AUDI

New 2027 Audi RS Q7 V8

Forget about the controversially styled Audi Nuvolari supercar for just a moment, because Audi has reaffirmed its commitment to V8 engines in America in a big way with a new generation of V8-powered 2027 Audi SQ7. What you see here is the all-new third-generation SQ7, alongside its Q7 counterpart, and the big news is that there isn't a hybrid in sight — just two V-shaped engine options including a V8 that's got RS power levels.

Audi's gone power-hungry for the 2027 Audi Q7 and SQ7. Kicking things off in the non-S model is a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine — no hybrid nonsense here — putting out 429 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. That's nearly 100 hp more than the model it replaces (335 hp). Between the engine and Audi's signature quattro all-wheel drive, now with a new limited-slip center differential with preload functionality, an eight-speed automatic transmission handles shift-duty, dispatching the zero-to-60 mph sprint in 4.8 seconds (0.7 quicker than the 2026 model) before it reaches a top speed of 130 mph.

V8 engine...But the SQ7 is the one we want to talk about the most, as it keeps the V8 alive for Audi with an extra dose of attitude. As before, it's a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, but it now has thesame power as the RS Q8— 591 hp and 590 lb-ft. That's 91 hp and 23 lb-ft more than before. With the aid of a rear-biased, sportier quattro system with an electronically controlled locking rear differential, it'll now blast past 60 mph from a standstill in 3.7 seconds (0.3 quicker than the 2026) and top out at 155 mph on summer tires or 130 mph on all-seasons. That's BMW X5 M territory.

Despite not being a full-fat RS model, the new SQ7 makes nearly 100 hp more than the outgoing model, which sees it on the heels of more aggressive models like the 2026 BMW X5 M and Mercedes-AMG GLE 63. The X5 M Competition comes with 617 hp and offers a benchmark sprint of 3.7 seconds, while the AMG-badged SUV has 603 hp on offer, with the same sprint time - which is also identical to the 3.7-second claim from Audi for the 2027 SQ7, despite making a little less horsepower.

Both the BMW and Mercedes-AMG performance SUVs cost upward of $131,000, excluding options and destination, which puts Audi in an ideal position to steal away customers with clever pricing, given performance from the SQ7 is on par with the best the other German brands have to offer in the segment. The outgoing SQ7 started well under $95k, so we'll be watching for pricing announcements closely.

As standard, the regular Q7 rides on five-link independent suspension with adaptive air as an option. The air suspension is the default for the SQ7, with an available sportier option still utilizing air but giving you more poise to rein in the 5,467 lbs of the SQ7 while dropping the ride height by 30 mm. The Q7, for reference, weighs 5,137 lbs.

Wheel options range from 20 inches to 22 inches on the Q7, with four designs available, while the SQ7 rides on 22-inch five-double-spoke wheels by default with two optional 23-inch designs to step up to. Behind these, braking duties are handled by 14.8-inch/13.8-inch front/rear brakes on the Q7, while the SQ7 steps these up in both size and piston count. The SQ7's front rotors measure 16.5 inches with six-piston fixed calipers, while the rear uses a single-piston floating caliper design and 15-inch rotors.

by Autonews