The new Audi SQ7 is a 591 hp V8 SUV that Europe may not even get

For now, the new SQ7 has only been presented in a North American context. Europe is still waiting.

Audi has given its large performance SUV a revised 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, producing 591 hp and 800 Nm of torque. That is close enough to call it a 600 hp family SUV, but important enough to state correctly: the official output is 591 hp.

The result is properly serious. Audi quotes 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, based on the American 0-60 mph measurement. That makes the SQ7 absurdly quick for something that can carry six or seven people, tow heavy loads and still pretend to be a sensible premium SUV.

A V8, not an apology

The most important thing about the new SQ7 is simple: it still has a V8. A proper 4.0-litre bi-turbo petrol V8. That matters, because the SQ7 has always lived in a strange but brilliant space. It is not as hardcore as an RS model, but it is much more serious than a normal large SUV.

It needs effortless speed, massive torque and enough personality to make its size feel intentional rather than excessive. With 591 hp and 800 Nm, this new SQ7 should have no problem doing that.

From diesel monster to petrol powerhouse

The SQ7 story has always been interesting. The previous generation first became famous with a mighty V8 diesel, producing huge torque and giving Audi one of the most technically impressive performance SUVs of its time. Later, the diesel disappeared and the SQ7 moved to a petrol V8 with 507 hp.

This new version goes much further. The jump to 591 hp makes it the most powerful SQ7 yet. It also puts the car in a much more aggressive part of the performance SUV market, where acceleration figures matter almost as much as comfort, towing ability and premium finish.

Quattro, but with more rear bias

Power goes through an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system. But this is not just the safe, neutral, traditional quattro story. Audi says the SQ7 uses a rear-biased architecture with an electromechanical clutch that can modulate torque between the front and rear axles.

When needed, the system can send almost all available torque to the rear. There is also an electronically controlled locking rear differential to improve traction and cornering precision.

Air suspension comes standard

Every SQ7 gets adaptive air suspension as standard. That makes sense. A car like this has to play two roles at once. It needs to be comfortable enough for long-distance family use, but sharp enough to justify the S badge.

An optional sport adaptive air suspension lowers the ride height by 30 mm, giving the SQ7 a more focused stance and sharper handling character. This is where Audi usually does well. Not by making a large SUV feel small, because physics still exists, but by making it feel composed, stable and confident at speed.

Still practical, still heavy-duty

The madness is that the SQ7 still does normal large SUV things. It can be configured with six or seven seats. It offers proper long-distance comfort. And with the optional tow hitch, Audi quotes a towing capacity of around 3,500 kg. That combination is what makes the SQ7 different from a normal performance car.

A sports car is allowed to be selfish. An SQ7 has to be fast while still being useful. That is also why the V8 makes sense here. The car is not only chasing acceleration figures. It needs torque, response and effortless strength under load.

The European question

Now the uncomfortable part. Audi has not yet clearly confirmed the SQ7 for Europe.The car has been presented with American figures, American timing and American market context. That means we do not yet have European pricing, final EU specifications, WLTP-related figures or confirmation for specific markets.

That is frustrating, because an SQ7 with a 591 hp V8 would be one of the most interesting large performance SUVs Audi could sell here. But Europe is a difficult place for big petrol V8 SUVs in 2026. Emissions rules, taxation, fleet averages and market positioning all make the business case harder. Audi may still bring it here, but until confirmed, we have to treat the European future of the new SQ7 as uncertain.

AutoNext Take

The new Audi SQ7 is exactly the kind of car that makes no sense on paper and perfect sense emotionally. Fast, composed, understated enough, brutally capable and slightly excessive in a way that feels engineered rather than theatrical.

The problem is Europe. If Audi keeps the SQ7 away from our market, this becomes another one of those cars we read about, admire from a distance and never properly get to test on our roads. If it does come here, it could become one of the most interesting performance SUVs in the segment.