Among the plethora of performance SUVs that are less family chariot and more fashion statement, with storage space that’s shrinking faster than this writer’s enthusiasm for tofu, there is one that offers both a high-octane drive and the ability to cart the kids around.
Enter the 2024 Audi SQ7. This beauty promises to be a beacon of hope for a dash of sportiness, without sacrificing the versatility of a family-friendly ride. Its exterior exudes a subtle elegance that allows the vehicle to blend seamlessly into its surroundings.
There’s no overt brashness, instead, the Audi’s understated sophistication is a strength, highlighting a sporty aesthetic, characterised by sleek, sharp lines that align well with its dynamic performance.
The SQ7 boasts a redesigned front bumper, with the updated Audi logo set against a honeycomb grille, paired with the brand’s latest matrix LED headlights to create an engaging light display upon startup.
Moving along the side, the silhouette maintains a conservative look. Its almost shooting brake stance comes thanks to its air suspension and 22-inch alloy wheels that fill the wheel arches well, culminating in a sleek, sloping roofline.
At the rear, the design surprises with genuine quad exhaust tips. There’s a sporty rear spoiler, OLED taillights, a performance-oriented diffuser, and discreet SQ7 badging too, subtly signalling to others that they’ve just been outpaced by something a little bit special.
Step inside and you’ll find a cabin crafted from premium materials and luxurious leather, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The dashboard and instrument cluster artfully blend classic design with just the right touch of modern technology.
Subtle aluminium accents throughout the cabin work well with piano black elements to create an engaging contrast that breaks up the expanse of black leather. The vehicle we’re testing includes optional crimson-red stitching and matching seat belts.
These distinctive details infuse the otherwise subtle and conservative interior with a sporty flair, giving the SQ7 an aggressive character that sets it apart from rivals. The interior is also home to Audi’s virtual cockpit display in the form of a stunning 12.3-inch screen.
We’re big fans of how intuitive it is to use and the full map integration means you can easily keep an eye on your destination without having to shift your gaze to the infotainment screen.
The digital driver display also offers a wealth of information and settings to scroll through, complemented by a head-up display that keeps everything right in your line of sight. Now, let’s talk about the infotainment system.
Unlike many modern SUVs that feature sprawling screens, the SQ7 opts for a sleek, integrated 10.1-inch touchscreen. It offers wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and digital AM and FM radio.
But the real showstopper in this car is the Bang & Olufsen sound system that’s part of the add-on Sensory package. With 23 speakers, and tweeters that rise elegantly from the dash as you start the car, it transforms your driving experience into something exceptional.
The SQ7 is packed with comfort features as well, including heated and cooled front seats, a delightful integration of two types of fragrances that can be emitted through the air vents, and massage for both front pews.
Additional standard features include a heated steering wheel and dual climate controls, the latter of which, while looking sleek, are somewhat cumbersome to use while on the move. The centre console is somewhat of a letdown too.
There’s just enough space for your phone on the wireless charging pad, a small pocket for keys, and two USB-C ports. Thankfully, the glovebox offers decent storage space. In the second row you’ll find plenty of head and legroom, and the seats can recline and slide.
The seats have their own climate controls, displayed on a sleek digital panel, along with heating for both outboard seats (part of the Sensory package). Integrated sunshades add extra protection for youngsters, and there are three ISOFIX and top tether connections.
Row three offers great space for kids but might feel a bit tight for adults. That said, there are additional child seat points back there. Boot space is a very reasonable 705-litres with the third row down, or 295-litres with those seats in use.
The SQ7 stands out as an incredibly versatile 7-seat SUV, thanks in part to its rear-wheel steering, which makes parking and executing a three-point turn effortless. Its air suspension ensures that long journeys feel like gliding on a cloud too.
The cabin is remarkably quiet, minimising road noise, and it comes equipped with the latest safety tech, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist.
You’ll also find rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian and cyclist detection, 360-degree camera and front and rear parking sensors. Under the bonnet, you’ll find a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that delivers an impressive 373kW and a massive 770Nm.
That’s all channelled through an 8-speed automatic transmission, paired with Audi’s renowned Quattro all-wheel drive system. The SQ7 also boasts a towing capacity of 3,500kg.
Audi claims fuel efficiency of 11.8-litres/100km, but we averaged 18.0-litres/100km. That could be a result of some spirited driving, but we do feel that the claimed figures may be hard to achieve in the real world.
There are five drive modes on offer, including Efficiency, Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual. Selecting Dynamic will see you suddenly in awe that this mammoth of an SUV feels as nimble as one of its sportier RS brethren.
Combined with rear-wheel steering, active anti-roll bars and the AWD platform, it creates a driving experience that truly stands out. When it’s time to punch the accelerator out of a corner, the sports differential delivers maximum traction.
It’s good enough to rocket you from 0-100km/h in just 4.1 seconds. What’s even more thrilling is the versatility. You can drop the kids off at school in the morning and, just a bit later, take a spontaneous detour down a winding back road, grinning all the way.
It’s hard to believe that a 2.5-tonne can deliver such an adrenaline rush, and that’s what makes the 2024 Audi SQ7 such a standout vehicle. It does start at $174,815 before on-road costs though.
Add in the Black, Dynamic and Sensory packages featured on our test vehicle, and trailer two hitch, and tick all the other options boxes, and you’ll find yourself north of $209,000. That’s a lot, for sure, but it’s also plenty of car for the money.
Merging exhilarating performance with genuine family-friendly versatility, the SQ7 delivers understated elegance and thrilling dynamics, and proves you can have it all. It It might not be the 7-seater you need, but it’s definitely the one you want.
You can find out more from the Audi Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership.To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One. To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by Audi Australia for independent review purposes.
