Among the many plethora of efficiency SUVs which can be much less household chariot and extra style assertion, with cupboard space that’s shrinking quicker than this author’s enthusiasm for tofu, there’s one that provides each a high-octane drive and the flexibility to cart the children round.
Enter the 2024 Audi SQ7. This magnificence guarantees to be a beacon of hope for a splash of sportiness, with out sacrificing the flexibility of a family-friendly trip. Its exterior exudes a delicate magnificence that permits the automobile to mix seamlessly into its environment.
There’s no overt brashness, as a substitute, the Audi’s understated sophistication is a energy, highlighting a sporty aesthetic, characterised by glossy, sharp strains that align nicely with its dynamic efficiency.
The SQ7 boasts a redesigned entrance bumper, with the up to date Audi emblem set in opposition to a honeycomb grille, paired with the model’s newest matrix LED headlights to create an enticing gentle show upon startup.
Transferring alongside the facet, the silhouette maintains a conservative look. Its virtually taking pictures brake stance comes due to its air suspension and 22-inch alloy wheels that fill the wheel arches nicely, culminating in a glossy, sloping roofline.
On the rear, the design surprises with real quad exhaust ideas. There’s a sporty rear spoiler, OLED taillights, a performance-oriented diffuser, and discreet SQ7 badging too, subtly signalling to others that they’ve simply been outpaced by one thing just a little bit particular.
Step inside and also you’ll discover a cabin crafted from premium supplies and splendid leather-based, making a welcoming ambiance. The dashboard and instrument cluster artfully mix traditional design with simply the suitable contact of contemporary expertise.
Refined aluminium accents all through the cabin work nicely with piano black parts to create an enticing distinction that breaks up the expanse of black leather-based. The automobile we’re testing contains elective crimson-red stitching and matching seat belts.
These distinctive particulars infuse the in any other case delicate and conservative inside with a sporty aptitude, giving the SQ7 an aggressive character that units it aside from rivals. The inside can also be residence to Audi’s digital cockpit show within the type of a shocking 12.3-inch display.
We’re large followers of how intuitive it’s to make use of and the total map integration means you possibly can simply regulate your vacation spot with out having to shift your gaze to the infotainment display.
The digital driver show additionally affords a wealth of knowledge and settings to scroll by, complemented by a head-up show that retains all the things proper in your line of sight. Now, let’s speak in regards to the infotainment system.
Not like many trendy SUVs that characteristic sprawling screens, the SQ7 opts for a glossy, built-in 10.1-inch touchscreen. It affords wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and digital AM and FM radio.
However the true showstopper on this automobile is the Bang & Olufsen sound system that’s a part of the add-on Sensory bundle. With 23 audio system, and tweeters that rise elegantly from the sprint as you begin the automobile, it transforms your driving expertise into one thing distinctive.
The SQ7 is full of consolation options as nicely, together with heated and cooled entrance seats, a pleasant integration of two kinds of fragrances that may be emitted by the air vents, and therapeutic massage for each entrance pews.
Further commonplace options embrace a heated steering wheel and twin local weather controls, the latter of which, whereas wanting glossy, are considerably cumbersome to make use of whereas on the transfer. The centre console is considerably of a letdown too.
There’s simply sufficient house to your telephone on the wi-fi charging pad, a small pocket for keys, and two USB-C ports. Fortunately, the glovebox affords first rate cupboard space. Within the second row you’ll discover loads of head and legroom, and the seats can recline and slide.
The seats have their very own local weather controls, displayed on a glossy digital panel, together with heating for each outboard seats (a part of the Sensory bundle). Built-in sunshades add additional safety for kids, and there are three ISOFIX and high tether connections.
Row three affords nice house for teenagers however would possibly really feel a bit tight for adults. That stated, there are further little one seat factors again there. Boot house is a really cheap 705-litres with the third row down, or 295-litres with these seats in use.
The SQ7 stands out as an extremely versatile 7-seat SUV, thanks partly to its rear-wheel steering, which makes parking and executing a three-point flip easy. Its air suspension ensures that lengthy journeys really feel like gliding on a cloud too.
The cabin is remarkably quiet, minimising street noise, and it comes geared up with the most recent security tech, together with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise management, lane departure warning and lane preserving help.
You’ll additionally discover rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian and bicycle owner detection, 360-degree digital camera and entrance and rear parking sensors. Underneath the bonnet, you’ll discover a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that delivers a powerful 373kW and a large 770Nm.
That’s all channelled by an 8-speed computerized transmission, paired with Audi’s famend Quattro all-wheel drive system. The SQ7 additionally boasts a towing capability of three,500kg.
Audi claims gas effectivity of 11.8-litres/100km, however we averaged 18.0-litres/100km. That could possibly be a results of some spirited driving, however we do really feel that the claimed figures could also be exhausting to realize in the true world.
There are 5 drive modes on supply, together with Effectivity, Consolation, Auto, Dynamic and Particular person. Choosing Dynamic will see you instantly in awe that this mammoth of an SUV feels as nimble as one among its sportier RS brethren.
Mixed with rear-wheel steering, lively anti-roll bars and the AWD platform, it creates a driving expertise that actually stands out. When it’s time to punch the accelerator out of a nook, the sports activities differential delivers most traction.
It’s ok to rocket you from 0-100km/h in simply 4.1 seconds. What’s much more thrilling is the flexibility. You’ll be able to drop the children off in school within the morning and, only a bit later, take a spontaneous detour down a winding again street, grinning all the way in which.
It’s exhausting to imagine {that a} 2.5-tonne can ship such an adrenaline rush, and that’s what makes the 2024 Audi SQ7 such a standout automobile. It does begin at $174,815 earlier than on-road prices although.
Add within the Black, Dynamic and Sensory packages featured on our check automobile, and trailer two hitch, and tick all the opposite choices bins, and also you’ll end up north of $209,000. That’s quite a bit, for positive, but it surely’s additionally loads of automobile for the cash.
Merging exhilarating efficiency with real family-friendly versatility, the SQ7 delivers understated magnificence and thrilling dynamics, and proves you possibly can have all of it. It It may not be the 7-seater you want, but it surely’s undoubtedly the one you need.
You’ll find out extra from the Audi Australia web site, or by speaking to your native dealership.To get a low charge finance quote, speak to Australia’s greatest reviewed automobile finance dealer; Credit score One. To see an ideal vary of autos on the market, take a look at OnlyCars.com.au.
Our check automobile was supplied by Audi Australia for impartial evaluate functions.
