It’s officially considered a midsize SUV, yet it boasts seating for seven (including five chair-like positions) and a long, long listing of tech, infotainment and driver-assist accoutrements, and an absolute ton of horsepower. This is the SQ7, Audi’s premium SUV, introduced for 2020 this week. By far, the biggest news here involves what’s beneath the hood. The new SQ7 (a Euro-spec version is depicted in this photo from the Audi Newsroom) is the recipient of Audi’s 4.0-liter TFSI V-8 as its new standard powerplant. Make no mistake: For all its luxury, this SUV is all about pure muscle. Audi certifies the TFSI engine at an even 500hp, with 568-lbs.ft. of torque, both very copious output numbers for an SUV of this size. The Ingolstadt manufacturer says the rejuvenated SQ7 can make it from 0 to 60 MPH in just 4.2 seconds.
These prodigious numbers are possible because Audi pumps the TFSI’s fuel mixture using twin turbochargers, linking the engine to an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, which naturally directs the power to all four wheels via its quattro all-wheel-drive system. The SQ7 rides on an S-tuned adaptive air suspension, and boasts standard all-wheel steering. A Sport Package adds active roll stabilization. The interior display is centered on a pair of over-and-under touchscreens. You can order a Bang & Olufsen audio system that will pound your eardrums with 1,920 watts of power directed through 23 speakers. All this good stuff carries a price: The SQ7 will start at $84,800.
Jim Donnelly On Wheels 