Audi Monterey Peninsula review

2026 Audi SQ7

Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a New 2026 Audi SQ7 near Monterey, CA

Your search for a high-performance, three-row luxury SUV that thrives on coastal curves and family duty alike ends with the 2026 Audi SQ7. Engineered with a 500 HP V8, precise chassis tuning, and a suite of advanced driver assistance and infotainment systems, this SUV blends confidence and comfort in equal measure. For drivers near Monterey, CA, who want one vehicle to do it all, the SQ7’s compelling mix of pace, poise, and practicality makes it a standout. At Audi Monterey Peninsula, our team is ready to help you explore trims, packages, and personalization so you can tailor your SQ7 to your daily life and weekend escapes.

From optional Audi laser light technology to available Luxury and Carbon packages, the details matter—and the SQ7 is rich in them. Whether you are commuting, road tripping, or navigating tight lots, standard all-wheel steering, Sport adaptive air suspension, and intuitive MMI® touch response work together to make every mile feel refined and responsive. If your journey includes family, friends, and gear, you’ll appreciate the easy-access cargo area, power tailgate with hands-free release, and third-row seats that fold at the touch of a button.
Ready to see how the 2026 Audi SQ7 near Monterey, CA, fits your lifestyle? Our experts at Audi Monterey Peninsula will show you what sets it apart and arrange a test drive that highlights exactly what you care about most.

2026 Audi SQ7 Overview

The 2026 Audi SQ7 is the largest Audi S model, blending exhilarating dynamics with true everyday versatility. Its 4.0-liter biturbo V8 delivers up to 500 HP and 568 lb-ft of torque, paired to an 8-speed Tiptronic® transmission for instantaneous thrust and smooth cruising. Standard Sport adaptive air suspension and all-wheel steering raise the bar for agility and comfort, providing crisp turn-in around town and calm composure on the highway. The available S sport package adds active roll stabilization and a sport rear differential for even sharper handling.

Inside, the SQ7 surrounds you with intelligent tech and premium materials. Audi virtual cockpit plus with a 12.3" HD display places key information front and center, while MMI® touch response with haptic feedback keeps controls effortless and intuitive. Available Bang & Olufsen® Advanced sound with 3D sound turns the cabin into an acoustic showcase. With three rows for up to seven passengers, power-folding third-row seats, and a hands-free power tailgate, the SQ7 makes family logistics and weekend getaways remarkably easy. The available Luxury package and Carbon package elevate the aesthetic, while driver assistance features such as Audi side assist with pre sense® rear and available remote park assist plus help deliver everyday peace of mind.

5 Key Reasons the 2025 Audi SQ7 Stands Out near Monterey, CA

Effortless power and precision
Agile handling from cutting-edge chassis tech
Smart, intuitive technology throughout the cabin
True three-row versatility
Design and detail options to match your style

What makes the SQ7 compelling is how holistically it’s engineered. The V8 is thunderous yet refined, the chassis systems are advanced yet unobtrusive, and the interior technology is sophisticated yet easy to use. With standard all-wheel steering and Sport adaptive air suspension, the SQ7 drives smaller than its footprint suggests, while remaining planted and poised. The cabin’s digital interfaces—Audi virtual cockpit plus and MMI touch response—feel natural on day one. And because the SQ7 is designed to carry people and things effortlessly, the third row, power tailgate with hands-free release, and fold-flat convenience are there when you need them. The finishing touch is choice: lighting innovation, Luxury and Carbon packages, and distinctive S exterior elements let you craft a look and feel that’s unmistakably your own.

Key Features of the 2025 Audi SQ7

4.0-liter Biturbo V8

The heart of the 2026 Audi SQ7 is its 4.0-liter biturbo V8, rated up to 500 HP and 568 lb-ft of torque. It launches you from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 4.0 seconds while maintaining a deep reservoir of power for passing and merging. Paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic® transmission, the engine delivers quick, decisive shifts under hard acceleration and seamless transitions at a cruise. This powertrain showcases traditional Audi S performance with a modern polish—one moment quiet and composed for family duty, the next moment ready to surge forward with authority when the road opens up.

Sport Adaptive Air Suspension

Standard Sport adaptive air suspension electronically adjusts ride height and damping, providing impressive body control and comfort across varied roads. Dial up a firmer, lower stance for spirited drives or select a more compliant setting for long highway stretches—the system tailors itself based on your selected Audi drive select mode. The result is ride sophistication that complements the SQ7’s size and mission. It calms broken pavement, reduces squat and dive under acceleration and braking, and works hand in hand with available performance upgrades to deliver crisp, confidence-inspiring handling.

All-Wheel Steering

All-wheel steering is standard, enabling nimble low-speed maneuvering and rock-solid high-speed stability. At parking speeds, the rear wheels turn slightly opposite the fronts to tighten the turning circle, making quick work of tight garages and narrow streets. At speed, the rear wheels turn in phase with the fronts to help the SQ7 feel settled and secure when changing lanes or sweeping through fast corners. Combined with the Sport adaptive air suspension, this technology helps the SQ7 feel unexpectedly agile in daily driving while remaining composed on flowing coastal highways and mountain passes alike.

Audi MMI® touch response

MMI® touch response places driver-centric controls at your fingertips via a primary touchscreen with haptic feedback and a secondary screen for climate and comfort functions. The interface is intuitive and familiar, with features like handwriting recognition and customizable tiles to keep common tasks close at hand. Connect seamlessly with the Audi smartphone interface for wireless Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™, and keep devices topped off using the available wireless phone charging pad. With Audi virtual cockpit plus in view and MMI touch response within easy reach, the SQ7’s digital ecosystem feels both comprehensive and effortless.

