Audi presented an updated top of the range version of the SQ7, with an impressive set of innovations to make this already great performance SUV even better. The update is just in time to compete with premium rivals like the Range Rover Sport, Porsche. Audi SQ7 TDI performance is superb thanks to the electric-powered compressor, roll stabilization, all-wheel steering, and the sport differential. Impressive modern modern design with S-specific detailing, extensive equipment, and 435 metric hp V8 diesel engine is the short definition of Audi top SUV. Its interior has sport seats, MMI navigation plus, touch operation, and the Audi virtual cockpit including performance view as standard. The 4.0 TDI with electrically powered compressor provides plenty of power in at any time.
Biturbo V8 with electric-powered compressor, Audi SQ7 TDI impresses with new diesel power. 4.0 TDI delivers 320 kW (435 metric hp) and torque of 900 Nm (663.8 lb-ft) between 1,250 and 3,250 rpm. The large SUV sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.8 seconds and may go with a top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph) if required. With all the performance SQ7 TDI uses only between 7.6 and 7.4 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (30.9 – 31.8 US mpg), which equals CO2 emissions of 200 to 194 grams per kilometer. The 48-volt system feeds an electric-powered compressor (EPC) that helps the two turbochargers whenever the load demand is high and at the same time, the available exhaust gas energy is still low. It supplies the extra oxygen, needed for combustion. The result is more torque available instantly – when accelerating from low speeds and particularly when starting off.
The EPC is integrated into the air intake, compact electric motor paired with air impeller turn to up to 70,000 revolutions per minute in a fraction of a second. At some time in the exhaust, two actuators modulate an eight-cylinder sound. Roll stabilization, all-wheel steering, sport differential, quickly shifting eight-speed gearbox and the Quattro permanent all-wheel drive transfer all the torque onto the road. The sport air suspension and progressive steering, whose ratio becomes increasingly direct as the steering angle increases, create excellent driving ability. All-wheel steering makes the large SUV even easier to handle in corners and during quick direction changes. At low speeds, rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to increase agility, at high speeds these wheels steer in the same direction to make car more stable.
The optional advanced suspension package includes active roll stabilization. It reduces the sprung mass vibrations on uneven roads and uses optimum roll compensation to reduce the roll angle in corners. The sport differential enables even more dynamic handling, in fast corners, it actively distributes the power between the rear wheels. This way, the Audi SQ7 TDI is literally pressed into the curve to eliminate any understeer. In the case of oversteer, the sport differential stabilizes the large SUV by shifting drive torque to the wheel on the inside of the curve.
Impressive exterior design The Audi SQ7 TDI inherits the current design of the Q models with added S-specific features. It differs 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 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.
Interior and equipment in new Audi SQ7 TDI mixes dark leather/Alcantara with matt brushed aluminum or optionally carbon, which underscores the sporty look. In option, the contour/ambient lighting package illuminates the elementary design lines and the surfaces in multiple 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, that includes touch screen operation, delivers top-of-the-line connectivity. It includes LTE, a Wi-Fi hotspot, voice control, and the 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 the dynamic turn signals. 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.