2019 Audi SQ7 spied
Facelifted prototypes spotted during cold weather testing.
A pair of pre-production 2019 Audi SQ7 prototypes have been snapped by photographers this week on the snowy roads of Europe.
Interestingly, the two vehicles have different sets of panels on them, with one giving a clearer look at the final design of the mid-life update, the other appearing a mix-and-match of the current model and the new.
Key differences can be found at the front and the rear, with the revised face drawing heavy inspiration from the new (and related) Q8, including a new grille, more angular headlights, revised bumper, and reshaped intakes on either side.
While one of the SQ7 development vehicles was wearing the tail-lights of the current model, the other (above) was sporting new, thinner LED units that look similar to those used on the smaller Q5. The slatted LED signature is also reminiscent of the company's newest models – think A6, A7, A8, Q8, and e-tron quattro.
While most of the body work doesn't necessarily indicate these vehicles are SQ7s rather than Q7s, the large intercoolers behind the front bumper and quad tailpipes at the rear make it clear that these vehicles have a more powerful force-fed engine under the bonnet.
Currently, the SQ7 is powered by a 320kW/900Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 diesel (shared with the Bentley Bentayga), that also features electric compressor technology to eliminate low-down lag.
It's possible the facelifted SQ7 could employ Audi's new 48V mild-hybrid system for reduced fuel consumption and emissions, while also providing a small electric boost under hard acceleration. This is yet to be confirmed, though.
Beyond the visual and powertrain updates, the new Q7 and SQ7 should get a revamped interior, including an updated Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster and Audi's new stacked dual-screen infotainment system which has already debuted on the A6, A7, A8, Q8 and e-tron quattro.
Stay tuned to CarAdvice for all the latest, and click on the images for the full gallery.
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