Performance for the whole family.
That’s the promise of Audi’s new high-performance SUV siblings – the updated Audi SQ7 and the all-new SQ8 – that have just arrived in Australia. The duo are both packing a hi-tech 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 diesel engine complete with an ‘electric turbocharger’ and mild hybrid system, that provides these big machines with sports car-style performance.
The engine produces 320kW of power and 900Nm of torque thanks to its twin-turbos and what Audi calls its ‘Electric Powered Compressor’ (EPC), which is part of the 48-volt mild hybrid system. The EPC is able to draw power from the small lithium-ion battery and help get the turbochargers spinning on startup or accelerating at low speed, which reduces turbo lag.
The result is that despite the SQ7 having seating for seven it can manage the 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.9 seconds, while the coupe-style SQ8 is even quicker, clocking a 4.8 seconds.
“The new SQ7 and SQ8 TDI are our flagship SUV models that offer amazing performance – there are no other SUVs on the market that deliver such incredible torque,” said Shawn Ticehurst, Audi Australia’s product planning director.
But they aren’t just about power and torque, Audi Sport has also upgraded the handling package. There’s standard S air suspension and all-wheel steering as well as an optional Dynamic Package that can add a quattro sport centre differential and electromechanical roll stabilisation for ever sharper handling.
The stopping power is just as impressive, with 400mm front brake discs clamped by six-piston calipers with 350mm rotors on the rear. And if that’s not good enough for you then Audi is offering optional carbon ceramic brakes for an eye-watering $19,000. The brakes are housed behind the standard 22-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels.
Other Audi Sport touches include a new look grille, more aggressive air-intakes and Matrix LED headlights with laser lights on both models. The SQ7 also gets a major upgrade inside, adopting the same dashboard treatment as the SQ8 with twin digital screens to control all key infotainment functions. The upper screen measures 10.1-inches while the lower screen is 8.6-inches.
The SQ7 is priced from $161,500 and the SQ8 starts at $165,500 before any options and on-road charges.
Discussion about this post