Big hitter

All the space, luxury and versatility of a large SUV, with sports car performance – the new Audi SQ7 TDI should touch down in Australia in the first half of next year.

The pinnacle of the extremely successful Audi Q7 range, the SQ7 again sets the standard, with a 4.0-litre V8 biturbo diesel engine producing 320kW of power and a massive 900Nm of torque from just 1250rpm, the SQ7 TDI defies logic and even gives physics something to think about, rocketing from standstill to 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds.

But despite the blistering performance, it still manages to use just 7.6 to 7.4 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 200 to 194 grams per kilometre. Not bad for a full-sized SUV boasting the ultimate in luxury appointment.

Throttle response is again almost instantaneous, its 48-volt electrical subsystem feeding an electric powered compressor (EPC) that assists the two turbochargers whenever the load demand from the accelerator is high while the available energy in the exhaust gas is still low. The EPC is integrated into the intake air tract. A compact electric motor accelerates its compressor impeller to up to 70,000 revolutions per minute in 250 milliseconds. This equates to a complete lack of turbo lag and torque that’s available instantly at any time. 

An eight-speed tiptronic and the quattro permanent all-wheel drive put the immense power to the road, while the standard sport air suspension and progressive steering, add razor-sharp handling to the equation. All-wheel steering helps manoeuvrability at low speeds and adds to the stability as speeds increase. Optional advanced suspension package includes electromechanical active roll stabilisation which reduces the sprung mass vibrations when driving straight ahead on uneven roads and uses optimum roll compensation to reduce the roll angle when cornering ‘vigourously’. The sport differential adds to the dynamic handling even more, actively distributing power between the rear wheels, and eliminating any sign of understeer. In case of excessive oversteer, the sport differential stabilises the SQ7 by shifting drive torque to the wheel on the inside of the curve. 

The design of the SQ7 TDI is again distinctive, yet subtle, with twin slats in the Singleframe, exterior mirror housings in aluminium look, and the four characteristic exhaust tailpipes with round, chrome trims. The blade in the bumper has a three-dimensional shape, and the underbody protection at the rear looks tough and purposeful. 

Matrix LED headlights with dynamic turn signal are standard and add to the SQ7’s sharp appearance but customers can also opt for HD matrix LED headlights including laser light as an alternative.

The Audi SQ7 TDI rides on 20-inch cast aluminium wheels in 5-spoke turbine design with 285/45 rubber as standard. Huge 400mm brake discs up front and370mm discs at the rear take care of the stoppojn g duties, with black brake callipers – optionally also available in red – featuring an S logo at the front. A 20-inch brake system with discs made of carbon fibre ceramics, which are particularly abrasion-resistant, is available upon request. They measure 420mm and 370mm at the rear, with callipers painted in anthracite grey. 

Inside the SQ7 TDI continues the subtle but elegant theme, with dark leather/Alcantara upholstery and inlays made of matt brushed aluminium or optionally carbon. Customers can also opt for the contour/ambient lighting package which illuminates the elementary design lines and the surfaces in 30 adjustable colours. 

In addition to the sport seats, the SQ7 TDI includes illuminated door sill trims with aluminium inlays with the S logo at the front, while the pedals, footrest and the loading sill protector are all made of stainless steel. Optional S sport seats plus are available with integrated head restraints, S embossing in the backrest, pneumatic lumbar support adjustment, and upholstery in Valcona leather featuring the rhombus pattern. Climate control and a massage function can also be added  to the S sport seats, while colours range from black, rotor grey, to Arras red offered exclusively for the S model. The centre armrest is also designed to match this look.

Technology as you’d expect is state-of-the-art, with MMI navigation plus (with touch operation), featuring LTE Advanced, Wi-Fi hotspot, natural voice control and the extensive Audi connect portfolio. It includes traffic information online, the new traffic light information service, navigation with Google Earth, the hybrid radio, as well as the cloud-based Amazon voice service Alexa, which is integrated into the MMI operating system. All displays are shown with an S-specific display in the Audi virtual cockpit and there is also a performance view, which places the rev counter in the centre. 

The extensive offer is complemented by numerous convenience equipment options, including four-zone automatic air conditioning, a power-assist function to close the doors quietly, Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System, and the air quality package with fragrancing and ionizer.

The adaptive cruise assist, which supports the driver with longitudinal and lateral guidance, is among a variety of driver assistance systems that are available upon request. 

Prising and exact specification for Australia will be confirmed closer to the arrival of the new SQ7 TDI in the first half of 2020.