2023 Audi SQ7

We live in the golden era of SUVs, and the 2023 Audi SQ7 is the perfect example of how far we've come. This premium German performance SUV combines handsome styling, massive performance, and impressive practicality in a package that oozes luxury and regiment. The SQ7 offers seating for up to seven lucky occupants and is powered by a turbocharged V8 engine delivering a massive 500 horsepower. Competitors for the Audi SQ7 include the BMW X5 M50i and Mercedes-AMG GLE 53. They do a few things better, but the Audi's consistently wide spread of talents may just give it the edge. We love how this thing rides, its outstanding built quality, and the sheer comfort on offer, but it also comes with a few downsides. Read on to find out more in our review of the capable Audi SQ7.

The SQ7 is a large, high-performance German luxury SUV, so don't expect it to be cheap. The base Premium Plus has an MSRP of $90,200, excluding tax, registration, and a destination fee of $1,195. Notably, Audi compels you to spend an additional $595 on one of the exterior colors as none of them are free. The Prestige trim level takes that price up to $94,900. Fully loaded, the 2023 Audi SQ7 can cost you close to $120k. Among other similar SUVs for sale, the BMW X5 M50i starts at a slightly more affordable $85,400.

The new Audi SQ7 SUV is a big car and packs a hefty curb weight, so the fact that it drives this well is a testament to Audi's excellent chassis and suspension engineering. The SQ7's chassis has been tuned to make it feel and drive like a much smaller car; inputs are received with lightning response, and turn-in is sharp. The SUV has masses of grip, and it remains flat even tossed through some S bends. The SQ7 features all-wheel steering and an electromechanical progressive steering system that effortlessly communicates with the adaptive air suspension. This car is also supremely supple over city roads and soaks up bumps without protest. For those wanting an even sportier experience, Audi offers a Sport Package for the Prestige. This adds a sport rear differential and active roll stabilization. All in all, this is one great-driving SUV.

Audi understands the importance of delivering excellent products in the SUV market; after all, the Q5 is its best-selling model. The marque has taken the lessons it has learned from its years of experience in the SUV and performance car game and beautifully combines it in the SQ7. This is Audi's largest performance car, but you wouldn't say that when you're behind the wheel. This SUV drives like a much smaller car and loves to be thrown around the corners. With 500 horsepower behind your right foot, the SQ7 also goes like a bat out of hell. The exterior design is just aggressive enough, and the interior is beautifully crafted and luxurious. The SQ7 has some drawbacks: the infotainment system can be complicated to use, and that V8 is seriously thirsty. Despite that, the SQ7 is one of the best-balance performance SUVs on the market and is a no-brainer in this class.

The Audi SQ7's price differs by under $5,000 between the two trims, so we'd go with the range-topping Prestige model. This SQ7 shares its 500-hp V8 engine with the base model but adds many notable features such as heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, a head-up display, and traffic sign recognition. We'd choose a nice metallic exterior paint, add the $2,900 Luxury Package, which throws a ton of leather and Alcantara at the cabin, and if you feel like going even faster, why not go for the Sport Package for $5,900? Without other options, you're looking at $105,490 including destination.