2024 Audi SQ7 review
The 2024 Audi SQ7 takes the inherent quality of the popular Q7 and ratchets up the performance potential significantly. Trent Nikolic tests the lightly-updated Q7 flagship as it touches-down in Australia.
2024 Audi SQ7
The Audi Q7 – across the full range – is a fascinating case study of what happens when you give the buying public what it wants. Invariably, when we speak to a Q7 owner, unless they are downsizing, it’s tough to talk them out of buying another Q7 when the time comes to move into a new vehicle. And to think when this generation was first released nearly a decade ago, the public wasn’t convinced on its styling.
That loyalty isn’t just about quality, it’s about Audi’s largest SUV doing exactly what the Aussie buyer wants. It’s comfortable, practical, luxurious, well-appointed across the range, and just as effortless on a country road trip as it is trundling around town. As such, buyers keep coming back.
Audi knows that the after-sales experience is equally important, of course, and it continues to refine that element, but the way the Q7 drives and the way it makes an owner feel are crucial.
The updated, performance-focused Audi SQ7 takes that ability to deliver even further. While it’s undoubtedly a performance SUV, it’s not so hardcore that it loses any of its day-to-day practicality. And, direct competitors are few, if any. While the updates are subtle, they are visible enough to make anyone upgrading to the new model feel like they have spent their money smartly.
Key details | 2024 Audi SQ7 |
Price | $174,815 plus on-road costs |
Colour of test car | Daytona Grey Pearl |
Options | Dynamic Package – $10,900 Sensory Package – $14,400 Trailer hitch – $1500 Contrast stitching – $1800 High-gloss exterior trim – $1850 HD matrix LED headlights – $3950 |
Price as tested | $209,215 plus on-road costs |
Rivals | BMW X5 | Mercedes-Benz GLE | Porsche Cayenne |
Our Q7 pricing and specification guide outlines the spread across the new Q7 range, with the SQ7 we’re driving at its local launch starting from $174,815 before on-road costs. The SQ7 we spent time in had the Dynamic Package, Sensory Package, 22-inch Audi Sport wheels, trailer hitch, contrast stitching, high-gloss black exterior trim and HD matrix LED headlights added for a final price of $209,215 before on-road costs.
Our video and pricing guide references the new SQ8, which we also drove at launch, and as you’d probably expect, the two vehicles are incredibly close in every sense. SQ8 starts from $178,815 before on-road costs, and while somewhere between 65 and 70 per cent of Aussies currently opt for the SQ7, the stylish SQ8 remains the choice for those who don’t need the third row, and want a little more panache with their SUV.
If you’re not stretching the budget too far, go for it when it comes to options, as those listed above undeniably made the already special SQ7 feel even more premium. However, the 22s are a no-cost option, and you don't really 'need' some of the appearance upgrades like contrast stitching and exterior trim. It’s hard to argue the case against the Dynamic Package and the Sensory Package, though, despite them ringing the till at $10,900 and $14,400 respectively.
The Dynamic Package includes active roll stabilisation and the quattro sport differential, while the Sensory Package adds features like front seat massaging, heating for the outboard rear seats, primo headlining, the full leather package, and clever manual sunshades in the rear.
Changes for this model upgrade in terms of styling include revised front and rear ends, a new grille design, headlights that have been mounted higher, and new DRLs. The front spoiler has also been redesigned, and the air intakes have been colour-coded.
At the rear there is a new diffuser, and all-new tail-lights that have a distinct LED signature, but can also display animations as a welcome when you approach the SQ7 with the remote fob. New exterior colours are available as well, along with a range of wheel choices.
The quality of the Audi SQ7 starts inside the cabin, where there’s just enough sporting intent sprinkled over Audi’s signature attention to detail, high-end choice of materials, and premium comfort and insulation. From every angle, in any seat, the SQ7’s cabin is a premium place to spend your time.
