More power for performance SUVs

New V8 TFSI powertrain for Audi SQ7 and SQ8 models making their welcome return to the Australian market.

Touching down in Australia over the next two months, the new SQ7 and SQ8 models boast even more power than before thanks to their new 4.0 TFSI V8 twin turbo powerplants.

22 March, 2022


This is the first time these performance SUVs will be offered with a TFSI powerplant

Large, luxury SUVs with the performance and handling of sports cars – the Audi SQ7 and SQ7 models make a welcome return to Australia, bringing with them even more power and performance.

The Audi SQ7 TFSI will be the first of the dynamic duo to touch down in Australia, due to arrive in Audi dealerships shortly, priced from $164,400*, while its performance stablemate, the SQ8 priced from $169,600* will arrive in May.

In a first for these large, performance SUVs, TFSI power in the form of a 4.0 TFSI V8 with twin turbochargers replace the previous TDI powerplant, producing 373kW (an increase of 53kW) and 770Nm of torque, to see off the sprint from standstill to 100km/h in a mere 4.1 seconds – 0.7 seconds faster than the previous models. Supercar performance that belies the level of comfort and luxury appointment, not to mention the physical size of these remarkable vehicles.

The big hitters of the of the S ranks, these two impressive SUVs represent that unique pairing of absolute luxury and supreme performance that characterise the Audi vehicles that wear the coveted S badge.

“The SQ7 and SQ8 are technology showcases for our brand, representing the pinnacle of luxury and performance SUVs," says Nick Reid, General Manager Marketing at Audi Australia.

"We are delighted to see them return to our range in Australia with a new TFSI dimension to their performance.”

That power is complemented by dynamic all-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension sport as standard inclusions, which deliver handling and agility that is completely at odds with the size of these vehicles. Those looking to further enhance the impressive handling offering can opt for the Dynamic Package which adds quattro sport differential and the superb electromechanical active roll stabilisation.

Despite the performance though, both are capable of delivering extraordinary fuel figures, with the SQ8 returning 12.2L/100km when not driven at the limit. This is due in no small part to technologies such as the CoD (Cylinder on Demand), which, as the name suggests, deactivates four of the eight cylinders when not under load, to effectively turn the engine into a highly efficient four-cylinder – all with nary any indication to the driver or passengers, but reactivating the full eight cylinders the second they’re required.

The SQ7 and SQ8 are technology showcases for our brand, representing the pinnacle of luxury and performance SUVs

True to the S philosophy, both the SQ7 and SQ8 make an impressive statement from first glance, without screaming it from the rooftops

True to the S philosophy, both the SQ7 and SQ8 make an impressive statement from first glance, without screaming it from the rooftops. Large 22-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers look perfectly at home, while Matrix LED headlights, featuring dynamic rear indicators (and HD matrix with laser light on SQ7) give the front end with the large Singleframe grille and even more purposeful look.

Those who know the Audi Sport brand will recognise the aluminium-look exterior mirrors (which are heated and fold in) and quad exhaust tips typical of all S models, while panoramic sunroof allows you to effectively open the stunning interiors to the elements and roof rails (SQ7 only) add even greater utility. 

Finally, the S body styling, which includes front and rear bumpers, grille, side sills and rear tailgate spoiler all add to the considerable presence of both vehicles.

Open the door – which feature power assisted closure – and the stunning interiors reveal themselves and another reason the SQ7 and SQ8 have enjoyed such tremendous favour with those looking for the pinnacle in luxury appointment and integrated technology.

Heated, electrically adjustable S sport front seats with lumbar support, beautifully upholstered in Valcona leather with the distinctive diamond patterned and contrasting stitching are just the beginning.

From the Audi virtual cockpit with a 12.3-inch high-resolution screen and 10.1-inch haptic touch MMI navigation plus screen integrated into the sweeping dash arrangement, to the 8.6-inch haptic touch screen in the centre console reserved for vehicle functions, the interiors are both a study in elegance and a triumph of cutting-edge technology. 

The colour interior ambient lighting package transforms the very feel of the cabins after dark, while features such as the Audi connect plus, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and a 17-speaker, 730 watt Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound system make these interiors amongst the most luxurious and extensively equipped on the premium market.

Indeed, will a full suite of the latest safety and driver assistance systems keeping a careful watch on other road users and road conditions, customers will benefit from one of the highest levels of equipment and technology ever paired to an S model in Australia. 

Extraordinary vehicles that redefine the very idea of expansive luxury and high-performance, the new SQ7 and SQ8 mark a high point for those looking to experience the very best of all worlds.

Visit Audi Australia’s official website to learn more about the SQ7 TFSI or the SQ8 TFSI or arrange a test drive.

(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges. The vehicles picture are overseas models and may not reflect the Australian specification.)

The interiors are both a study in elegance and a triumph of cutting-edge technology