Best Features Of The 2024 Audi SQ7 – #1 Midsize Performance SUV for 2023/2024

Unveiling the 2024 Audi SQ7: A Symphony of Power, Luxury, and Innovation

The 2024 Audi SQ7 sits at the tip-top of Audi's midsize performance SUV lineup. The acclaimed Q7 already made its mark with a family-friendly design and cutting-edge features. Now, the SQ7 might just hoard all the attention with a 500-horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine befitting a high-performance powerhouse. 

The midsize luxury SUV segment is evolving rapidly, and the SQ7 stands tall, competing with rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5, Lexus RX, Acura MDX, and Infiniti QX60. As we dissect the SQ7's top features, from its impeccable handling dynamics to the state-of-the-art technology, you'll witness firsthand why this German SUV enjoys unanimous expert approval as the best midsize performance SUV of the year. 

You’ll also see what’s new with the Audi Q7 for the 2024 MY, including standard adaptive cruise control, remote start via the Audi Connect app, and the optional S line sport package on the Q7 55 Prestige. With three rows of luxurious seating, the SQ7 seamlessly transitions between a spirited weekend companion and a reliable daily family hauler, earning its place as the king of Midsize Performance SUVs of 2023/24. 

Related Reading: Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Crowned US News' Best Compact Performance SUV 2023/2024 – A Comprehensive Comparison with Audi SQ5 and BMW X3 M 

2024 Audi SQ7: Sleeper Car Engine, Performance, And Handling

The base turbocharged 4-cylinder engine powering the Q7 models guides the SUV through city streets and highways effortlessly, offering a confident performance without sacrificing efficiency. While its 6.9-second 0-60 mph acceleration time may not break speed records, it’s more than adequate for everyday driving. 

However, gearheads can hardly turn a blind eye to the turbo V6 motivating the 55 Prestige models. Extra 74 horses are just too substantial to pretend it doesn’t matter, not if you crave a bit more oomph on the road. Same goes for people with frequent towing needs. They sure will appreciate the V6's impressive 7,700-pound tow rating, significantly eclipsing the 4-cylinder's 4,400-pound capacity. 

More good news: the Q7's ride and handling prowess deserve applause, no matter the engine choice. Thanks to Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system, the Q7, from the lowest to the highest trim, is a sophisticated companion adept at conquering diverse road and weather conditions. 

This sophisticated AWD system typically asks for extra money in some of Audi Q7's rivals but comes standard in the Q7, improving the SUV's agility around corners and elegant strides on highways. Striking such a perfect balance between sportiness and comfort is a combination you don’t see every day on a 3-row family SUV. 

In a market choked with 9- and 10-speed transmissions, the Q7 isn’t budging from its eight-speed shifter, a decision that proves judicious in this case. The carefully calibrated ratios contribute to a driving experience that feels just right. 

Now, all this sounds good because they are, indeed, very good, but the SQ7 is the true 5-star general of 3-row SUVs. Aye, it’s the high-performance version of the Audi Q7. Consequently, the SQ7 don’t look like no general. 

Dressed like a family SUV, this wolf in sheep's clothing hides a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine pumping out an astounding 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. Does the idea of turning ordinary school runs into a trackday experience paste an involuntary grin on your face? Well, the 2024 Audi SQ7 clocks 3.5 seconds in the zero-to-60 mph sprint, placing it squarely at the table of sleeper cars. 

The steering is reportedly accurate, and the minimal body roll feels like you’re driving a car. Despite its performance pedigree and sports sedan road manners, the SQ7 gracefully fulfills its role as a family SUV, delivering on the practicality fronts and gliding smoothly over diverse road surfaces. Plus, the SQ7 promotes driver confidence with its powerful brakes that bring the SUV to a swift and confident halt. 

2024 SQ7: "All Go And No Show" Design

Audi's design philosophy, embodied in restrained yet handsome features, comes to life in the 2024 SQ7’s captivating aesthetics. The Matrix-style LED headlights and bold grille contribute to its timeless appeal, ensuring a design that stands the test of time. 

The wheel options complement the SUV’s dynamic profile, ranging from 19 inches for base Q7 models to 22 inches for the SQ7. The paint colors add a personal touch, with metallic blues like Navarra and the darker Waitomo catching the eye and enhancing the SQ7's presence. 

If you’re just fine with all-show-and-a-normal-go, the 2024 Q7 55 Prestige models offer an S line sport package featuring 21-inch 5-spoke blade design wheels, striking red brake calipers, and black optic design elements. Even so, the SQ7 model stands out with quad tailpipes, subtly signaling the power that lies within. 

Sporty Interior And Decent Cargo Space

The Audi Q7’s interior feels like a haven of luxury and functionality where every detail contributes to a premium driving experience. Accommodating seven passengers across three rows, the Q7 makes nice with a 3-across bench in the second row, forgoing the option of second-row captain's chairs found in some rivals, including the performance-oriented Audi SQ7. 

While the second row boasts a generous 38.8 inches of legroom, the third row, with its limited 29.2 inches, is ideally suited for the younger members of the family. That said, the Q7's interior flaunts superior cabin material and thoughtful styling. 

The designers used a technological design direction that doesn’t overwhelm the passengers. The dash fields a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and a separate 8.6-inch screen dedicated to climate control. Audi's archetypal high-definition instrument cluster retains its visual allure, embodied in a 12.3-inch Digital Cockpit. 

