2021 AUDI SQ7 | WA1AWBF76MD024878

Body Styles

The Audi SQ7 is exclusively available as a 3-row midsize SUV, featuring a bold yet understated design language. The pre-facelift model (2016–2019) had a clean, elegant look with squared-off styling. The 2020 facelift introduced sharper LED matrix headlights, a wider octagonal grille, and more aggressive bumpers. In 2024, another update brought a revised grille, updated rear lighting, and optional OLED taillights. All versions retain a muscular, athletic stance combined with premium SUV proportions.

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

The name Audi SQ7 follows Audi’s performance naming hierarchy, where each letter and number conveys the vehicle’s model series, performance level, and segment size.

The “S” prefix designates the vehicle as a sport-enhanced model developed by Audi Sport, offering significantly more performance than the standard Q7, but positioned just below the ultra-high-performance RS variants. “S” models are known for upgraded engines, sharper handling, sportier styling, and enhanced braking and suspension systems — delivering dynamic capability without compromising luxury or daily usability.

The “Q” indicates that the vehicle belongs to Audi’s SUV lineup, with all Q-series models featuring elevated ride height, available quattro all-wheel drive, and versatile interior configurations.

The “7” denotes the vehicle’s size and class, placing it in the full-size luxury SUV segment. As such, the SQ7 is the sport-tuned version of the Q7, Audi’s flagship three-row SUV, combining family practicality with athletic performance.

From the manufacturer's standpoint, the name SQ7 represents a vehicle that merges executive-level comfort with Audi Sport engineering, often powered by a V8 engine or high-output V6, and equipped with advanced features like all-wheel steering, adaptive air suspension, and quattro with sport differential.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The Audi SQ7 has consistently offered a curated palette of exterior colors designed to emphasize its performance character while maintaining Audi’s hallmark sophistication. Popular shades include Daytona Gray Pearl, Mythos Black Metallic, and Glacier White, all of which provide a sleek and premium appearance. Navarra Blue Metallic and Ultra Blue add a vibrant touch, especially under direct sunlight, while more muted options like Satellite Silver and Vicuna Beige cater to those seeking subtle elegance. Audi Exclusive options further expand the color spectrum with custom finishes like Nardo Gray or Goodwood Green, enabling owners to create truly individualized vehicles. Over the years, facelifted models introduced new finishes with higher reflectivity and deeper gloss, aligning with the evolving design language.

Inside, the SQ7 features a cabin that combines high-performance elements with luxurious craftsmanship. Standard upholstery includes finely stitched Valcona leather in colors such as Black, Rotor Gray, and Arras Red, with contrast stitching in Rock Gray or Anthracite depending on configuration. Higher trims and Audi Exclusive packages offer two-tone interiors, such as Black with Express Red inserts or Cognac Brown with Granite Gray piping. The seats often feature diamond stitching and embossed "S" logos, adding a sporty flair. Inlays range from brushed aluminum to carbon fiber or natural gray oak, and ambient lighting with selectable color profiles elevates the nighttime atmosphere. The rear seating area maintains the same material quality, with available ventilation, heating, and individual climate zones in upper trims. For long-haul comfort, the SQ7 also offers massage seats with multiple intensity settings and memory functions.

Wheel choices for the SQ7 evolve with each model year, starting with 20-inch 5-spoke turbine designs as standard. Upgrades include 21- and 22-inch Audi Sport wheels, offered in various finishes such as Titanium Matte, Gloss Anthracite Black, and Diamond-Cut Silver. The larger wheels often pair with performance tires and feature sculpted spoke designs that hint at the SUV’s dynamic capabilities. Brake calipers are typically painted black with the S-logo, although red calipers are optionally available for a sportier aesthetic. The design of the wheels not only complements the powerful stance of the SQ7 but also provides necessary airflow to the large ventilated disc brakes, a critical feature in such a high-performance luxury SUV.

Top Expensive Options

• Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) Sport Suspension: $5,000
• Bang & Olufsen Advanced 3D Sound System: $6,500
• 22" Audi Sport Wheels with Performance Tires: $3,000
• Valcona Leather with Diamond Stitching: $2,800
• Carbon Vector Interior Inlays: $1,500
• Four-Wheel Steering: $2,200
• OLED Taillights with Animation (2024+): $1,800
• Adaptive Cruise with Traffic Jam Assist: $2,300
• Night Vision Assistant: $2,600
• Audi Matrix HD LED Headlights with Laser Light: $3,200

vs Competitors

The Audi SQ7 competes directly with the BMW X5 M50i, Mercedes-AMG GLE 580, Range Rover Sport P530, and Porsche Cayenne S. It stands out with its refined performance balance, excellent ride comfort (especially with air suspension and DRC), and stealthy performance design. The 4.0L twin-turbo V8 provides RS-level power with a subtler aesthetic. Compared to the more extroverted BMW and AMG rivals, the SQ7 appeals to buyers wanting performance wrapped in understated luxury. The optional 4-wheel steering and active anti-roll bars give it an edge in agility despite its size.

Fun Fact

The original diesel-powered SQ7 (2016) was the first production vehicle in the world to feature an electric compressor — a 48V system that virtually eliminated turbo lag. It marked a technological leap in performance diesels and set the stage for future mild hybrid innovations across the Volkswagen Group.