2027 Audi SQ7 spied for first time

• The upcoming third-generation Audi Q7 has been spotted testing in sporty SQ7 guise
• A debut for the new Q7 is expected in late 2025 or early the following year
• The new midsize three-row SUV may be among the last Audis launched with a gas engine

Audi is working on a redesign for its Q7, and the new generation’s sporty SQ7 variant has been spotted for the first time.

The new Q7 is expected to debut in late 2025 or early the following year, and will likely arrive as a 2027 model in the U.S. The SQ7 variant should be available around the same time as the regular model.

The heavily camouflaged SQ7 looks nearly identical to the previously spotted regular Q7. There are some differences, though, like two intercoolers, one on each side, behind the lower grille. These, along with extra plumbing, would be to cool presumably a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 currently found in other Audi S and RS models, including the current SQ7 where the engine develops 500 hp.

At the back. Audi’s trademark quad exhaust tips can be seen as with other S models. Production models will likely feature chrome finishers.

Like other S-badged Audi crossovers, including the current SQ7 which was just updated for 2025, the new SQ7 will likely ride on an air suspension with adaptive dampers. The prototypes are equipped with S-specific wheel designs that look a little larger than the wheels fitted to the regular Q7 prototypes, likely pointing to bigger brakes on the S model.

There’s still no clear shot of the interior, but one photo reveals there will be a large touchscreen on the dashboard augmented by what’s likely a digital gauge cluster. It also looks like the steering wheel has a flat-bottom design.

Production of the new Q7 should take place at the same plant in Bratislava, Slovakia, where the current Q7 is built. The plant’s other SUVs include the Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg. The plant is also earmarked to build an electric Cayenne that’s also out testing in prototype form.

It’s possible the new Q7 lineup will be among Audi’s last new gas-powered model introductions. The automaker’s already committed to selling EVs exclusively and hinted its last model with a gas engine will launch as soon as 2026.