SQ7 TDI - First drive

Although Australian audiences have already had a brief taste of the new SQ7 TDI thanks to the Marvel blockbuster Captain American: Civil War, those looking to get behind the wheel of the first ever S model in the Q7 range will have to wait until the end of the year when it arrives Down Under.

In Europe though, the SQ7 TDI has made its debut to the international motoring press, and receiving an impressive scorecard across the board, not only for its power, handling and appointment, but for the clever engineering that has gone into producing the fastest diesel-powered SUV in the world.

As has always been the case with Audi’s coveted S model vehicles, the emphasis, visually at least, is on subtlety. Discreet S trim and badging are the main external pointers to the SQ7’s special credentials, although there is an unmistakable muscularity about the whole vehicle – emphasised by wheels available in 20-, 21- and 22-inch sizes.

Inside too, the luxurious cabin with seating for five or up to seven passengers, bares all of the hallmarks of the famous S models as well as boasting the very latest infotainment technology. Stunning leather seats with the S logo embossed, carbon fibre touches throughout the cabin and the brilliant 12.3-inch virtual cockpit. The SQ7 TDI boasts a selection of some 24 driver assistance systems – electromechanical power steering and the option of four-wheel steering, while it goes without saying that quattro permanent all-wheel drive is standard.

The epitome of luxury in a large-bodied SUV, the SQ7 TDI adds high-performance to the already award-winning attributes of the Q7 family, with the use of extremely clever engineering to produce maximum performance and maximum efficiency at the same time.

The heart of the SQ7 TDI is the 4.0 V8 twin turbo TDI powerplant, which produces 320kW and a massive 900Nm of torque. These figures and the resulting 0 to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds is impressive enough, but it’s the way the SQ7 does it that really inspires.

In what is a world first, Audi’s engineers have used an electric compressor to broaden the 4.0-litre V8 diesel’s flexibility and reduce any trace of turbo lag – that brief spell before enough pressure has built in the turbo-chargers.

Able to spin at up to 70,000rpm (yes, 70,000rpm) the electric compressor forces air into the conventional turbochargers as soon as the throttle is depressed, effectively stepping in to give the exhaust the time it needs to build pressure and feed the turbos itself.

Stand on the accelerator from a standstill and there is a rush of torque almost instantaneously as the SQ7 races forward, the compressor providing the initial surge before the turbos take over, the sequential set-up working from low revs before the other comes into play above 2,700rpm.

Leaping away from the line, the big SUV just keeps accelerating, its considerable size completely forgotten except by those enjoying the interior room. Revving past the 5,000rpm mark, it is capable of an effortless (electronically governed) 250km/h, but it is the acceleration that’s so impressive.

With its full 900Nm of torque from just 1,000rpm is unflustered by the challenges that can make spacious cars like this feel twice their size. The eight-speed tiptronic perfect for the torquey powerplant, yet despite it massive power, the SQ7 uses just 7.2 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres emphasising Audi’s policy of power and efficiency.

But it’s not just the powerplant that is such a work of art on the SQ7. The addition of a 48-volt electrical sub-system to power the electric compressor means the ability to feed more power to vital components than would be possible from the 12-volt system. This includes not only the likes of electric seats, but also the outstanding suspension system. As well as driver-customisable shock absorbers and air springs – part of the excellent standard Q7 chassis - there’s an optional driving dynamics package that includes an advanced electromechanical roll stabilisation system that allows maximum comfort for touring, but eliminates body roll when the vehicle is cornering at speed. In addition there is the sport differential and aforementioned four-wheel steering where the rear wheels can turn up to five degrees, making for easier parking and unbelievable high speed stability.

All of these factors combine to give the SQ7 TDI extraordinary acceleration and all out speed, yet with none of the compromises often associated with handling a vehicle of this size. Steering is direct and provides plenty of feedback, giving the driver the confidence to push into corners and bends with nary a hint of body roll, all the while passengers relax in the racial interior.

That a vehicle of this size can handle so well takes some getting used to, especially given its size – but it does. Anywhere in the SQ7 TDI is a good place to be, but for those with a little sport in their soul, behind the wheel provides the greatest rewards.

Year’s end can’t come quickly enough.