Is All-wheel Steering on the 2026 Audi SQ7 Worth It for Daily Driving around Porterville, CA?
Audi Bakersfield - Is All-wheel Steering on the 2026 Audi SQ7 Worth It for Daily Driving around Porterville, CA?
For families and enthusiasts alike, one of the most asked questions about the 2026 Audi SQ7 is whether standard all-wheel steering makes a real difference in everyday driving. Short answer: yes, and it is noticeable from the first turn of the wheel. By turning the rear wheels in the opposite direction from the fronts at low speeds, the SQ7 effectively shortens its turning circle. That means fewer three-point turns in crowded lots, less back-and-forth in tight driveways, and more confidence when navigating school pickup lines. At higher speeds, the rears steer in the same direction as the fronts, lending a calm, stable feel during quick lane changes and sweeping highway on-ramps. It is the kind of invisible engineering that you quickly come to appreciate every time you park or merge.
All-wheel steering is not working alone. The SQ7 pairs it with sport adaptive air suspension as standard, continually adjusting damping and ride height to suit the moment. Around town, this combination smooths out broken pavement while helping the big Audi feel surprisingly light on its feet. On weekend getaways, the chassis hunkers down for stability and precision, and the 4.0-liter biturbo V8’s 500 HP keeps reserves of power at the ready. Add the available S sport package with active roll stabilization and a sport rear differential, and the result is an SUV that turns long drives into short ones without tiring the driver.
Technology enhances the ease-of-use story. A 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus places key info directly in view with an S performance mode, while MMI® touch response offers an intuitive, haptic interface for apps and climate control. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ keep playlists and navigation front and center, and the available Bang & Olufsen® Advanced 3D sound system with 23 speakers turns every commute into a concert. For parking support, the top view camera system with Virtual 360 view gives a decisive look at surroundings, and available remote park assist plus can help maneuver into spaces using the myAudi app.
Lighting further refines daily confidence. Available HD Matrix-design LED headlights deliver sharp, purposeful illumination, and optional Audi laser light adds long-range clarity for late-night returns. Available OLED taillights with four customizable signatures ensure the SQ7 looks the part as it glides by, day or night. These details reinforce how the SQ7’s sophisticated engineering pays dividends beyond raw speed, fitting seamlessly into busy routines around the Central Valley.
At Audi Bakersfield, our product specialists recommend a back-to-back route that highlights tight maneuvers and highway dynamics so you can feel the benefits of all-wheel steering in the real world. We are committed to serving Shafter, Porterville, and Tulare shoppers with transparent guidance and a test drive tailored to your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feel all-wheel steering working, or is it completely invisible?
You will feel the result, not the mechanism. In tight spaces, the SQ7 pivots more quickly than you expect for a three-row SUV, needing fewer corrections to slot into a space. At speed, the steering feels calm and precise, helping reduce the need for constant micro-adjustments. The system simply makes the SUV feel smaller in town and more planted on the highway.
- Try a tight parking sequence during your test drive
- Include a highway merge and an extended lane change
- Toggle Audi drive select to feel chassis changes
Pairing all-wheel steering with the optional S sport package is the sweet spot for drivers who enjoy backroads or mountain passes. If your driving is primarily urban and suburban, the standard setup already delivers standout maneuverability and comfort.