The allure doesn’t stop in the dash, as the 2024 Q7 comes with genuine leather seats as standard, available in a spectrum of colors, including the captivating Okapi Brown. The tactile satisfaction of an actual gear shift in the center column, as opposed to buttons or switches, further enhances the Q7's premium feel. 

As for cargo space, the SQ7’s designers seemed to have deliberately made up for the modest cargo volume behind the third row with pragmatic cabin management that sees the SUV's "trunk" accommodate up to 25 carry-on suitcases with the third- and second-row seats folded down, ultimately mirroring the Q7’s practicality. 

2024 Audi SQ7: Immersive Infotainment And Technology Features

The Audi SQ7 features a touchscreen-centric infotainment system on par with the updated equipment on the 2020 Q7. As mentioned earlier, the dashboard fields three digital screens, each serving a distinct purpose—an adaptable gauge display, a hub for navigation and entertainment, and a control center for vehicle settings and climate. 

The SQ7's cabin is a symphony of modern tech and styling, but not everyone is a fan of the touch-sensitive controls. The absence of physical knobs and buttons might pose a slight learning curve for some users, although the touch screens' haptic feedback adds a tactile dimension. In any case, the trio of display screens is visually impressive, with crisp graphics and swift response times. 

The standard infotainment features include 10.1-inch and 8.6-inch touch screens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, HD Radio, satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB ports, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. An available upgrade presents a lavish 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. 

Beyond infotainment, the SQ7 boasts a rich array of standard and available tech features, including a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, quad-zone automatic climate control, a universal garage door opener, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, and a panoramic sunroof. 

Additional available luxuries include power soft-closing doors and multicolor ambient LED interior lighting. The SQ7's tech highlights extend beyond entertainment with features like wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, hands-free tailgate operation, and the Virtual Cockpit.

For added convenience, the Remote Parking Assist Plus offers a self-parking function for parallel and perpendicular spaces. 

Related Reading: Genesis GV70 Is The Best Luxury Compact SUV For 2023/24 – US News & World Report 

2024 Audi SQ7 vs. The Competition

The Audi SQ7, BMW X5 M, and Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S present the closest competition in the midsize performance SUV class, each offering a unique blend of power, luxury, and technology. 

Audi SQ7 vs. BMW X5 M vs. Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S: Performance Comparison

Standing on the standard X5's shoulders, the BMW X5 M offers slightly superior handling and a more potent engine. Meanwhile, the Audi SQ7 boasts a smoother ride and agile handling, while the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S balances power and opulence with confident handling and a silky smooth ride. 

Audi SQ7 vs. BMW X5 M vs. Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S: Engine And Cargo Dynamics Comparison

In the power department, the X5 M and GLE 63 S edge ahead with slightly more powerful engines. Cargo enthusiasts might favor the X5 M and GLE 63 S for their additional cargo room compared to the SQ7. 

Audi SQ7 vs. BMW X5 M vs. Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S: Interior Design Comparison

The SQ7 shines with its upscale interior, striking a balance between sophistication and subtlety. The GLE 63 S boasts a luxurious interior, while the X5 M leans towards opulence. Individual preferences will play a role in choosing between these distinct cabin styles. 

Audi SQ7 vs. BMW X5 M vs. Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S: Seating And Price Points Comparison

The SQ7 leads in seating capacity with accommodation for up to seven passengers, while the X5 M and GLE 63 S seats five passengers. When it comes to pricing, the SQ7 offers a markedly lower starting MSRP, making it an appealing choice for those seeking high-end performance with more bang for every buck. 

Audi SQ7 vs. BMW X5 M vs. Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S: Technology And Amenities Comparison

All three SUVs are laden with tech and luxury amenities. However, the GLE 63 S and X5 M offer more cargo space, while the SQ7’s lower starting price presents an enticing option for tech-savvy enthusiasts. 

How Much Is The 2024 Audi Q7 And SQ7?

The journey into Audi's luxury offerings begins with the 2024 Q7, priced at $59,500 for the base 45 Premium models equipped with the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Naturally, additional options and non-white exterior colors can swiftly elevate the price across all trims. Below are the 2024 Audi Q7 and SQ7’s pricing tiers: 

Notably, the Q7’s starting price hovers below its German counterparts, such as the Mercedes-Benz GLE (starting over $62K) and BMW X5 (over $65K). The 3-row Q7 rather shares its price point with 2-row SUVs like the Genesis GV80 (starting at $57,450) and the Lexus RX (just under $50K). 

Other contenders in the field include the Acura MDX, Infiniti QX60, Lincoln Aviator, Volvo XC90, and Cadillac XT6, all vying for attention in this highly competitive segment. 

If you need to sell later, you should know that the Q7's resale value is on par with the BMW X5 and Volvo XC90, falling slightly below the Lexus RX, Acura MDX, and Lincoln Aviator. While the SQ7 doesn't come with an affordable price tag, opting for the Prestige trim offers an enhanced experience with additional standard equipment. 

To keep everyone happy, Audi offers various packages, including a Sport package with an upgraded suspension and an Executive package featuring interior enhancements. For most shoppers, the SQ7 Premium Plus is the best choice, boasting the same potent twin-turbo V8 as its pricier Prestige counterpart, coupled with an extensive array of tech, comfort, and driver-assistance features.