager, a feature that allows the car’s owner to perform various functions like locking and unlocking the doors, remote starting, and checking vehicle status directly from a connected smartphone.

If you’re a music lover that takes pride in quality, then you’re really going to like the SQ7. It comes with a Bang and Olufsen sound system that has 23 speakers and a 1,920-watt amp, or a Bose Surround Sound system with 19 speakers. With the Bang and Olufsen system, there are four speakers in the A-pillars, creating what Audi calls a “virtual stage.” The Bose system offers two speakers in the A-pillars to produce a “third dimension” effect. Either system sounds great to me, though I would probably spring for the Bang and Olufsen system.

As you can see, the interior of the SQ7 is rather luxurious. The images we have here clearly include some options – like that Alcantara headliner, for instance. The interior can be configured and individualized quite easily because of the two-piece design of the interior. The SQ7 is offered with design selection “Kodiak” Brown, which includes a full leather interior with contrasting stitching, the black Alcantara headliner, sports seats plus, and luxury velour floor mats. A two-piece trim stripe of Sono aluminum and carbon twill copper is exclusive to the SQ7. As you ca see from the images we have from Audi, this interior has some aluminum inserts, specifically around the door handles, the foot rest, and the pedals. Matte gray inserts are used across the width of the dash and on top of the center console. The seats themselves are partially quilted.

To the rear, we find the same designs for the second row of seats. These seats, by the way, fold and slide to make access to the optional third row easier than ever. If optioned with third-row seating, the seats are controlled electronically, and can be laid down to sit flush with the floor. This allows for more cargo room when the third row isn’t needed. Two large tablets are also integrated into the rear seats and work together with the SQ7’s infotainment system. They can also be removed from the vehicle and used elsewhere if desired. Rear passengers also have access to their own climate controls. Overall, the cabin looks spacious, luxurious and comfortable. As much as I hate riding in the back seat, riding in the back of this SUV might not be all that bad.

Drivetrain

The Audi SQ7 is powered by a 4.0-liter TDI diesel that produces 435 horsepower and 663 pound-feet of torque. As you probably assume, the engine is turbocharged, but not in the way you think. This puppy has three turbochargers. Two are traditional exhaust powered units, while the third is electric. The two exhaust driven turbos are different in size. The smaller of the two works under lighter loads and lower engine speeds, the larger unit comes to life at higher engine speeds and heavier loads. The electric turbocharger works in coordination with both and is generally active at lower speeds. It runs on a 48-volt system and spools up almost instantaneously. This provides the boost the engine needs at low speeds without the annoying turbo lag associated with exhaust gas-driven turbos. As Audi put it, “turbo lag is history.”

In addition to this new electric turbo, Audi’s valve lift system (AVS) has also been integrated into a diesel engine for the first time. This system is rather creative and offers huge performance gains all the way around. Basically, each camshaft has two valve contours for each cylinder. For the intake valves, one contour is used for takeoff, in conjunction with the electric turbo. At higher speeds the second intake contour is optimized in filling each cylinder with air, providing more power at higher engine speeds. For exhaust operations, the contours are used to control the turbochargers. At lower speeds, one remains closed, preventing the larger turbo from operating. At higher speeds, the second valve is opened to allow the larger turbocharger to operate normally, and provide the power needed at higher engine speeds. In turn, this system provides exceptional torque delivery and response while offering, in conjunction with the electric turbocharger, excellent take-off performance as well.

The most interesting part about this 4.0-liter is the reverse-flow setup of the intake and exhaust systems. On this engine, the intake is placed on the outside of the engine, while the exhaust outlets are placed between the two cylinder heads. This is opposite of most traditional engine designs, so expect to be thrown off a little bit if you’re someone who likes to perform your own maintenance.

That 435 horsepower and 663 pound-feet of torque is sent to the wheels via a redesigned, eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. The entire setup allows the SQ7 to hit the 62 mph benchmark in 4.8 seconds on the way to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. According to Audi, the SUV averages 31.8 mpg, which isn’t bad at all.

