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Audi SQ7 vs Audi SQ8: Which sporty SUV is better?
Which is the best large, sporty Audi SUV? Find out as Rory Reid pits the mighty SQ7 against the even wilder SQ8.
Words by: Auto Trader
Published on 16 January 2020 | 0 min read
What’s the best fast, practical Audi? If the brilliant RS6 Avant just isn’t your thing (we get it, not everyone loves estate cars), then let us introduce the Audi SQ7 and Audi SQ8. Two devilishly quick yet family-friendly SUVs. Both have a 4.2-litre V8 diesel engine that develops 435 horsepower. Both will accelerate from 0-62mph in less than five seconds. And both cost about £80,000. Which one should you go for?
Let’s start with the SQ7. This is the (marginally) more sensible of the two – a high-performance version of Audi’s largest SUV, the Q7. As you’d expect of the sporty member of the Q7 family it has a slightly more athletic look, with a makeover that includes aluminium door mirror trim, larger alloy wheels and four exhaust tailpipes. There’s lots of luxury – and space – inside, with lashings of leather, a high-tech dashboard and seating for up to seven. Power comes from a twin-turbo V8 diesel engine with 429 horsepower that can rocket this big, heavy SUV up to a top speed limited to 155mph. Special air suspension keeps things comfortable, and helps you stay controlled through the corners. Prices start at £76,360, but once you’ve ticked the boxes for a few choice options you could easily be looking at something starting with an ‘8’. That brings us to the SQ8. It’s closely related to the SQ7 but has a sportier character. It’s a five-seater, for a start, with a lower, wider body and a more coupe-like rear end. Underneath, the SQ8 uses many of the same parts as the SQ7, while the front of the cabin is all-but identical, with the same virtual cockpit display and super-slick touchscreens. At £82,490 the SQ8 is a pricier option. Is it worth the extra? Rory Reid reveals all in our exclusive video. Enjoyed the vid? Subscribe to Auto Trader’s YouTube channel for more!
Let’s start with the SQ7. This is the (marginally) more sensible of the two – a high-performance version of Audi’s largest SUV, the Q7. As you’d expect of the sporty member of the Q7 family it has a slightly more athletic look, with a makeover that includes aluminium door mirror trim, larger alloy wheels and four exhaust tailpipes. There’s lots of luxury – and space – inside, with lashings of leather, a high-tech dashboard and seating for up to seven. Power comes from a twin-turbo V8 diesel engine with 429 horsepower that can rocket this big, heavy SUV up to a top speed limited to 155mph. Special air suspension keeps things comfortable, and helps you stay controlled through the corners. Prices start at £76,360, but once you’ve ticked the boxes for a few choice options you could easily be looking at something starting with an ‘8’. That brings us to the SQ8. It’s closely related to the SQ7 but has a sportier character. It’s a five-seater, for a start, with a lower, wider body and a more coupe-like rear end. Underneath, the SQ8 uses many of the same parts as the SQ7, while the front of the cabin is all-but identical, with the same virtual cockpit display and super-slick touchscreens. At £82,490 the SQ8 is a pricier option. Is it worth the extra? Rory Reid reveals all in our exclusive video. Enjoyed the vid? Subscribe to Auto Trader’s YouTube channel for more!