With its 435 metric hp V8 diesel engine, the Audi SQ7 TDI has been the top model of the product line since the spring of 2016. The large SUV now boasts a new, even more impressive design. Its interior features sport seats, MMI navigation plus, touch operation, and the Audi virtual cockpit including performance view as standard.
Pure diesel power: Biturbo V8 with electric powered compressor
The new Audi SQ7 TDI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.6 – 7.4 (30.9 – 31.8 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 200 – 194 (321.9 – 312.2 g/mi)) impresses with its tremendous diesel power. Its 4.0 TDI, a V8 with biturbo charging, outputs 320 kW (435 metric hp) and delivers a brawny torque of 900 Nm (663.8 lb-ft) between 1,250 and 3,250 rpm. The large SUV accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.8 seconds and reaches an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph). Depending on the equipment the SQ7 TDI uses between 7.6 and 7.4 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (30.9 – 31.8 US mpg), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 200 to 194 grams per kilometer (321.9 – 312.2 g/mi).
The 48-volt electrical subsystem feeds 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. In this case, it supplies the fresh air, which is important for combustion. As a result, the tremendous torque is available instantly at any time – when accelerating from low speeds and particularly when starting off.
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. In the exhaust system, two actuators modulate a full eight-cylinder sound.
Dynamic handling: Roll stabilization, all-wheel steering, sport differential
A quickly shifting eight-speed tiptronic and the quattro permanent all-wheel drive put the immense power of the 4.0 TDI onto the road. The standard sport air suspension and progressive steering, whose ratio becomes increasingly direct as the steering angle increases, create excellent driving dynamics. All-wheel steering makes the large SUV even easier to handle:
The rear wheels turn by up to 5 degrees in the opposite direction at low speed, which increases agility. On the highway these wheels steer slightly in the same direction to promote stability. In addition, the optional advanced suspension package includes electromechanical active roll stabilization. It reduces the sprung mass vibrations when driving straight ahead on uneven roads and uses optimum roll compensation to reduce the roll angle when cornering with a sporty driving style. The sport differential, which allows even more dynamic handling, is the third high-tech system on board. On fast corners, it actively distributes the power between the rear wheels. This way, the Audi SQ7 TDI is literally pressed into the curve when steering or accelerating, eliminating any sign of understeer. In case of excessive oversteer, the sport differential stabilizes the large SUV by shifting drive torque to the wheel on the inside of the curve.
Impressive look: the exterior design
The Audi SQ7 TDI features the current design of the Q models with added S-specific details. It stands apart from the base model with its twin slats in the Singleframe, exterior mirror housings in aluminum 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 even sturdier. Some attachments are painted in matt silver, and the black styling package is available as an option. The color Daytona gray, pearl effect as well as numerous customized paint finishes from the Audi exclusive program are available as a special feature.
The Audi SQ7 TDI is equipped with 20-inch cast aluminum wheels in 5-spoke turbine design with 285/45 tires as standard. Due to the high engine power, brake discs measuring 400 millimeters (15.7 in) in diameter are fitted to the front, with 370 millimeter (14.6 in) discs at the rear. The black brake calipers – optionally also available in red – feature an S logo at the front. A 20-inch brake system with discs made of carbon fiber ceramics, which are particularly abrasion-resistant, is available upon request. They have a diameter of 420 millimeters (16.5 in)at the front and 370 millimeters (14.6 in) at the rear. The calipers are painted in anthracite gray.
Sporty performance: Interior and equipment
The Audi SQ7 TDI features dark leather/Alcantara interiors. The inlays are made of matt brushed aluminum or optionally carbon, which underscores the sporty look. Upon request, the contour/ambient lighting package illuminates the elementary design lines and the surfaces in 30 adjustable colors.
In addition to the sport seats, the series production scope also includes illuminated door sill trims with aluminum inlays with the S logo at the front. The pedals, the footrest, and the loading sill protector are 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. The color spectrum ranges from black, rotor gray, to Arras red offered exclusively for the S model. The center armrest is also designed to match this look. Climate control and a massage function can also be added to the S sport seats plus.
MMI navigation plus, which includes touch operation, delivers top-of-the-line connectivity as standard. It features LTE Advanced, a Wi-Fi hotspot, natural voice control and the extensive Audi connect portfolio. It includes traffic information online, 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. The traffic light information service is another new addition. It connects the vehicle with the central computer that controls traffic lights and provides the driver with information in the fully digital instrument cluster and the optional head-up display. The service thus contributes to an efficient driving style and facilitates a steady flow of traffic. All displays are shown with an S-specific display in the Audi virtual cockpit. There is also a performance view, which places the particularly sporty rev counter in the center.
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, the Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System, and the air quality package with fragrancing and ionizer. Audi offers HD matrix LED headlights including laser light as an alternative to matrix LED headlights with dynamic turn signal. 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.
The Audi SQ7 TDI will be available for order beginning at the end of July. In Germany, it will cost EUR 94,900. The seven-seater model will be available for EUR 96,420.
