2025 Audi SQ7 Prestige: Does It Beat BMW, Benz, and Range Rover?

By A.Giron | May 1, 2025

After a full week living with the 2025 Audi SQ7 Prestige, I walked away convinced–it’s more than just a fast SUV. Audi has nailed that sweet spot between brute strength and daily drivability. But it’s a competitive world out there, especially with heavy-hitters like the BMW X5 M60i, Mercedes-AMG GLE 53, and the always-elegant Range Rover Sport in the mix.

Design: Power Without the Shouting

The SQ7 doesn’t scream for attention–but it turns heads just the same. The updated grille, sleek lighting, and restrained use of chrome give it a modern, aggressive edge without going over the top.

Compared to rivals:

• The X5 M60i is bold, especially with those oversized kidney grilles–love it or hate it.
• The AMG GLE 53 leans sporty and looks ready to pounce.
• Range Rover Sport stays clean and minimalist, more reserved than radical.

My take: Audi nails the balance–it’s confident, not flashy. It feels like the one that’ll still look sharp 10 years from now.

Cabin Vibes: Tech-Savvy Luxury

Slip inside and you’re wrapped in Valcona leather and subtle ambient lighting. Audi’s twin-touchscreen setup is slick, and the build quality? Top shelf. Everything feels crafted, not just assembled.

Where others stand:

• BMW’s iDrive 8 looks modern and flows well, but the materials don’t feel quite as luxe.
• Mercedes offers more in-your-face tech and flashy lighting–cool, but a bit much.
• Range Rover gets points for comfort and materials, but its infotainment can feel sluggish.

Verdict: The SQ7 is the most cohesive–tech, materials, and layout all work in harmony.

Performance: V8 Power Done Right

Under the hood is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 pushing 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. It launches like a sports car (0–60 in just over 4 seconds) but still rides like a premium SUV. The all-wheel steering and air suspension made it feel smaller and tighter than its size suggests.

Stacked up against the rest:

• The X5 M60i offers slightly more power (523 hp) and feels quicker in a straight line, but it doesn’t corner quite as confidently.
• The GLE 53’s inline-6 with EQ Boost is no slouch (around 5.0 seconds 0–60), but it lacks that V8 punch.
• Range Rover Sport’s P400 is buttery smooth but more cruiser than bruiser.

Final word on performance: If you want excitement and polish, the SQ7 hits both notes.

Tech & Safety: Intuitive Meets Impressive

The MMI system is sharp, responsive, and easy to learn. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, as does the incredible Bang & Olufsen audio and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit.

Against competitors:

• BMW’s curved display is a visual treat, but it takes more time to learn.
• Mercedes MBUX is the gold standard in voice control–it actually works.
• Range Rover’s new interface looks great but sometimes lags or misses input.

Call it a draw: Audi’s layout is cleaner, while Mercedes edges ahead in voice functionality.

Space & Versatility: The Everyday Super SUV

The third row is usable, not just an afterthought. The cargo space held up during a Costco run, and towing capacity (7,700 lbs) makes it more capable than you’d expect from something this refined.

Compared to others:

• BMW and Mercedes match it for seating, but fall just short in towing numbers.
• Range Rover Sport’s third row? Optional–and not as roomy.

In a nutshell: The SQ7 gives you performance without making sacrifices on space or utility.

Final Thoughts: A Heavy Hitter With Real Finesse

After seven days behind the wheel, there’s no doubt the SQ7 Prestige isn’t just part of the high-performance luxury SUV conversation–it might be leading it. It doesn’t try too hard to impress, and that’s exactly why it does.

Carsfera.com Score: 9.3 / 10
Bottom Line: If you want speed, comfort, and real-world usability in one sharply tailored package, the 2025 SQ7 should be at the top of your list.