Audi SQ7 2020 revealed: Diesel V8 SUV gains cutting-edge in-cabin technology

Audi has lifted the lid on its facelifted SQ7 seven-seater that will sit above the Q7 large luxury SUV line-up when it hits Australian showrooms in the first half of next year.

Headlining the changes in the updated SQ7 is a new-look interior, which is now kitted out with a dual touchscreen to handle multimedia and climate controls similar to the new-generation A7.

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Audi Q7 2020 revealed: new styling and interior for brand's biggest SUV

The central haptic feedback screens include functions for satellite navigation, Wi-Fi hotspotting and voice commands, while instrumentation is again spread across Audi’s all-digital and customisable virtual cockpit display.

Mirroring the rest of the standard Q7 line-up that was updated last month, the SQ7 wears a bespoke front grille, aluminium-look side mirrors, four exhaust outlets, more prominent rear kick plate and unique bumpers.

Matrix LED headlights are also fitted, as are 21-inch wheels, while stepping inside the cabin, occupants are treated to Alcantara door inserts, brushed aluminium interior highlights and leather upholstery.

In the top-spec Vorsprung version available in the UK, the flagship SQ7 also gains laser-light headlights, a ‘Titanium Black’ exterior styling pack, 22-inch wheels and massaging front seats.

The biggest change to the new SQ7 is found on the inside, where Audi has fitted two central touchscreens for multimedia and climate controls.

Power still comes courtesy of a 4.0-litre twin-turbo-diesel V8 engine that produces 320kW of power and a gargantuan 900Nm of torque from 1250-3250rpm.

With drive sent to the road via Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission, the SQ7 will take just 4.8 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100km/h.

To eliminate turbo lag, Audi has fitted a 48-volt electrical subsystem and electric power compressor to quickly spool both turbos under hard acceleration.

Standard equipment, at least in overseas versions include adaptive air suspension and progressive steering, while top-spec SQ7s will also come with four-wheel steering for greater manoeuvrability.

Local pricing will be announced closer to the SQ7’s on-sale date, but for reference, the outgoing version wears a $161,900 before on-road costs pricetag.

Has Audi done enough to keep the SQ7 fresh against its competitors? Tell us what you think in the comments below.