Audi high-performance SUV SQ7
The new actual vehicle has finally been spotted
There is a rumor that it is the last internal combustion engine vehicle
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A test vehicle for the third-generation Audi SQ7, a large SUV from Audi, a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group, was recently spotted in Europe for the first time. The newly captured photo reveals significant design changes from the current 2025 SQ7 model, most notably in the grille, which now features a horizontal design on the lower grille.
This discovery comes as we anticipate the release of the third-generation Q7, which represents a complete overhaul following two facelift versions. The test vehicle sports a slightly longer and larger body than the existing second facelift model. Some foreign media suggest we can expect a completely revamped Audi vehicle post-2026. The rear design has notably evolved from the current SQ7, with entirely new tail lights, marking a clear departure in styling.
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New quad tips have been seen
Hidden door that is different from existing one
This change could also be seen in the test vehicle for the entirely change model of the Audi Q7, released in April 2024. Since the high-end version of the Q7 is the SQ, a similar design will be used, but changes will be made in the details. If we look at what is different from the Q7, the first thing that stands out is the quad tips, which reveal four mufflers. If a dual muffler was seen in the test vehicle for the fully-change model of the Q7 revealed in April 2024, the high-performance SQ7 uses quad tips, so the actual appearance is even more anticipated.
The shape of the door has also changed. In the case of the 2024 SQ7, a general latch type was used, but an inside grip was used in the full-change model of the Q7 unveiled in April 2024. So, in this test vehicle, it was confirmed that a secret door handle was used. Photos of the interior have not yet been released. Some foreign media think it can follow the design of the Q6 e-tron.
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Interior resembling the Q6 e-tron
Can it compete with BMW?
If a similar procedure is followed as the Q6 e-tron, the interior can be expected to be equipped with an 11.9-inch digital instrument panel, a 14.5-inch infotainment system, and a 10.9-inch passenger display. The existing SQ7 uses a V8 twin-turbo engine with a maximum output of 507 horsepower and a maximum torque of 78.7 kg.m. Based on this engine, reaching 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standstill is 4 seconds. It can get a top speed of 205 km/h (127 mph).
It is unclear whether the existing engine will continue to be used and whether conversion to a hybrid is possible. The price is about $106,944, which is appropriate for a luxury large SUV. Compared to the BMW X7, which is in a similar price range, the engine uses the same twin-turbo V8 engine. In terms of maximum output, the BMW X7 is superior at 530 horsepower, but in terms of torque, the SQ7 is slightly superior at 76.5 kg.m.
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The emotional Audi SQ7
A different charm from BMW
We don’t know how the currently released test vehicle will change, but it looks a little softer and more sophisticated in design. In comparison, the BMW X7 is heavy and luxurious. The design that clearly reveals its presence can be said to be a BMW vehicle. Ultimately, the consumer chooses, but if you want an emotional design, you may choose this Audi vehicle.
The Audi Q7 and SQ7 could be Audi’s last internal combustion engine vehicles. Audi plans to phase out ICE (Internal Combustion Engine)- powered cars by 2033. So, it is possible to change the engine to a hybrid and release it, but it seems unlikely that the engine will be changed in a hurry for Audi’s new model, which will be launched as early as the end of 2025.
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