2025 Audi SQ7 Review: Could this 500-hp family SUV be the ultimate sleeper?

Performance cars are getting downsized in terms of engine capacity and toned down when it comes to auditory elegance. The 2025 Audi SQ7 is an antithesis of this trend.

For 2025, Audi has revamped this sporty variant of their full-size luxury SUV. The SQ7 is the proper SUV version of the Audi SQ8 coupe, which, in terms of performance, is slotted between the Audi Q7 and the full-fledged RS Q8 coupe flagship. Hence, it can be said that the SQ7 is the most practical sporty SUV in Audi’s current lineup, offering the perfect harmony between luxury and sportiness.

Why choose the 2025 Audi SQ7?

I've always admired the Audi Q7, the previous generation, a little more than this one. I was a bit let down by how Audi took away a bit of the Q7's muscularity by giving it a more wagon-ish silhouette.

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All that aside, it's what's under the hood that counts, and powering this beast is the same engine found under the hood of the RS Q8, although with a different state of tune. However, with 500 horses at its disposal, the SQ7 can deliver superfast acceleration with a 0-60 time of just 4.1 seconds. The SQ7 excels at family duty, too, with decently comfortable seating for seven passengers.

SQ7 changes for 2025

The 2025 Audi SQ7 has received some refreshed exterior bits, the most evident ones being the new front and rear fascias. Audi has added three new metallic shades to the color palette to sheathe this sporty SUV: Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red.

A couple of new alloy wheel designs are also part of the refresh. Besides these cosmetic bits, the new SQ7's infotainment system now offers third-party app support, allowing you to install and run Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, and many more of the most popular apps. Starting at $90,800, the 2025 Audi SQ7 is available in Premium Plus and Prestige trims.

Heart of the matter: The 2025 Audi SQ7 houses a 500-hp twin-turbo V8

As I mentioned earlier, this is the most essential part. The 2025 Audi SQ7 is motivated by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8. I’ve experienced the vigor and charm of this motor in various forms, including in its most ferocious form, the mighty Lamborghini Urus.

But I find this engine to be a masterpiece, not because of its sheer power (which it delivers gracefully) but because of its adaptability. It is like a fine piece of moldable clay that is as sharp as a laser in Lamborghini's hands. Still, when Porsche uses it, it just transforms into a musical instrument—something very melodic and rockingly energetic simultaneously.

However, in the Audi stable, I find it to be the most harmonic in terms of performance, and I am talking about the RSQ8 here. Regarding the SQ7, I think this motor achieves the perfect overall balance. It is more-than-adequately powerful, producing 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque, not at all stressed, and effortlessly fast in all instances.

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Corner carving and calm cruising: The 2025 Audi SQ7 excels in both

Another aspect where the 2025 Audi SQ7 achieves/delivers exceptional balance is when it comes to the driving experience and comfort aspects. From my brief experience, and since the 2025 model is mechanically identical to its immediate predecessors, I can confidently say this is one of the ultimate family SUVs for an enthusiast.

Sure, there are more hardcore machines in the field, some even from the same family tree and some unmatchable on a straight line. But I am saying this while also thoroughly considering this sporty yet comfy SUV's practicality, price, and luxury aspects.

2025 Audi SQ7: The Perfect Balance

While the SQ7 is planted, responsive, confident, and quick—whether around corners or on the highway—it is also compliant and comfy, with negligible body roll.

The cabin is crafted and decked out with properly luxurious elements and materials. Drop the third row (which is not ultra-spacious but still usable), and there is plenty of space for carrying the entire family’s luggage.

And above all, the 2025 Audi SQ7 delivers a driving experience that lets you indulge in its power and performance without compromising passenger comfort. This ability to seamlessly blend exhilarating performance with everyday usability is what truly sets the SQ7 apart, making it, in my opinion, one of the best sleeper family SUVs on the market today.