The seven-seat Audi Q7 and five-seat Q8 along with their go-faster SQ- counterparts have been given a mild refresh for 2025. Truth be told, most of the upgrades are small in nature, but when viewed as a whole, they really do make a difference. The look is classier, the cabin swankier, and the drive as sublime as ever.
All models get fresh front and rear styling, including a reworked front spoiler and more aggressive rear diffuser, along with quad “hot” tailpipes—the German automaker has said based on customer feedback, it’s doing away with fake exhaust tips from here on in. In the SQ models, those tailpipes bark and burble beautifully on start-up, and roar delightfully under hard acceleration.
The redesign also uses Audi’s new two-dimensional four-ring logo — it looks classier than the old version, and is underscored by the laser-etched model identification found on the B-pillar. There’s also new wheel designs and available next-generation lighting. In Canada, this means the HD Matrix-design LED headlight with Audi Laser light. These lamps cast the light twice as far down the road, and have the ability to eliminate the light that would normally blind an on-coming motorist. Beyond that, the SQ models feature digital daytime running lights and OLED taillights, both of which have four different light signatures.
What’s under the hood of the 2025 Audi Q7, Q8, and the SQs?
The 2025 Q7 starts with the 45 trim, and a 2.0-litre turbo-four that pushes 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It will work for many, but the V6 found in the Q7 55 is so much more compelling. That trim’s 3.0L twin-turbo V6, which works with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, twists out a much more rewarding 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The key here is peak torque arrives at just 750 rpm off idle, so there’s no turbo lag off the line, and the mid-range is very strong.
This engine drops the run to 100 km/h (62 mph) from zero by 1.5 seconds, to a speedy 5.6 seconds when compared to the turbo-four. It also completed an impromptu 80-to-120-km/h (50-to-75-mph) passing move in 3.7 seconds. The Q8 ditches the 45 model and starts with the 55 and that same twin-turbo V6.
If “more” is the order of the day, pick one of the SQ models. Both the SQ7 and SQ8 feature a fire-breathing 4.0L twin-turbo V8 that punches out 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. This cuts the run to the metric tonne to 4.1 seconds. There is a serious bite and a delightful growl to the exhaust. It all serves to set the driver up for the fun that happens the instant you floor it.
On that note, when the 2025 RS Q8 arrives later this year, it will get all of the aforementioned changes along with a power boost — it now offers 631 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque and a run to 100 km/h that should come in at 3.5 seconds!
In all cases, the engines work with an eight-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel-drive. The Q7 and Q8 use a 40-60 front-to-rear torque split; the SQ models are more aggressive and can send up to 80% of the torque to the rear wheels. Finally, the Q7 55, Q8 55, and SQ models can tow 3,500 kg (7,700 lbs), so none of your toys get left behind when heading to the cottage.
Features and options on the 2024 SQ7 and SQ8
The SQ’s available S sport package includes two important features. First, the quattro all-wheel-drive system is augmented by Audi’s sport rear differential — it adds torque vectoring and more predictability to the drive. Second is active roll stabilization. Here an electric motor splits the traditional anti-roll bar into two separate pieces. When on the highway, both halves work independently to improve the ride quality; in the twisty bits, the electric motor moves the two halves in opposite directions, which counters body roll. It’s a dark science, but one that keeps the SQ models flat through a fast corner in spite of the taller ride height.
In the SQ models, the driver can select Allroad, Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual. Each changes the character of the drive. However, there are, as they say, horses for courses. When running the highway section of the drive route, Dynamic mode locked out eighth gear and held a lower gear to emphasize performance — at 125 km/h, the SQ7 held fifth gear. Yes, rolling into the gas to pass a slower moving vehicle saw it jump smartly, but it did little for fuel economy unless the driver takes the reins and shifts manually. The moral? Pick Auto. It brings a relaxed highway drive that switches to give the SQ a keen driving ethic whenever needed.
Dynamic mode is for those treasured moments when the road is long and looping. Here the more aggressive characteristics come to the fore. Racing towards a decreasing-radius corner, you stand on the brake pedal and hear the gearbox shifting down, down, and into the right gear, so when you hit the apex the engine is in the meat of the rev range and the transmission in the perfect gear to blast forward. It’s a case of driving it like you stole it! Logic says a crossover should not do this, but both the SQ7 and SQ8 do it in fine style.
