The Family Sports Car Disguised As An SUV

In essentially the most elementary sense, the 2022 Audi SQ7 is a robust 7-passenger luxurious crossover that is a superb alternative for these searching for premium lodging, family-oriented utility, and excessive efficiency in a single stunning bundle. But spend a while with this huge Audi, and also you rapidly notice that it’s a really a driver-oriented sports activities automotive impersonating a household SUV.

Audi launched the second-generation Q7 for the 2016 mannequin 12 months. Over the previous seven years, I’ve pushed it with numerous engines which have included a supercharged V6, a turbocharged inline-4, and even a V6 diesel. Every of the engines, even the four-cylinder, has its deserves. My favourite, nonetheless, is the SQ7 boasting a mighty twin-turbocharged V8.

The 4.0-liter V8 is an impressive powerplant, particularly with its exemplary 8-speed computerized transmission. The engine is silky clean in its energy supply, engineered for effectivity, and the exhaust observe is deep and mellow. (It is no secret that the near-identical engine can also be fitted to the DNA-sharing Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Cayenne, and Bentley Bentayga.) Underneath the hood of the Audi SQ7, it’s rated at 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. That is strong sufficient to maneuver the Audi from a standstill to 60 mph in simply 3.5 seconds – acceleration so fast that it’s going to embarrass most sports activities vehicles (prime pace is electronically restricted to 150 mph). Whereas most house owners will not take part in stoplight drag races, they are going to admire the V8’s easy passing talents and almost limitless energy reserves.

Horsepower is ineffective if wheels are slipping, so Audi suits the SQ7 (and the remainder of its lineup) with its quattro everlasting all-wheel drive system that routinely distributes energy exactly the place it’s wanted. Different mechanical highlights of the crossover embody an electronically-controlled adaptive air suspension, a complicated 48-volt energetic roll stabilization system, and all-wheel steering (Audi strikes the rear wheels in the identical route at excessive speeds to enhance stability, and it strikes them in the other way at low speeds to reinforce parking maneuverability).

The SQ7 rides with extravagant grace. It glides over undulations within the pavement and floats down the freeway when its Drive Choose management is ready to COMFORT, but it by no means feels comfortable or mushy. Change the setting to DYNAMIC, which is the sportiest setting. The automobile lowers itself (thereby dropping the middle of gravity), and the dampers agency accordingly – dealing with is surprisingly athletic for a 5,300-pound automobile. Kudos to Audi for specifying spectacular Goodyear summer season compound tires that make a substantial enchancment. The SQ7 will even elevate its journey peak for extra clearance over obstacles in an off-road setting.

The automobile’s powertrain is sort of faultless, but so is the passenger cabin. Audi coddles occupants with one of many trade’s most luxurious (and well-crafted) interiors. Tender leather-based, aluminum trim, premium plastics, and carbon-fiber accents are introduced fantastically. The Audi’s age works in its favor as a result of the cockpit is not comprised of huge (overwhelming) show screens. As an alternative, there’s a show in entrance of the driving force (main cluster) and two on the middle console (infotainment and HVAC). The dashboard’s stability includes bodily buttons or stunning design accents – the general look is timeless and stylish.

Audi suits the SQ7 with sporty entrance bucket seats which are among the many finest within the trade. Whereas they lack individually adjustable head restraints (they’re integrated into the seatback), the seats are supportive and impressively comfy for lengthy journeys – the quilting of the leather-based and out there contrasting stitching is eye-catching, too. Two passengers will discover the second row of seats roomy and equally pleasurable (they slide on rails to extend second-row legroom on the expense of third-row legroom). A 3rd grownup suits within the center, however the rear passenger HVAC controls intrude on the knee room. The third row is ok for teenagers however a bit cramped for adults. General, utility is great because the seats split-fold in dozens of mixtures – and metallic tie-downs enable masses to be secured safely.

The Q7 was celebrated (and awarded) upon its arrival in 2016 as the most effective crossovers on the planet. Seven mannequin years (and one refresh) later, it has misplaced little or no of its admired luster. Nonetheless, as we speak’s range-topping Audi SQ7, with its highly effective V8 engine and superior suspension, raises the bar far increased than its predecessors and concurrently unseats almost all of its opponents – particularly for households searching for to mix 7-passenger utility with disguised sports activities automotive efficiency.