The Audi Q7 “S” is an SUV that satisfies those who want luxury and a powerful machine. The interior uses a minimalist approach that exudes quality with the materials used.

 The Carbon optic package (interior trims, door inlays, and carbon mirrors) provides a sporty feel reminiscent of the 24 hours of Le Mans wins. The “S” stands for Sport, meaning that under the hood, there is a remarkable engine in this model. A 4.0 Twin Turbo V8 that generates 500 HP. This performance is like a race car in a family SUV. An 8-speed automatic transmission effectively manages all the power, and the AWD system keeps the car under control.

When I drove the Q7 “S”,  based on the A6 sedan, my first impression was that it accelerates as if you were going to jump onto the Autobahn, where there are no speed limits. At the same time, the 22-inch wheels with high grip sport tires make the car very stable and give a feeling of being in command. Unfortunately, most people getting this beautiful SUV will not have a chance to see what the Q7 “S” is capable of since you would be constantly breaking the law. My experience was very engaging indeed. The AWD is essential to the feeling of high-grip driving on our freeway bypasses and connections.

The Audi Q7 “S” interior perfectly blends minimalist design, advanced technology, and superior comfort. The 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, though not my personal favorite, is a standard feature in all Q7 models. The Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration further enhance the driving experience. Audiophiles will be delighted with the audio options, including a Bang & Olufsen system with 23 speakers and a staggering 1920 watts of power.

High-performance cars cost a bit more. The Audi Q7  “S” starts at around $90,000, and the top-of-the-line Prestige model is $98,000. The quality, fit and finish, and upscale interior may justify the price. The unique exhaust sound keeps reminding you about the performance of this special Q7.