At launch, we spent a decent amount of time with Apple CarPlay connected using the mapping functions, and the cabled connection was rock solid. We’ll test the wireless link when we get the SQ7 into the office, but the control centre itself is an easy one to use, and there’s not so much complexity that it’s immediately daunting. Audi’s switchgear and control functionality have been inherently reliable for some time and that continues here.
Back in 2020, there was a significant upgrade to the Q7’s infotainment and that quality system remains for this model. Three screens feature across the dash, with the third a neatly positioned and easy-to-use command centre for the climate control and drive functionality. Separating that control panel from the regular infotainment touchscreen remains a smart decision in terms of day-to-day ease of use. Audi’s configurable driver’s display remains a quality inclusion in any vehicle, regardless of segment.
The third row would be even better if it had just a touch more space, but most buyers in this segment claim the third row to be ‘occasional’ rather than everyday. The sports seats up front are excellent, with just enough bolstering, but not so much as to be too firm or uncomfortable. Audi knows how to do hardcore sports seats, of course, but the seats in the SQ7 strike a perfect balance.
The second row is excellent, with room for a six-footer behind a driver of the same height, and plenty of shoulder and head room too. The lengthy glass roof adds to the feeling of brightness inside the cabin.
The SQ7’s spec sheet reads like fantasy if you’re into performance and the traditional way of moving a vehicle from A to B. The 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 is a masterpiece with the brawn to match, generating a whopping 373kW and 770Nm. That fires the 2340kg SQ7 from 0–100km/h in just 4.1 seconds.
Timing aside, the engine is so effortless, the SQ7 always feels punchy, whether from a standing start or rolling onto the highway. There’s never a situation where you will be left wanting more power. Across the Q7 range, there’s an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.
Audi claims 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres for the new SQ7, and we’ll test that once we get our hands on one for a longer timeframe. The SQ8 is slightly thirstier, using a claimed 11.9L/100km, but all other major specifications in terms of performance are shared.
What I think is most noteworthy after spending time with the SQ7 is the handling, which is fantastic given the aforementioned weight of the SQ7 and its focus as a useful, family SUV. The braking, steering and all-round balance are exceptional for a large vehicle, and should you want to, you can fire it into corners with confidence.
Whether you need an SUV of this size to be fun is beside the point. Audi has managed to imprint its performance DNA into the SQ7 in largely subtle ways that only become evident when you want to unlock them.
The ride on the optional 22-inch wheels of our tester was firm without being harsh. You’ll feel the worst of our country roads at speed, but not so much that it will unsettle the luxury in the cabin. For mine, that’s a critical point to make, too, because too many European vehicles are a touch too firm on our road network – especially on the largest rim available. The SQ7, like the balance it strikes with handling, does a solid job of delivering a comfortable ride.
Key details | 2024 Audi SQ7 |
Engine | 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 |
Power | 373kW @ 5500rpm |
Torque | 770Nm @ 2000–4000rpm |
Drive type | All-wheel drive |
Transmission | 8-speed torque converter automatic |
Power-to-weight ratio | 159.4kW/t |
Weight | 2340kg |
Spare tyre type | Tyre repair kit |
Tow rating | 3500kg braked 750kg unbraked |
Turning circle | 12.5m |
It's interesting when you start to observe how Australian buyers use their Audi Q7 out on the road. Plenty are out touring in country areas during school holidays, and almost as many are on the road with a trailer of some kind in tow.
It adds to the flexibility of the use case, and it's worth remembering that the Audi Q7 is one of those luxury SUVs that doesn't mind towing if you need to do that. Whether you'd want to use your performance-focused SQ7 to lug a trailer around, though, is up to you. Our tester had the trailer hitch added, of course, and is rated to tow a hefty 3500kg.
Even our brief launch drive reaffirms the quality of Audi’s flagship large SUV. The strong points it has shown for nearly a decade remain, while the updates and specification tweaks ensure it still feels contemporary as well.
Those of you wanting style and a point of difference will be attracted to the raked roof of the SQ8, but for mine, the SQ7 remains the pick of the Q7 range, budget permitting.