The Audi SUVs: Big, powerful, sporty

Get to know the latest Audi SQ5 Sportback, Audi SQ7 and Audi SQ8 models.

The Audi S models offer an elevated level of “Sport” performance from the brand’s premium A models, perfect for those looking to add a boost to their daily drive while sporting a more athletic design and car handling.

With Audi’s outstanding track record in premium luxury and superior performance, the S models are nothing short of impressive since its first iteration was introduced to the market in the early 1990s. Since then, they have become recognisable by the prominent S logo and robust design.

Across the board, S models come with better hardware under the hood such as more powerful engines, S sports suspension system, and Audi’s quattro technology for easier steering and sportier handling. These Audi models have S-specific interior and exterior designs such as standard Audi Sports wheels, fine Nappa leather trim with S embossing and aluminum inserts like aluminum scuff plates with the S logo or optional carbon vector decoration.

When it comes to equipment and technology, S models are outfitted with the brand’s latest MMI navigation, communication, entertainment, and assistance systems such as the intuitive Audi virtual cockpit Plus, smartphone interface, and Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 3D sound.

A number of models have been given the S treatment through the years with the latest being the Audi SQ5 Sportback, Audi SQ7 and Audi SQ8. Here’s a look at these new S models in the Audi SUV family.

Audi SQ5 Sportback

The Audi Q5 Sportback is Audi’s third crossover utility vehicle (CUV) and the Audi SQ5 Sportback is the top-of-the-range model for the Audi Q5 line-up. It is an all-rounder CUV that is both versatile and dynamic on the road thanks to its quattro all-wheel drive and powerful V6 engine. Together with its fast and smooth 8-speed tiptronic transmission, it can generate a maximum 354 hp, 500 Nm of torque to power it from 0 to 100 km/h in 5 seconds.

On the outside, the Audi SQ5 Sportback features a harmonious blend of sporty progressive design enhanced with the S roof edge spoiler and coupé-like roof silhouette. It comes standard with S model bumpers and heavily contoured air inlets with aluminum frames, twin oval tailpipe trims in chrome, LED headlights with daytime running lights and OLED rear lights with specific rear light signature.

Inside, the crossover coupé has up to 1,470 litres of space (with all the seats folded down) and a convenient sensor-controlled luggage compartment lid, making it easier to open and close the boot.

Audi SQ7

The Audi SQ7 is the roomiest in the brand’s portfolio with its beautiful symphony of space, luxury and high performance. With a third row of seats, this SUV can accommodate up to seven passengers comfortably. But don’t think big means slow because this bold SUV is an unstoppable force powered by the legendary V8 twin-turbo engine. The versatile Audi SQ7 clocks 507 hp, 770 Nm torque and a 4.1 second acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h. Like its other S model counterparts, it has an 8-speed tiptronic transmission and Audi’s superior quattro four-wheel drive technology giving it an unmistakable presence on road.

One of the Audi SQ7’s more distinct aesthetic features is its striking Singleframe featuring an octagonal design and twin vertical struts. At the rear, it has athletic chrome-plated strips on the tailgate. The Audi SQ7’s S-specific bumper sports a selenite silver finish at the front and is adorned by four exhaust tailpipes at the back.

While it comes with standard 21-inch Audi Sport wheels, the Audi SQ7 can accommodate optional wheels that go up to 22 inches.

Audi SQ8

The Audi SQ8 is a spacious SUV enhanced with premium sporty accents. Under the hood, it offers 507 hp, 770 Nm torque and can go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds, thanks to its V8 twin-turbo engine, 8-speed tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. The dynamic SUV features S model finishings giving it an elegant and sporty experience.

The brand’s impressive innovation and technology is in full display in the Audi SQ8 which features a more aggressive design combined with its S-specific elements. Matrix LED headlights are standard for this model, offering sharp and precise illumination with reduced glare. It also comes with standard 22-inch Audi sport wheels with the option to upgrade to 23 inches.

Inside, it has two rows of seats upholstered in Valcona leather embossed with the S logo decorated with diamond stitching. The SUV’s premium luxury is further accentuated with standard ambient lighting that gives the Audi an atmospheric light and its specific illumination of the car’s interior contours and surfaces.