In his in-depth review of the Audi SQ7, Ciro De Siena suggests the Ingolstadt-based brand’s twin-turbo V8-powered premium SUV is… a performance car in disguise.
Audi has replaced the turbodiesel V8 engine in the pre-facelift SQ7 with a thunderous twin-turbo 4.0-litre petrol V8, and the SUV’s dual personality has never been more pronounced. We just had to review it!
See also: Audi Q7 & Q8 (2025) Launch Review
This stonking powerplant endows the Audi SQ7 with peak outputs of 373 kW and a monumental 700 Nm of torque, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100 kph in 4.1 sec (as tested). That acceleration is blisteringly fast, and also deliciously wicked to experience in an otherwise understated 7-seater premium SUV.
The SQ7’s true magic lies in its ability to switch between 2 very different characters. Its advanced air suspension delivers a “magic carpet” ride, making it a quiet and exceptionally comfortable cruiser for daily driving and long-distance family trips. But tap into its sportier side, and the Audi transforms.
The twin-turbo V8, which it shares with its Porsche Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus cousins, roars to life, the handling becomes sharp, and the premium SUV feels remarkably composed and agile for its size.
This effortless transition from a serene family hauler to a high-performance machine makes the Audi SQ7 so compelling. In the absence of an RS variant (that’s reserved for the Q8), it sits atop the Q7 line-up.
The spacious 7-seat interior is packed with high-tech features and premium materials. Apart from the digital instrument cluster, the Audi SQ7 is fitted with a pair of touchscreens – the top of which operates the infotainment system, replete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a full-time internet connection. Ciro, however, notes that the system’s Multi Media Interface (MMI) feels “a little bit dated.”
Rear passengers are afforded plenty of legroom and a dedicated climate control console, as well as a pair of USB-C ports. It’s a space designed for comfort and connectivity, but there’s a catch…
As is common with German premium brands, the Audi SQ7’s price tag of R2 540 500 (August 2025) is just the starting point. Ciro (shown below) goes through the test unit’s spec sheet and points out that many key features are listed as optional extras, all of which add a significant amount to the total cost.
This test unit, for example, included R200 000 worth of optional extras.
Ciro specifically highlights the decision to charge extra for the 3rd-row seating and the head-up display, arguing that these should be standard on a vehicle in this segment.
Despite the criticism of Audi’s pricing strategy, Ciro’s conclusion remains overwhelmingly positive…
He hails the Audi SQ7 as a brilliant piece of engineering – a premium SUV that delivers both as a practical family vehicle and a thrilling performance car. It’s one of the longer-serving models in its segment, but Audi’s recent facelift has reinvigorated the Q7 range and especially its flagship variant, the SQ7.
See also: Audi Q7 & Q8 (2025) Launch Review
How much does Audi Q7 and SQ7 cost in South Africa?
| Q7 55 TFSI quattro Tiptronic Platinum Edition | R1 958 000 |
| Q7 55 TFSI quattro Tiptronic Black Edition | R1 987 900 |
| SQ7 TFSI quattro Tiptronic | R2 540 500 |
| SQ7 TFSI quattro Tiptronic Black Edition | R2 574 500 |
Prices (August 2025) include a 5-year/100 000 km Audi Freeway (service and maintenance) Plan.
Find a new/used Audi Q7 listed for sale on Cars.co.za
Find a new/used Audi SQ7 listed for sale on Cars.co.za
Summary
This review demonstrates that, for buyers who want the best of both worlds and are prepared to pay for it, the Audi SQ7 is hard to beat. However, it needs to see off the challenge from equally esteemed rivals, such as the BMW X5 M60i, which costs R250 000 less, and Mercedes-AMG GLE53. If you’re willing to consider used options, check out the Maserati Levante, Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport.
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