Safety

The SQ7 is said to have amazing handling in all situations due to its integrated suspension control unit. This system is controlled by a central computer that can adjust the shock absorbers, air springs, sport differential, and roll force distribution. Since all components are controlled by one system, control response is almost immediate, offer the best handling possible. Another feature that assists in a smooth ride and better stability is the electro-mechanical active body roll stabilization. This system uses a three-stage planetary gearbox that is positioned in the middle of the stabilizer bars. When driving on uneven road surfaces, the gearbox essentially separates the two halves allowing more wheel movement at each corner. On smoother roads, the two halves are reconnected and twisted together to reduce body roll and understeer. Furthermore, the front and rear stabilizers are adjusted independently, providing better overall behavior.

Other features include all-wheel steering with direct front steering, Quattro all-wheel drive, a sport differential, and a total of 24 driver assistance systems. The predictive efficiency assistant provides info on the instrument cluster to help the driver save fuel, and Audi pre sense city brings collision warning, pedestrian detection, and autonomous braking to the table. Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist can take over steering on smooth roads and adjust speed automatically depending on the route, traffic and established speed limits. As you can see, it’s not only fast for a big SUV, but it’s also pretty safe as well.

Prices

The new SQ7 TDI goes on sale this spring, and will start out at €89,900 in Germany. At current exchange rates that places the SQ7 at $98,427. Does that price seem a little high? Well, it might. The base Q7 starts out at €58,800 in Germany, with the range-topping trim coming in somewhere around €65,000. The Q7 e-tron Quattro comes in at €80,500, which is probably why Audi is justifying the almost €90,000 starting price by saying that all of the now-standard features like the LED headlights, 20-inch wheels, adaptive air suspension, and others are valued at around €10,000 Euro. Either way, the SQ7 will be a hard up-sell for someone looking at a standard Q7.

Competitors

Mercedes GLS Class

Since we’re talking about Audi here, it’s only fair that we list a Mercedes model as one of the SQ7’s main competitors. For the 2016 model year, the GL-Class is getting an updated design and a name change. Starting this year, it will go as the GLS class, but it will still be Mercedes’ large SUV offering. Dubbed as the S-Class of SUV’s the large SUV is offered in several trim levels. Naturally, the base model just won’t compete with the SQ7, so we have to look a little higher.

Normally I would go with the AMG variant, but it is just too powerful and too expensive to be a true competitor. The current, GL550 4MATIC, however, is right up the SQ7’s alley. In current form, it produces 429 Horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque from a 4.7-liter, bitrubo V-8. It is just as luxurious and as peppy as they come (except for the AMG model, of course) and comes in with a price tag of $91,300. With the 2016 models scheduled to hit showrooms this year, expect the GLS550 equivalent to come at a similar price, with a similar offering of power and luxury.

Read our full review on the Mercedes GLS here.

BMW X5 M

The X5 M is BMW’s performance offering for the BMW X5, and it is certainly something worth considering if you’re looking for a performance SUV. It is powered by a 4.4-liter TwinPower, Turbocharged, V-8 that produces 567 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. With the engine and configuration, the X5 M can hit the 60 mph spring it 4.0 seconds. Of course, that is a little faster than the SQ7, but the X5 M also has more horsepower and torque at its disposal. At the time of this writing, the X5 M starts out at $98,800 here in the U.S.

Read our full review on the BMW X5 M here.

Conclusion

I love what Audi has done with the TDI engine in the new SQ7, but I have to say I don’t think what it is offering is quite worth the price. I’m sure Audi is proud of its new performance SUV and the power its diesel creates but, with its advertised starting price, I think people will seriously consider other offerings from BMW and Mercedes before jumping on the SQ7. It’s luxurious and sporty, but on the outside it still looks quite similar to the base Q7, and if I’m going to pay more than $90,000 for an SUV, I don’t want it to look like the $60,000 offering that everybody else is going for. Maybe I’m being a little harsh on Audi here, but even with all those now-standard features, I’m not sure I could sign my name on the dotted line.

Updated History

Update 04/23/2015: The upcoming Audi Q7 has been spotted again, this time wearing hardly any camo and roaming around ordinary streets.

Spy Shots

April 23, 2015 - Audi SQ7 caught testing