Big end of town

The new Audi Q7 and Q8 model range are making their way to Australian shores, injecting even greater specification, performance and luxury inclusion into these perennial favourites in the large, luxury ranks. With the choice of TDI and TFSI power plants and even hybrid drive in the case of the Audi Q8 60 TFSI e quattro, the flexibility of both the Q7 and Q8 models continues to one of their core strengths.

Pricing starts from $117,284* for the  Q7 45 TDI quattro, with the Q7 50 TDI quattro S line and Q7 55 TFSI quattro S line next, both from $136,815* and the Audi SQ7 TFSI quattro topping the Q7 range at $174,815*.

The Q8 range starts from $143,415* for the Q8 50 TDI quattro S line and Q8 55 TFSI quattro S line, followed by the plug-in hybrid Q8 60 TFSI e quattro S line at $154,284* and the SQ8 TFSI quattro at $178,815*.

Power to all three Q7 models under the SQ7 TFSI quattro comes courtesy of 3.0-litre V6 power plants in both TDI and TFSI for the 55 TFSI S line model. The SQ7 steps up to a 4.0-litre V8 unit it shares with the SQ8 TFSI, delivering 373kW of power and a stocking 770Nm of torque to rocket these large luxury SUVs from a standstill to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds.

Both the Q8 50 TDI and 55 TFSI models use six-cylinder power units producing 210kW and 600Nm in TDI form and 250kW and 500Nm in TFSI to produce 0 to 100km/h sprints of 6.1 and 5.9 seconds respectively.

The plug-in hybrid Q8 TFSI e quattro S line combines another 3.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for an output of of 360kW and 700Nm of torque and an all-electric range of over 70km on the WLTP cycle.

Of course quattro all-wheel drive is standard across all Q7 and Q8 models for the brand’s legendary surefooted feel in all conditions, with eight-speed tiptronic transmission likewise standard across all models.

Visually both model lines remain true to their roots, the Q7 models featuring a freshened exterior with a revised Singeframe grille treatment and sharper exterior elements, while new headlight graphics will make the new models easy top spot on the road. New exterior colours are also available with the upgrade including Ascari blue, Sakhir gold and Chilli red as well as a distinctive new wheel design. The Q7 45 TDI rides on 20-inch alloys as standard while the 50 TDI and 55 TFSI step up to larger 21-inch rims and the range topping SQ7 TFSI on 22-inch wheels.

Likewise design changes on the Q8 models centre around the new Singleframe treatment and front end enhancements, while the rear end sees a new light strip and reworked diffuser lending it a more sculpted finish. Lighting plays a key role both practically and as a visual element on the Q8 models with digital matrix LED headlights across all models with front and rear dynamic indicators while SQ8 customers will also be able to add Audi laser light as an option. 

Inside too all models exhibit the high standards of design and execution for which the brand is so well known, with seamless integration of tech and infotainment across the board. Of course the Q7 models also have the benefit of offering seating for seven, giving the brand’s original ‘Q’ model the undeniable edge for those looking to transport larger numbers in absolute comfort.

Standard equipment for the new Q7 range includes:

• Matrix LED headlights
• Adaptive. Air suspension
• Power operated tailgate
• Heated, folding and dimming wing mirrors
• 12.3-inch Audi Virtual cockpit
• 8.6-inch touchscreen
• 10-speaker Audi sound system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 
• MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch
• Audi connect plus services
• Three-zone climate control
• Wireless phone charging
• Ambient lighting package
• Heated and electric front seats with leather upholstery (driver seat with memory).

The Q7 50 TDI quattro S line and 55 TFSI quattro S line add further equipment to the above, with highlights including:

• S line exterior styling package
• Panoramic sunroof
• Privacy glass
• Four-zone climate control
• Head-up display
• 730 watt 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system
• Sports front seats in Valcona leather

The range-topping SQ7 TFSI quattro takes things even further with additional standard equipment including:

• Sport adaptive suspension
• Rear wheel steering
• S exterior style package
• S Sports front seats (ventilated)

Audi Q7 customers will also be able to choose from a number of additional packages to further customise their vehicle to suit their lifestyle, with a Premium package and Luxury seat package and full leather package all available for Q7 45, Premium plus package for 50 and 55 models. SQ7 customers will also be able to choose from a Sensory package and Dynamic package to further enhance interior comforts and finish and handling characteristics respectively.

For those looking to step into a member of the Audi Q8 range, standard specification is likewise impressive and extensive. Across the Q8 50 TDI quattro S line, Q8 55 TFSI quattro S line and hybrid Q8 60 TFSI e quattro S line, standard equipment includes:

- Matrix LED headlights

• Adaptive. Air suspension
• S line exterior package
• Power operated tailgate
• Privacy glass
• Panoramic sunroof
• Heated, folding and dimming wing mirrors
• 12.3-inch Audi Virtual cockpit
• 8.6-inch touchscreen
• Head-up display
• 730 watt 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 
• MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch
• Audi connect plus services
• Three-zone climate control
• Wireless phone charging
• Ambient lighting package
• Heated and electric Sport front seats with leather upholstery (driver seat with memory).
• Valcona leather

The Audi SQ8 builds on these standard inclusions and as well as its 22-inch wheels, adds numerous additional highlights:

• Adaptive air suspension
• Dynamic steering
• All-wheel steering
• Four-zone climate control
• Passenger seat memory
• Ventilated front Sports seats

Once again, an extensive range of additional packages are also available for Q8 models, ranging from the Premium plus package for Q8 50 TDI and 55 TFSI to the Luxury seat package and Full leather package for the aforementioned models and Q8 60 TFSI e quattro. The SQ8 TFSI also allows customers to add a Sensory package that includes upgraded 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and massaging seat functions or the Dynamic package which adds active roll stabilisation and quattro sport differential for next level handling.

The The SQ7 and SQ8 models are arriving now, shortly to be followed by their Q7 and Q8 siblings within the coming months. For more information and updates visit audi.com.au

(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)

NB: The images show overseas models and are for illustrative purposes only.