2020 Audi SQ7

The 2020 Audi SQ7 has a starting MSRP of $84,800 for the Premium Plus, climbing to a hefty $90,400 for the Prestige, exclusive of taxes, licensing, and a destination charge of $995. The BMW X5 M50i is even more powerful, but starts at a cheaper $82,150, whereas the less powerful Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 starts at $77,600.

Audi hasn't forgotten that while the SQ7 may be capable of keeping up with many sports cars, it's still a seven-seater SUV that needs to remain comfortable and composed for a family. In Comfort mode, this is a refined and well-mannered cruiser. Noise suppression is also top-notch. Using the Audi drive select system, it's possible to choose from multiple driving modes, including Individual, which allows greater control over steering, throttle, and transmission responses. In Dynamic mode, the big Audi can be hustled along at high speeds, but not with the same confidence or precision of a Porsche Cayenne. Feedback from the helm is typically muted. The standard all-wheel steering is welcome at lower speeds, though, reducing the turning circle and improving maneuverability around town. But this is really a vehicle that needs space to do its best work when the V8 engine can be used as intended. An optional Sport package adds active roll stabilization and a quattro sport rear differential for even more control.

Audi's mid-tier 'S' performance models have often been accused of being too sterile, and while that may be more of an issue for something like the S5 Coupe, it's this exact blend of pace and refinement that works particularly well in the new SQ7. It effortlessly plays the role of a family- and cargo-hauler the one moment, but has a wicked turn of speed available at the next with just a flex of your right foot. The extra power and character of the V8 feel like a big step up from the Q7 V6, but then again, the price has also jumped by over $20,000. At this level, some rivals like the X5 M50i are quicker, the Porsche Cayenne is more exciting to drive, and the Mercedes GLE has more total cargo capacity. But the SQ7 doesn't fall short in any major area and the S-specific upgrades are a visual and tactile treat. We do feel that the updated infotainment system has lost a level of friendly usability, but other than that, Audi should be proud of this effort.

A $5,600 price difference in trims is usually significant, but it's not as great in the context of the SQ7, which begins at well over $80,000 in base form. For this reason, we'd spend the extra and go for the SQ7 Prestige, which offers many desirable extras over and above the Premium Plus. It also opens up access to more options, but select too many of these, and the Audi's price begins to get dangerously close to six figures. We'd add the Luxury Package but stop there, keeping the price below $95,000.

BMW stepped things up in a big way with its latest X5, endowing it with potent powertrains, a bold look, and one of the most well-made cabins in the business. The X5 M and X5 M Competition are even more powerful than the Audi, with both delivering at least 100 hp more than the SQ7 from a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8. The result is explosive acceleration, with both X5 Ms dipping below four seconds in a sprint from zero to sixty. Generally set up to be more aggressive, the X5 M is the more involving SUV, but its ride isn't quite as plush as the Audi SQ7s. And, while the X5 provides plenty of space for five, you'll need to choose the SQ7 if you want seven seats. Both SUVs are ultra-modern inside, but we prefer Audi's virtual cockpit to the BMW's version, but the X5 pleasingly retains some physical knobs for other controls. At over $100,000, the X5 M is the more hardcore performance SUV, while the SQ7 is a bit more placid in the way it goes about its business. In this particular case, M beats S.

For access to the same 500-hp V8 engine but with a dash of extra visual flair, there is the SQ8, essentially a sportier, coupe-like version of the SQ7. With its sloping roofline, the SQ8 isn't as commodious as the SQ7 and only seats five, but this may not matter if you don't require the SQ7's third row. At over $4,000 more expensive than the equivalent SQ7, the premium for an SQ8 is noticeable considering that it offers fewer seats and similar equipment levels. Both the SQ7 and SQ8 are equipped with Audi's latest dual-screen infotainment system and the virtual cockpit, although the SQ8 does get a Bang & Olufsen sound system fitted as standard. Style-conscious shoppers without a big family will find more joy in the stylish SQ8, but the SQ7 is a better buy.