There’s also a surprising difference between Auto and Dynamic in terms of the ride and handling. Auto sees the SQ waft on the highway, and it manages to hold its own through the twisty bits; Dynamic is much better when the drive gets serious. The adaptive air suspension hunkers down and the rear steering, which can turn the rear wheels up to five degrees, make a big difference (both features are optional on Q, and standard on SQ models). In Dynamic drive mode, there’s more heft in the steering, and both the SQ7 and SQ8 held the driver’s line with remarkable tenacity.
For a crossover, the SQ is more than suited and booted when pushed hard — the harder you push, the more it seems to come back for more. Yes, there’s a little more pitter-patter from the firmer suspension settings when the road is straight, but that’s more than compensated for through a corner. For those into the softer side of life, the Q7 and Q8 models are softer without feeling too willowy.
The bottom line is the suspension is supple and the drive quiet in all cases. Surprisingly, the setup worked very well with the larger 22-inch wheel-and-tire package — often upsizing the rubber introduces more unwanted feedback. Not here.
Reworked cabin underscores Audi’s lead
Many moons ago, Audi designer Martin Smith, the man behind the Quattro, figured the company should put a greater emphasis on interior design. That decision proved to be pivotal, as it gave Audi an edge in interior design and quality it has never ceded. The latest Q7 and Q8 and the SQ models underscore how much of a lead the company enjoys — the red stitching and perforated leather found on the steering wheel and seats in the SQ8 tested said it all!
For the driver, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit Plus and MMI (multimedia interface) are intuitive and set the tone for the rest of the interior. The 12.3-inch instrumentation is reconfigurable and allows the driver to see as much or as little information as desired — the map can consume most of the display, or it can be muted so the look emphasizes just the essentials.
To the right sits the larger of the MMI’s two screens. It’s sharp, attractive, and quick to respond to input, and it gives haptic feedback. This proved to be the lone controversial point. Some loved the iPhone-like click that confirmed the driver’s touch; others, me included, hated it. The good news is it can be turned off.
Regardless, the format is intuitive, and supports everything from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; to the drive mode display and available Bang & Olufsen sound system. Here, the three amplifiers, 1,920 watts, and 24 strategically placed speakers deliver a rich and immersive sound. It is wonderful even if it does take a back seat to the exhaust note! Below, the second screen gives easy access to the climate functions.
Finally, the driver-assist features are complete and have been upgraded. The adaptive cruise control now features traffic-jam assist. It uses the adaptive cruise control and lane-keep ability to ease the driver’s stress load when navigating a congested highway at speeds under 60 km/h (37 mph). Night-vision assist allows the driver to see into the dark using an infrared camera. It picks up the heat signature of humans and animals that may not be visible to the eye, and puts the view in the instrumentation.
Audi Q7 and Q8 offer functional utility
There’s lots of legroom and decent cargo space — the panoramic sunroof gives an airy atmosphere that seems to make everything feel a little bigger. The only real difference between the two crossovers is the Q7 and SQ7 are seven-seaters; and the Q8 and SQ8 deliver seating for five in a coupe-like body.
In the Q7, there’s 985 mm (38.8 inches) of legroom in the middle row; and 742 mm (29.2 inches) in the third row, so it will accommodate an adult when push comes to shove — a tight seat beats walking in the rain any day! With the third row folded, there’s 385 litres (13.6 cubic feet) and 1,928L (68 cu ft) with the middle row folded. The Q8 has slightly more rear seat legroom, at 1,021 mm (40.2 inches), but less cargo space — 863L (30.5 cu ft) seats up and 1,719L (60.7 cu ft) when folded.
Canadian pricing for the 2025 Audi Q7, Q8, and SQ models
The 2025 Q7 45 quattro has a starting price of $75,700; the top Q7 55 quattro Technik commands $93,150. The racy SQ7 is priced at $114,050. The 2025 Q8 prices are yet to be announced; however, they are unlikely to stray too far from 2024 prices, which was the year the Q8 received its rework. As it stands, the 2024 Q8 55 Progressiv starts at $92,300; and tops out at $100,000 for the Q8 55 Technik. The 2024 SQ8 is priced at $121,550.
Final thoughts
Individually, the changes that comprise the rework are relatively minor. However, cumulatively, they do make a difference. The Q7 and Q8 are, as always, capable, comfortable, and fun to drive with the V6 under the hood. The SQ versions take things to a higher plane altogether. The available S sport package with the active rear differential and active anti-roll bars work with the adaptive suspension and rear steering to sharpen the driving experience to the point where one tends to forget you are behind the wheel of a large luxurious crossover.
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