Range Rover Velar vs Audi SQ7
What's the difference?

Range Rover Velar

$76,990 - $117,888

2024 price

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Audi SQ7

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2024 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

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Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA35

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC300

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Summary

2024 Range Rover Velar

2024 Audi SQ7

By Emily Agar

By John Law

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Bi Turbo 4, 2.0L

Twin Turbo V8, 4.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

2.2L/100km (combined)

12.1L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

—

Electric range

69 km

Battery capacity

19.20 kWh

Seating

Likes

External looks shout prestige
Comfortable and practical cabin
Pleasant on-road manners

Growling V8 soundtrack
Spacious, classy cabin
Impressive ride and handling

Dislikes

Not as well-specified as it should be
Optional styling can make the cabin look cheap and nasty
PHEV element will only work for those who regularly charge

Lacks clever interior storage
Engine is thirsty
Expensive to service

2024 Range Rover Velar Summary

The new Range Rover Velar P400e Dynamic HSE, or P400e for short, is the first Velar offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. In theory, this should make it a solid contender for those wanting a luxury SUV that produces a smaller and greener footprint.

It’s not as big as its Range Rover siblings, so if you’re after a sleeker Rangie that can do some 'mild' adventuring on the weekends while still looking flash during the week, this may be the one you’re looking for.

It faces competition from the BMW X5, Volvo XC90 and… at a stretch, the Porsche Cayenne. I’ve spent a week with the mid-level P400e Velar to see how it stacks up for everyday use.

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2024 Audi SQ7 Summary

The Audi Q7 has come in for its second facelift as it enters its ninth year of production while the younger Q8 is in for its first refresh.

But these two aren't like the Mitsubishi ASX and Eclipse Cross pair; Audi's MLB underpinnings were cutting edge at their launch 2015 and remain stand-out in the class with advanced suspension and chassis tech, connectivity and refinement.

A host of small visual and performance tweaks aim to make the range-topping SQ7 we're driving even better. But should you make the sensible seven-seat decision or go a little rogue and choose the sloping-roofed SQ8?

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Range Rover Velar 2024 Audi SQ7

Verdict

The Range Rover Velar P400e looks damn sexy and is large enough to house your family comfortably while still being easy to manoeuvre around town.

But I’m not a fan of these luxury brands forcing you to pay extra for what should be standard features when you’re at this grade level and price point. This is a model I’d pay close attention to in terms of the optional trims required to maintain a high-end feel.

But the powertrain works quite well here and it has pleasant on-road manners.

Verdict

There are newer options than the current Audi SQ7 and SQ8, including those which use the same platform, but don't write these luxury large SUVs off just yet.

It's a rare thing that a vehicle costing $200,000 has an air of pragmatism about it, but the SQ7 does. Its sensible leather upholstery, decent practicality, towing capability and near-excess of interior space make it a great family wagon.

As a counterpoint, the sharper looking SQ8 has minimal trade-off in comfort and interior room (at least for five) and is the kind of statement piece you'd expect for the price — especially in one of its loud paint colours.

Whichever way you leap, it's true that while the SQ7 and SQ8 are ageing, they are doing so gracefully and remain a superb option in this segment.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

Range Rover Velar vs Audi SQ7 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Range Rover Velar vs Audi SQ7
What's the difference?