Total change for the Q7 range: Audi launches the new SQ7 with a V8 bi-turbo engine, automatic doors and artificial intelligence
Audi has officially presented the third generation of the entire Q7 family, and the piece de resistance is the new Audi SQ7. The Ingolstadt-based manufacturer has decided to completely abandon the basic four-cylinder engines for this new generation, relying exclusively on extreme performance and a technological package that seems to be taken from science fiction movies.
The new SQ7 becomes a statement of strength in a highly contested segment, combining a massive V8 engine with revolutionary innovations in lighting, comfort and artificial intelligence.
Top performance: A 591 hp twin-turbo V8 with supercar DNA
If the standard Q7 version makes an impressive leap by receiving a 2.9-liter turbocharged V6 gasoline engine (which develops 429 hp and 600 Nm of torque), the new SQ7 takes the performance crown. Under the hood beats a revised version of the famous 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, borrowed from the RS division universe.
- Maximum power: 591 hp
- Torque: 800 Nm
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h: just 3.9 seconds (0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds) – the best performance in its segment.
- Towing capacity: Up to 3,500 kg (7,700 lbs), ideal for boats, campers or platforms.
To handle this brute force, the SQ7 uses an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and a quattro all-wheel drive system configured with a rear-axle bias. An electromechanical clutch can send almost all of the torque to the rear wheels during dynamic driving, while an electronically locked rear differential eliminates any trace of understeer when cornering.
Dynamics to choose from: Three different suspensions and an S Sport version
The new large SUV’s handling is driven by an advanced adaptive architecture. Customers can choose between three distinct drivetrain configurations:
- Standard steel spring suspension (available in certain markets for the standard Q7).
- Adaptive air suspension with controlled damping (standard on the SQ7), which automatically adjusts the ground clearance depending on the driving mode and speed.
- Adaptive Sport Air Suspension (S Sport): Optional on the SQ7, this lowers the body by 30mm and is calibrated for a much stiffer, more precise response in corners. The S Sport package also adds red-painted brake calipers and all-wheel steering (all four wheels steer).
Exterior design: The aggressiveness of the “S” range
Aesthetically, the SQ7 clearly differentiates itself from a standard Q7 through a series of aggressive visual elements:
- S-specific front and rear bumpers with much larger air vents.
- A unique front grille with a honeycomb design, alongside quad exhausts at the rear.
- Satin aluminum (alu-optic) finishes for roof rails, window frames and mirror housings.
- Standard 22-inch two-tone wheels, with the option of massive 23-inch wheels (metallic black or platinum finish) shod with performance tires.
- Black Optic Package (optional): Replaces chrome elements with gloss black trim and dark chrome exhaust tips.
The main technological innovations taken from the new Q7
In addition to the devastating V8 engine, the new SQ7 benefits from all the major innovations introduced by the third-generation Q7:
1. Asphalt-projected signal lights and Micro-LED headlights
An absolute world first is the advanced turn signal system. At night, when the driver activates the turn signal, the car projects dynamic directional arrows onto the ground. This visually warns cyclists and pedestrians in the blind spot before the car turns.
The system is complemented by Digital Matrix LED headlights (with 25,600 micro-LEDs per headlight) that can project guidance symbols onto the road and 3rd generation OLED taillights, capable of displaying graphic warning signs for cars behind in case of danger.
2. Automatic opening doors and Smart panoramic roof
The Audi Smart Entrance system brings doors that open and close automatically at the touch of a button or from the phone app.
Inside, the new illuminated panoramic roof uses liquid crystal technology (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal). It can be transformed, in 9 independent segments, from completely transparent to completely opaque (an option that is automatically activated when the car is parked). In addition, the roof integrates 78 LEDs that change color in synchrony with the ambient lighting.
3. 6 or 7-seat interior and "Screen Wall"
For the first time, the SUV can be configured not only with 7 seats, but also in a 6-seat version with individual "Captain's Chairs" in the second row, offering first-class comfort.
