2025 Audi SQ7
Our VerdictThe 2025 Audi SQ7 delivers a rare blend of supercar-worthy power in a family-friendly SUV shell. It shines with blistering V8 performance and a high-tech, luxurious cabin, though its thirst for premium fuel and hefty price tag are notable downsides.
Thrill-Seekers, Luxury Shoppers
Budget Conscious Shoppers
The Case For
- Blistering V8 acceleration
- Sports-car handling
- Premium, tech-packed interior
- 7-passenger versatility
Considerations
- Very high price tag
- Thirsty for fuel
- Cramped third-row space
- Complicated touch controls
Who It's For
The 2025 Audi SQ7 is built for buyers who want sports-car performance without giving up everyday SUV practicality. As the high-performance version of the Q7, it’s powered by a 500-hp twin-turbo V8 that delivers explosive acceleration and a thrilling exhaust note. Despite its muscle, the SQ7 retains Audi’s upscale comfort and advanced tech, including plush sport seats, a digital cockpit, and comprehensive driver aids. Unlike many performance SUVs, it offers seating for seven, even if the third row is best for occasional use. Overall, the SQ7 is ideal for luxury buyers seeking speed, sophistication, and family-friendly versatility in one package.
Choose Your Specification
Premium Plus
~$90,800Performance At Base Level
The Premium Plus is the entry point to the SQ7 lineup. It delivers the 500-hp V8 and standard Quattro AWD. Well-suited for performance-focused buyers, it includes leather sport seats, a panoramic sunroof, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital gauges, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation. Key safety features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist come standard. You’ll miss out on features such as a head-up display and massaging seats, but the core SQ7 experience remains intact. For many buyers, it offers the best balance of performance and price.
Prestige
~$98,095Ultimate Luxury & Technology
The Prestige trim is the fully loaded SQ7, designed for buyers who want maximum luxury and technology. It adds meaningful upgrades, including a head-up display, soft-close doors, dual-pane acoustic glass, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. A surround-view camera and adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist make daily driving and commuting far more relaxing. Importantly, it retains the same 500-hp V8 performance, so you lose nothing in excitement. As our Luxury & Tech Pick, the Prestige turns the SQ7 into a no-compromise SUV that blends thrilling power with top-tier comfort and convenience.
- It offers the best balance of performance and luxury
- Key additions: Head-up display, soft-close doors, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats
- Same roaring 500-hp V8 and standard AWD as the base model
- Top-trims may also boost resale value down the line
Trim by Trim
Select your car trims and compare them instantly
| Specification | Premium Plus | Prestige |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0L twin-turbo V8 (mild hybrid) | 4.0L twin-turbo V8 (mild hybrid) |
| Horsepower | 500 hp | 500 hp |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 15/21 | 15/21 |
| Seating | 7 | 7 |
| Cargo Capacity | 35 cu. ft. | 35 cu. ft. |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto | 8-speed auto |
| MSRP | ~$90,800 | ~$98,095 |
| Car Type | Mid-size SUV | Mid-size SUV |
The Cost of Ownership
Here is the Audi SQ7's annual ownership costs:
Assumptions: Based on 12,000 miles/year, premium fuel at ~$4.00/gal, and a driver with a good record. Actual costs will vary with driving habits, location, and how you maintain your SQ7.
From Every Angle
Exterior
4Subtle Yet Striking
The SQ7’s design is more about refined aggression than loud theatrics. For 2025, it gets a slightly sharper grille and new LED lighting, but overall it retains the Audi Q7’s clean, understated lines. That’s not to say it goes unnoticed: the stance is low and wide, accentuated by available 22-inch alloy wheels and red S-brake calipers peeking through. SQ7-specific cues include aluminum-look mirror caps and quad exhaust outlets, but those touches give it a stealthy “business-class missile” vibe. Build quality is top-notch too, with tight panel gaps and a solid feel that exudes luxury.
Interior
4Luxurious & High-Tech, But Cozy
Step inside the SQ7 and you’re welcomed by a modern, upscale cabin. Premium materials dominate, including soft leather (optional diamond quilting), real open-pore wood or aluminum trim, and solid-feeling touchpoints. A clean, driver-focused layout features three digital screens for a futuristic look. The first two rows are spacious and very comfortable, with excellent second-row legroom. The third row is the main compromise, best suited for kids or short trips. With all seats up, cargo space is limited, but folding the third row opens up about 35 cubic feet for luggage. Overall, the SQ7 favors luxury and performance over maximum passenger space.
Safety
5Top Marks & Tech
The SQ7 delivers strong safety credentials backed by solid engineering and advanced technology. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a 5-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA, supported by a full airbag system covering all three rows and a rigid body structure. Standard Audi Pre Sense features include automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims add adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, a 360-degree camera, and intersection assist. Matrix-design LED headlights enhance nighttime visibility while meeting strict safety standards. Whether preventing accidents or protecting occupants, the SQ7 offers comprehensive, confidence-inspiring safety.
Warranty
3Standard Luxury Coverage
Audi’s warranty for the SQ7 is pretty much par for the course among European luxury brands. You get a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which also covers the powertrain for the same duration. Roadside assistance is included for 4 years as well, which is handy. Rust perforation coverage extends to 12 years (unlimited miles), reflecting Audi’s confidence in its build quality. Audi, however, does not include complimentary maintenance. In summary, the SQ7’s warranty will protect you against any early defects, but you’ll be handling maintenance costs unless you opt into Audi’s care packages.
