jasonm641

Is there any credible update?

larryV

With the introduction of the SQ5 and its arrival to the US-market as early as this spring, I'm afraid it's looking like an SQ7 variant for our market will likely be on hold until 1) they figure out exactly what the real fallout from dieselgate is and what bleak future remains (if any) for TDI on our shores, 2) what gas engine to use as an alternative given the outcome of dieselgate (maybe new version of 4.0TFSI which isn't even available on a new Audi yet and will likely not debut until the next generation S8/RS7?), and 3) when Q7 sales start to slow down and need a boost (which won't happen for a while either because these things are still in high demand and selling well, even more so with cheaper 2.0T entry-level trims now available).

So I'm guessing SQ7 for the US market will not happen until the Q7's mid-cycle refresh (facelift) at the earliest, which puts us at model year 2020, or 2019 if we're lucky. We are more likely to see an e-tron hybrid version in our market before an SQ7. Also possible is that we never see an SQ7 variant on our shores at all and Audi will just give us an SQ8 instead. Sad but maybe true.

iconoclast

LarryV nailed... I recently spoke with AOA and there currently is no plan to release the SQ7 in the NAR let alone a decision on which motor it will receive. Emphasis will be on the SQ5, A5/S5 Sportback and the new A6 coming out.

johncolts54

Has anyone else heard this, the Q7 is a hot item from release. Start taking orders for the 2018 model Q7 in the fall. Dealership info last week, expecting demo late summer.

iconoclast

any significant changes or improvements worth mentioning for the 2018+ models?

DB22

The trend in diesel vs gas in the EU and in the US is reversing. The US is suffering from dieselgate and its fallout to other manufacturer who may get caught in its wake. The trend in the EU is being affected by the threat of numerous big cities banning diesels and nobody wants to spend a lot of money on a car that may have limited use and reduced resale value.
The cost of certification for a limited market SQ7 with doubts in people's minds regarding its diesel power is an unnecessary marketing risk that Audi cannot afford. The 4.0TT would be the safer corporate decision in a market expanding with numerous manufacturers getting into the 100K+ SUV club.

Shaolo

Sad but true.

iconoclast

Spoke with a friend at AOA and apparently somehow, someway they were able to get the green light for the SQ7 in TDI form. Tentative production date is 22wk of 2018. Let's see if it ever comes about or remains vaporware for US like other projects they abandoned (RS4/RS6 Avant). If this does make it to market here... I will be one of the first to purchase providing there is an affordable option for leather dashboard and there is some sort of S/RS style front end that differentiates itself from the Plain Jane Q7 by improving the looks of the garish chrome grill.

erwheezy

Wouldn't it look like exactly like the SQ7 that's already out now?

iconoclast

Possibly, but anything can happen between now and 2018+... Not saying it will definitely change but hoping there will be some exterior differences. Audi has changed exterior design within 1.5yrs before on the B6, B8 and on the TTRS.