The DrivingOnRoad spy photographers have as soon as once more snapped the upcoming new-generation Audi SQ7. This time, the high-performance crossover is not sporting any of the camouflage we have seen on it earlier than. That does not imply that it is undisguised although. As an alternative, Audi has hidden a number of the final remaining unseen particulars beneath a disguise that will be laughable have been it not so efficient at its job.
These photographs additionally affirm that the quickest Q7 might be a plug-in hybrid, and it will not include any door handles.
Prototype’s Door Handles Have been Pretend All Alongside
The primary element on this SQ7 prototype to leap out at us is the dearth of door handles. Those we have seen earlier than, those with a thick and dishevelled wrap, confirmed cut-outs the place the door handles ought to stay. Now we all know they have been pretend, as a result of the brand new tiny door grabs are clearly seen the place the door panels meet their respective pillars. The small nubs aren’t all the time the simplest to make use of, however they’re most likely a greater answer than retractable handles that match flush with the physique.
A take a look at the driving force’s facet exhibits off the opposite large deal about this large crossover. There are “gasoline doorways” on each side of this SUV, which signifies that one is for gasoline (the passenger one on an Audi) and the opposite is for an electrical plug. We do not know the way far this Audi would possibly go on a cost, however since Audi has gone to the difficulty of placing electrical vehicle-specific Pirelli tires on it, it ought to be a substantial distance.
Plug-In Energy Seems to be Very Actual
Since it is a PHEV, we’re additionally questioning what the engine might be. We will inform that is the SQ7 by the massive openings within the huge entrance bumper in addition to the presence of a rear diffuser and 4 tailpipes. However with a PHEV, it could possibly be a 4.0-liter V8 with hybrid help making one thing near the 729-horsepower Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. Or it might get 512 horsepower from a 3.0-liter V6 just like the Cayenne S E-Hybrid. Both means, count on greater than the five hundred horsepower of the present mannequin, and that it will not include the present 4.0-liter V8 by itself.
Now that we’re across the again of the prototype, it is time for essentially the most hilarious particulars of all. The taillights. Sure, these are principally stickers which have been roughly connected to the again of the SUV. Certainly one of them is even beginning to peel off.
That makes us suppose the decrease mild part is not actual in any respect. The fake lamps make this appear like the Q9 from the rear, although we will inform from the roof racks and another particulars that it is not. We’ve got seen the Q7’s rear lighting signature earlier than, and we all know that the primary higher lamps can have near-vertical slats like different trendy Audi autos. Those self same older images trace at some kind of decrease lamp or presumably a reflector.
Audi is driving the SQ7 round virtually uncovered, which suggests it should be nearly time for the reveal. The DrivingOnRoad spies inform us that the brand new Q could possibly be revealed earlier than the tip of the yr, which might put it on sale someday early in 2026.