Fuel Economy
2.5Big Power, Big Appetite
A 500-hp V8 in a nearly three-ton SUV isn’t built for efficiency, and the SQ7 proves it. EPA ratings sit at 15 mpg city / 21 mpg highway (17 mpg combined), and premium fuel is required. In real-world driving, expect mid-to-high teens, with spirited driving easily pulling averages closer to 15 mpg. The 22.5-gallon fuel tank provides decent highway range, and cylinder deactivation helps save fuel during light cruising. Still, buyers prioritizing efficiency will be disappointed and may prefer Audi’s hybrid or electric options. The SQ7 is best suited for drivers willing to trade fuel economy for exhilarating performance.
Tech & Infotainment
4High-Tech Cabin, Some Learning Curve
High-Tech Cabin, Some Learning Curve The SQ7 is packed with technology, highlighted by Audi’s dual-touchscreen MMI system with a 10.1-inch upper display and an 8.6-inch lower screen for climate and settings. Paired with the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit, the cabin features three sharp, high-resolution screens. Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and available Bang & Olufsen 3D premium audio, plus integrated Spotify streaming. While graphics and functionality are excellent, most controls are touch-based, creating a learning curve and occasional distraction. Haptic feedback, voice commands, and steering-wheel controls help, but some drivers may miss physical knobs.
Performance & Handling
5Thrilling Yet Refined
This is where the SQ7 truly shines. Its twin-turbo 4.0L V8 produces 500 hp and 568 lb-ft, launching from 0–60 mph in about 4 seconds. Power delivery is smooth and relentless, backed by a quick 8-speed automatic and standard Quattro AWD for confident traction. The exhaust delivers a satisfying rumble, while adaptive air suspension, active anti-roll bars, and available four-wheel steering help the SQ7 feel surprisingly agile. Body roll is minimal, and steering is precise. Switch to Comfort mode, and it settles into a plush ride. Strong brakes and a 7,700-lb towing capacity round out its impressive performance.
New This Year
- Fresh look with redesigned front and rear fascias, a reshaped grille, higher-set headlights, and updated LED taillight signatures
- Three new bold colors: Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red for further customization
- Native integration for Spotify and Amazon Music apps has been added, so you can stream tunes directly
- The SQ7 now offers more warnings for lane changes and intersection hazards
Cars Similar to the 2025 Audi SQ7
The Audi SQ7 competes with other luxury SUVs that blend performance and comfort. Notably, the BMW X5 M60i and Genesis GV80 3.5T are two alternatives a buyer might cross-shop, each offering a unique mix of attributes.
2025 Audi SQ7
2025 BMW X5 M60i
2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T| Aspect | 2025 Audi SQ7 | 2025 BMW X5 M60i | 2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | 500 hp V8 power; 0-60 ~4.0 seconds; AWD standard | Twin-turbo V8 punch (0-60 ~4.1s); RWD-biased handling | Strong 375 hp V6 (~5.3s 0-60) refined ride |
| Tech & Interior | Triple screens setup with digital gauges. Lavish materials | iDrive 8 curved display (iDrive 8) combines gauge and infotainment screens | 14.5” infotainment screen. User-friendly controls |
| Practicality | 7 seats. ~35 cu. ft. cargo | Seats 5. About 34 cu. ft. Suited for daily use | Seats 5. ~37 cu. ft. cargo; roomy two-row SUV |
| Comfort & Space | Sporty bolstered seats. Very quiet at cruise | Plush seating. Firmer ride | Cushiest ride of the trio – Wide seats. Quiet cabin |
| Who's It For? | Power-hungry drivers who still need a family SUV. Ideal for luxury buyers who want sports car performance plus 7-seat versatility | Enthusiasts who value a sporty drive and BMW’s prestige. Great if you want a midsize SUV that’s fun to drive | Luxury SUV shoppers prioritizing comfort and value. Perfect for those who want a high-end cabin and a smooth ride |
| Best Choice For | Thrilling performance Tech-loaded cabin Occasional 7-passenger use | Sporty handling Brand prestige Balanced comfort & agility | Plush ride Bang for buck luxury features Upscale design |
Asked & Answered
Does the Audi SQ7 have a third row of seats?
Yes. The SQ7 comes standard with three rows, providing seating for seven passengers. However, the third row is quite small – it’s best suited for children or shorter adults on brief trips. Think of it as a bonus for occasional use. Most of the time, you’ll probably keep the third row folded to expand cargo space.
What is the SQ7’s fuel economy, and does it require premium gas?
The 2025 SQ7 is rated at 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway (17 mpg combined). In real-world driving, you can expect somewhere in the mid-to-high teens. And yes, it requires premium gasoline. Audi recommends at least 91 octane for that 500-hp twin-turbo V8 – using premium fuel ensures you get the advertised performance and efficiency.
How is the SQ7 different from a regular Audi Q7?
The SQ7 is the high-performance version of the Q7. The biggest difference is the engine – the SQ7 packs a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 with 500 hp, while the standard Q7 comes with more modest engines (a turbo four-cylinder or V6). This means the SQ7 is much quicker (0-60 around 4 seconds vs ~5.7 seconds in a Q7 V6). It also has a sport-tuned air suspension, larger brakes, and performance upgrades for sharper handling. Visually, the SQ7 looks similar to a Q7 but sports subtle badges, quad exhaust pipes, and unique trim. Inside, they share the same layout, though the SQ7 gets sport seats and available special trim (like carbon fiber inlays). In short, the SQ7 delivers a far more exhilarating drive, while the regular Q7 is focused on luxury and comfort.
What is the towing capacity of the Audi SQ7?
When properly equipped, the SQ7 can tow up to 7,700 pounds. You’ll need the optional Towing package (which adds a Class III hitch and wiring). This is enough to pull a decent-sized camper, boat, or trailer with toys (ATVs, snowmobiles, etc.). Just keep in mind that towing a heavy load in a high-performance SUV might guzzle even more fuel.