Audi SQ7 TDI

Audi has unveiled another world first with the arrival of the SQ7 TDI – the most powerful diesel SUV in the world. This new high-performance SUV, the first S model in the multi-award winning Q7 range, also boasts a range of world firsts in terms of leading edge automotive technology and efficiency, as well as new levels of appointment and the very latest in infotainment and driver assistance systems.

Powered by a newly developed 4.0 TDI engine, the SQ7 TDI boasts a massive 320kW of power and 900Nm of torque, easily handing it the crown of most powerful diesel SUV in the world – a title previously held by the Audi SQ5 TDI – the first diesel vehicle from Audi ever to wear the famous ’S’ designation. Yet even with these impressive performance figures, the new SQ7 TDI still delivers fuel figures of just 7.4 litres per 100km.

“The SQ7 TDI with a V8 TDI engine achieves the consumption figures of a six-cylinder. The new technology solution of the electric powered compressor in the SQ7 TDI is a world-first in the competitive environment, with which Audi once again underscores its claim Vorsprung durch Technik,” says Dr. Stefan Knirsch, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG for Technical Development. 

The world-first electric powered compressor (EPC) provides the 4.0 V8 TDI engine with extraordinary boost right off-the-line given that it is not reliant on exhaust gases for motivation. This translates to zero turbo lag and instant throttle response from standstill.

This leading technology is combined with the likes of Audi valve lift system (AVS) which is also making its debut in a diesel powered model from Audi, making for a vehicle that redefines performance in TDI ranks and sets the benchmark for diesel SUVs.

The high-performance engine is mated to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission which in turn puts power down to the road surface through the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with self-locking centre differential.

Lightweight construction has been used extensively in the suspension with links made primarily of aluminium. Electromechanical power steering, the Audi drive select driving dynamics system and adaptive air suspension with S-specific tuning are standard. An optional brake system with extremely lightweight carbon fibre-ceramic discs will follow shortly after the market launch. Audi also offers the SQ7 TDI with an optional driving dynamics package comprising three technology modules: sport differential, electromechanical active roll stabilisation and all-wheel steering.

On every level the new SQ7 TDI is impressive, from its arresting exterior design and drag coefficient of just 0.43 to its lightweight construction which includes Audi’s innovative multilateral construction, it seamlessly combines form and function both inside and out.

Available with five or seven seats the SQ7 TDI offers the ultimate in luxuriously appointed accommodation. The very latest in infotainment and in-car technology is benchmark, while the list of options available, including Audi’s virtual cockpit, MMI Navigation plus with MMI all-in-one touch and Audi connect make for a performance vehicle at the very cutting edge of automotive technology.

Likewise the extensive list of driver assistance systems, 24 in all, are the very latest from Audi, including Audi pre sense city, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist and predictive efficiency assist.

Although final specification is yet to be confirmed, the SQ7 TDI is due to arrive in Australia by the end of the year, where it is expected to be extremely popular Down Under just as its stablemate the Q7 has been since it first debuted in 2006. The combination of size, superior accommodation and power are are perfectly suited for the Australian market, where long distances and often difficult conditions and road surfaces are tailor made for a vehicle like the SQ7 TDI.