Bang & Olufsen® Advanced Sound

The available Bang & Olufsen® Advanced sound system brings concert-grade audio to every drive. A 1,920-watt amplifier powers 23 speakers, enveloping the cabin in precise, lifelike 3D sound. Whether you’re enjoying a favorite playlist on a solo commute or setting the soundtrack for a family road trip, the system’s clarity, staging, and depth remain captivating. The carefully tuned integration with the SQ7’s interior keeps audio performance consistent across all three rows, so everyone enjoys the same high-fidelity experience.

5 Buying Considerations Before You Choose Your Audi SQ7

Seating and cargo flexibility
Daily drivability and maneuverability
Preferred performance character
Technology and audio priorities
Driver assistance confidence

Consider how you’ll use the SQ7 most. If you regularly carry six or seven passengers, the third row and easy-fold operation will be a daily advantage. If your driving is a mix of city streets and scenic highways near Monterey, CA, standard all-wheel steering and Sport adaptive air suspension provide day-to-day agility and long-distance comfort. Performance enthusiasts may opt for the available S sport package for added handling precision. Tech-forward drivers will value Audi virtual cockpit plus, MMI touch response, and the available Bang & Olufsen Advanced sound, while those prioritizing assistance tools can look to features such as Audi side assist with pre sense® rear, available remote park assist plus, and the top view camera system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s new on the 2026 Audi SQ7 compared to last year?

New for 2026, the Carbon package—previously exclusive to the Prestige trimline—is now offered across all trimlines. It includes Carbon fiber exterior mirror housings and Carbon fiber exterior side sill inlays. The lineup continues to emphasize S exterior styling, available lighting innovation with optional Audi laser light technology, and an available Luxury package with extended leather treatment and a Dinamica® headliner.

How does all-wheel steering help in daily driving?

All-wheel steering turns the rear wheels slightly opposite the fronts at low speeds to help the SQ7 feel more maneuverable in tight spaces. At highway speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the fronts to enhance stability during lane changes and sweeping bends, contributing to a planted, confident feel.

Does the SQ7 offer three rows, and how easy is cargo access?

Yes. The SQ7 offers three rows for up to seven passengers. Accessing and expanding the cargo area is easy thanks to a power tailgate with hands-free release and third-row seats that fold at the touch of a button, so you can optimize space quickly for groceries, luggage, or weekend gear.

Which driver assistance features stand out?

Highlights include Audi side assist with pre sense® rear, the top view camera system with Virtual 360 view, and available remote park assist plus that can maneuver the SQ7 in or out of a space using the myAudi app. Adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance and, on Prestige, Intersection assist, round out a robust suite designed to support confident driving.

Step-by-Step Tips for Test Driving the 2025 Audi SQ7

Explore multiple drive modes
Practice tight maneuvering
Test highway composure
Evaluate second and third rows
Pair your smartphone
Sample the audio
Try parking tech

Plan a route that shows the SQ7’s full range. Use Audi drive select to compare ride and throttle response across modes, then navigate a few tight streets to feel the benefit of all-wheel steering. On the highway, note stability and cabin quietness. Inside, spend time in the second and third rows, fold the third row, and operate the hands-free power tailgate. Pair your phone via the Audi smartphone interface, explore MMI® touch response, and try the Bang & Olufsen® Advanced system if equipped. Finish by testing assistance features such as the top-view camera system and available remote park assist plus.

Why Buy from Audi Bakersfield near Monterey, CA?

Local expertise
Tailored test drives
Convenient Seaside location
Certified service support
Genuine parts and accessories

We are committed to a world-class experience from your first visit through every mile ahead. Audi Monterey Peninsula offers deep product knowledge, flexible test-drive routes, and a convenient Seaside showroom with easy access for drivers near Monterey, CA. Our Audi-certified service center, factory-trained technicians, and genuine Audi parts support your ownership with precision care. Whether you’re finalizing build details or exploring packages and driver assistance, our team will guide you with clarity and attention to detail.

Next Steps

Schedule a test drive
Compare trims and packages
Bring your trade-in details
Pair your phone on-site
Plan service intervals

Bring your must-haves and nice-to-haves so we can tailor the 2026 Audi SQ7 to your lifestyle. Our team will set up a drive that highlights performance, maneuverability, and family-friendly versatility. We can review the available Luxury and Carbon packages, lighting innovation, audio options, and driver assistance to ensure everything aligns with your priorities. Connect with Audi Monterey Peninsula to get started and see how the 2026 Audi SQ7 near Monterey, CA fits your everyday and your weekends.

Request More Info About the 2025 Audi SQ7 near Monterey, CA

If you’re picturing a single SUV that handles family schedules, weekend getaways, and daily commutes with equal poise, the 2026 Audi SQ7 deserves a close look. Its 500 HP V8, all-wheel steering, and Sport adaptive air suspension create a unique balance of power and polish, while its three-row layout, power tailgate, and effortless digital interfaces streamline every trip. Add the aesthetic and material upgrades available through Luxury and Carbon packages, and you can shape a distinctive look that complements your life from Pebble Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea to your favorite hidden coastal roads. Contact Audi Monterey Peninsula to see current availability, set up a focused test drive, and explore features in person. We are here to help you configure, order, and care for your SQ7—so you can enjoy confident driving near Monterey, CA today and for years to come.