The dashboard is dominated by a curved panoramic screen that includes an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central display. The right-hand passenger gets their own 12.3-inch screen, equipped with a privacy mode so as not to disturb the driver while driving.
4. Bang & Olufsen 4D audio system with tactile pulses
The 1,360-watt premium audio system uses 22 speakers (including in the headrests). The innovation lies in the actuators integrated into the front seats (seat beat), which transmit tactile vibrations directly to the passengers' bodies in time with the bass, transforming the cabin into a true concert hall.
5. New AI-based assistance systems
- Integrated ChatGPT: The car's voice assistant uses artificial intelligence to answer complex questions in the online environment.
- Trained Parking (Park Assist Pro): The car can memorize up to 5 complex parking maneuvers made by the driver (up to 200 meters long) and repeat them completely autonomously.
- Intelligent Emergency Assist: If the driver becomes medically unavailable, the car takes control of the steering, signals, pulls over to the shoulder/emergency lane on its own and calls 112.
Technical specifications in parallel: Q7 vs SQ7 (2027)
| Specification | Audi Q7 (2027 - Petrol Spec) | Audi SQ7 (2027) |
| Engine | 2.9L V6 Turbo | 4.0L V8 Bi-Turbo |
| Power Output | 429 PS (423 hp) | 591 PS (583 hp) |
| Torque | 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) | 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) |
| 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) | ~5.0 seconds (4.8 sec 0-60 mph) | ~3.9 seconds (3.7 sec 0-60 mph) |
| Seating Configuration | 6 or 7 seats | 6 or 7 seats |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 kg (7,700 lbs) | 3,500 kg (7,700 lbs) |
The new Audi SQ7 will arrive in showrooms worldwide starting in the fourth quarter of this year (Q4), with prices to be announced in the immediate future. With this arsenal, Audi is demonstrating that the era of high-performance combustion engines is far from over, having merely been optimized to an unprecedented technological level.
Romanian market: Availability and estimated prices for the new SQ7 (2027)
The simultaneous launch of the new generation Q7 and its high-performance version, the SQ7, has already generated a major wave of interest among car enthusiasts in Romania. As the model has only just been revealed globally, the official importer in Romania is set to publish the exact price lists in the coming period. However, taking the German market and the brand's history as a reference point, we can outline a clear launch calendar and a realistic cost estimate.
Availability calendar: When will we see it in the country? The third generation of the German SUV will be available to order starting this summer in most European countries.
- Opening of orders in Romania: It is expected in July - August.
- First deliveries: Physical copies (both for the standard Q7 and the top-of-the-range SQ7) will start rolling on Romanian roads in the last quarter of this year (November - December), being cataloged as models of the year 2027.
Price estimate: How much will the V8 monster cost in Romania?
While prices for the basic diesel versions of the new Q7 start in Germany at 87,900 euros (for the 241 hp version) and 90,500 euros (for the 295 hp one), the official price for the brutal SQ7 with a 591 hp V8 engine has not yet been officially announced.
Taking into account the massive technological leap, similar taxes (19% VAT) and the price of the previous generation, here are our estimates for the Romanian market:
- Audi SQ7 4.0 TFSI V8 (591 HP) – Base version: It will most likely start at an estimated price of 118,000 – 125,000 euros (VAT included).
- Audi SQ7 with top-of-the-line features (S Sport Package, 23" wheels, 4D Audio, PDLC roof): A configuration that includes all the SF elements described above will easily exceed the 145,000 - 150,000 euro threshold.
Note for Romanian buyers: Unlike the standard Q7 models, the SQ7 version will come with a considerably richer starting equipment in our market. Features such as adaptive air suspension, 22-inch wheels, sports seats with the "S" logo and the advanced quattro traction system with dynamic rear axle management will be included in the standard purchase price, thus justifying its positioning as a performance flagship.