2025 Audi Q7/SQ7 and Q8/SQ8: Sleeker and a Bit More Fun
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As previously reported, the Audi Q7 and Q8—including their sportier SQ7 and SQ8 models—are getting some cosmetic revisions and a technology update but no mechanical changes for the 2025 model year. The Car Guide was invited to Park City, Utah to take a closer look at these refreshed midsize luxury SUVs and spend a bit of time behind the wheel.
The Q7 and SQ7 are more versatile and practical with their conventional SUV body style, while the Q8 and SQ8 boast sportier looks and handling with their coupe-like configuration. All of them are based on the same MLB Evo (Modular Longitudinal Matrix) architecture as before.
What’s in a Name?
Let’s (try to) make one thing clear right away. The ICE-powered 2025 Audi Q8 and SQ8 retain an even number in their model designations despite the company moving forward with odd numbers for gas models and even numbers for electric vehicles. One such example is the next-generation A4, which is now called A5 as we explained in a recent story.
But the Q8 is a different story. It’ll keep its name until a successor arrives a few years from now, likely to be called Q9. In the meantime, Audi is hoping not to confuse too many potential buyers with the conventionally powered Q8 and SQ8 and the all-electric Q8 e-tron and SQ8 e-tron in the same lineup.
Updated Styling
Up front, the unmistakable Singleframe grille now features vertical inlays, visually extending its height. The inlays feature a teardrop shape on the standard Q7/Q8 and are L-shaped on the SQ7/SQ8. The headlights are redesigned and now positioned higher. Incidentally, Audi’s Laser Light technology with adaptative lighting is now authorized for sale in Canada but not in the U.S.
Some of the body panels have a cleaner look, while SQ models stand out with larger air intakes along with a redesigned rear spoiler and diffuser. The model, derivative and technology identifier are laser-etched into the B-pillars. New body colours are available, not to mention new wheel designs ranging from 20-22 inches in size on the Q7/SQ7 and 21-23 inches on the Q8/SQ8.
New Tech
Audi’s largest SUVs offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and for the first time drivers will be able to use popular apps from third-party providers such as Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube and many more. Via the Audi App Store, selections can be downloaded directly to the infotainment system and run natively. More apps will be added over time.
With newly available Audi Themes (monthly subscription required), drivers can download different themes for the centre display, adding further customization. Soccer fans in the U.S. could decide to have their screen in the colours of Inter Miami, for example. Audi Canada has yet to announce whether the same will be offered north of the border. Also optional is a 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system that delivers 1,920 watts of power.
Same Engines
Our first experience with the refreshed Audi SUVs involved the turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 with mild hybrid technology (Q7 and Q8) and the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 (SQ7 and SQ8). We didn’t get to try the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which remains in the lineup for 2025 but only in the standard Q7.
The V6-powered Q7 and Q8 proved to be convincing performers with decent fuel economy given their weight. The engine is highly flexible and a willing partner. Towing is possible up to 7,700 lbs. The drive is a sweet mix of comfort and agility enhanced by available rear-axle steering, as we found out on the twisty roads of Utah.
Meanwhile, the twin-turbo V8 takes things to whole other level with 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. Performance is exhilarating, backed by solid sound effects. At low and medium loads, a cylinder-on-demand system deactivates half the cylinders in the engine (2-3-5-8) by closing engine valves to save fuel in coasting and lower acceleration scenarios. If the driver accelerates quickly, it switches back instantaneously to all cylinders to provide more power.
S Sport Package is a Must
The SQ7 and SQ8 are both available with an S sport package that improves the standard quattro all-wheel drive system with a sport rear differential distributing power as needed between the rear wheels to counteract the tendency to understeer at an early stage. It also includes electromechanical active roll stabilization where both axles are equipped with a compact electric motor coupled to a transmission, optimizing body control on uneven roads and in corners.
The combination of rear-axle steering (standard on SQ7 and SQ8 models) with active roll stabilization makes for superb handling on serpentine roads. Really, the S sport package is a must.
We haven’t even talked about the new-for-2025 RS Q8 Performance developed by Audi Sport, which features a 631-horsepower, twin-turbocharged V8. That’s because the company has a separate drive event planned for this one. Count on us to be there. We’ll have a review later this year, so stay tuned.
