Three-row SUVs are known for their ample space, superb packaging, and settled rides. With space for seven or eight passengers, they’ve become the new minivans and are popular attendees at the stereotypical soccer practice or school pick-up/drop-off lines. Although some of these SUVs can be fun to drive, high performance and excellent driving dynamics are not their top priorities. The 2020 Audi SQ7, however, is trying to change that perception. With its 500-hp V-8 engine and ability to do 0-60 mph in about 4.0 seconds, moms and dads will rejoice.

Based on the fantastic MLB platform, which is also shared among other VW Group stars such as the Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus, the SQ7 delivers the power, handling, and emotion that parents want while also meeting the needs of the rest of the family. For the longest time, this niche-ish segment of three-row performance SUVs was occupied by only a handful of players, but the segment is blooming like flowers in the spring. In just a few years, the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, Volvo XC90 T8, and BMW X7 M50i have emerged in America as family adventurers that produce over 400 hp and like to go the extra mile. And Audi is coming back—this time with a new gas engine.

On the serpentine roads of Angeles Crest Highway north of Los Angeles, the 2020 SQ7 felt in its natural habitat. The standard summer tires kept the whole body glued to the ground, and its big body leaned into the corners with agility. The S-tuned air suspension showed off its capability by handling all sharp turns with an impeccable posture, and its power steering felt perfectly balanced and linear.

The new SQ7 is propelled by the VW Group’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine, tuned to produce 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. The new V-8 is paired with an eight-speed automatic, which sends all that power to all four wheels thanks to Audi’s reliable Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Stepping on the throttle emits a growling sound from the engine that’s pumped through the speakers while the adrenaline fills your veins and a smile is drawn on your face. The engine’s eagerness combined with the grippy tires, the S-tuned adaptive air suspension and fantastic steering give the SQ7 a great dose of high-performance capability. Like the handsome Audi Q8, the SQ7 features all-wheel steering, which makes the rear wheels turn up to 5 degrees to help high-speed stability and (at speeds up to 35 mph) to tighten the turning radius.

I spent most of my time driving in Dynamic mode, as it was the best-suited for a twisty mountain road like ACH, but drivers can also choose between Comfort, Auto, Individual, and All-Road. Dynamic mode stiffens the power steering and adaptive suspension while sharpening the transmission to deliver a thrilling experience at the wheel. The transmission behaved so well that I left it in drive most of the time instead of using the paddle shifters. The gearbox downshifts without thinking twice in a quick and smooth way.

But how fast is the Audi SQ7? After running ACH in its entirety, we headed to our track in Fontana to get our series of instrumented tests. The 2020 Audi SQ7 got to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, beating Audi’s estimates by 0.4 second. The quarter mile was completed in 12.1 seconds at 111.8 mph, and it finished our figure-eight test in 25.2 seconds at 0.76 g. Not only are those numbers impressive, but the Ingolstadt-based crossover also showed its braking power by stopping from 60 mph in 111 feet.

Compared to a Dodge Durango SRT with the 6.4-liter V-8 that makes 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, the Audi is still a bit faster. A 2018 Durango showed its American muscle by getting to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and completing the quarter mile in 13.2 seconds. The Audi is still quicker, and its base price is within $5,000 of the top-trim Durango’s.

Although “my” Audi SQ7 didn’t have the available Sport package, this $5,900 package offers active roll stabilization, a rear diff with torque vectoring, and red brake calipers. Audi says we should expect less body roll with the Sport package and better traction on twisty roads, but the SQ7 does the job just fine without the package. However, we look forward to testing one with such enhancements to see if we notice the difference.

Turning Comfort mode on will put all the performance goodies to sleep. The engine roar, punchiness, sport suspension and rigid steering are turned off for a more peaceful and quiet ride. Borrowing a page from the Porsche Cayenne, the SQ7 can become a roadrunner on mountain roads while still delivering a tranquil ride to drive the kids to school.

As a midsize SUV, the SQ7 can fit seven people thanks to its standard three rows. And like most SUVs in the segment, the third row is tight. I’m a little over 6 feet tall and was able to sit in the third row with the second row moved a little forward. Although I didn’t feel that uncomfortable, I wasn’t comfortable either, as my head was touching the headliner, my knees were touching the seat back, and the high floor made my knees feel like they were touching my chin. Getting in and out of the third row is an easier task, though, as the second-row seat uses an air spring that lifts its rear to clear the way.

As with most SUVs in the segment, the SQ7’s cargo capacity is compromised when the third row is upright. But fold those seats down, and the cargo space becomes humongous. The third-row seats can be folded in a 50/50 configuration, and the second row can slide forward and aft for a better seating position.

Like the Q8 and A8, the updated SQ7 adopts Audi’s new fancy dual-screen infotainment setup with haptic touch. The top screen is used for all things infotainment, and the lower screen is used for the HVAC controls. Using the displays is easy, and I’m a fan of the elegant graphics and excellent resolution, especially on the top screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make their way into the MMI infotainment, and for a better experience, Audi Virtual Cockpit can display Google Maps on the digital instrument panel.

As part of the updated infotainment system, the 2020 SQ7 will tell drivers how long they have to wait on a red light in over 15,000 intersections across the country. Although I didn’t get a chance to try it myself (there are no red lights on Angeles Crest), it’s a feature many drivers will take full advantage of by using their phones, and we’re sure it will spread to other Audi models.

Another new feature is the integrated toll module, a transponder integrated into the vehicle that eliminates the need to mount multiple toll tags on the windshield. Simply set up an account online and add your credit card, and all tolls will be automatically paid. This system also works at more than a dozen airport parking lots around the country.

Because of the global health emergency, some of the 2020 Audi SQ7s arrived in U.S. soil before the ports shut down. But because Audi kept ramping up production in Germany, the 2021 models will be here very soon. Their only differences are the addition of a heated steering wheel for the Premium Plus trim and a leather-upholstered center console for the 2021 Prestige model.

Pricing is a bit different, too. The 2020 Audi SQ7 Premium Plus, which includes 21-inch wheels, four-zone automatic climate control, and a 3-D premium surround-sound system, starts at $85,795; the 2021 is $200 extra. The Prestige trim starts at $91,395 for the 2020 model and $92,195 for the 2021 model. Some of the nice features of the Prestige trim include the dual pane acoustic glass for the side windows (which effectively excludes most exterior noise), ventilated front seats, and the driver assistance package.

With the 2020 Audi SQ7, Ingolstadt is out to entertain American parents. Not only can they drive the kids to school in style and comfort, but now they can also add a dose of fun and performance.

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