Audi has had the Q7 in its line-up since 2005. While the closest Q7 model released to an “S” was the V12 TDI, it didn’t possess the traits commonly associated with an “S” vehicle, despite having a mighty V12. For the year 2017, Audi introduced its second generation of the Q7. Redesigned from the ground up, the 2017 Q7 takes on a whole new persona. Starting from a clean slate, Audi decided to entertain the idea of an “SQ7” and a few months ago a video surfaced with what appeared to be an SQ7 mule understeering into a wall at the Nurburgring (not good). Well Audi has pulled the covers off and has officially announced a SQ7 TDI. The TDI is more likely planned for the European market.
Getting right into the good stuff, the SQ7 TDI comes packed with performance features. A 4.0L V8 TDI, that Audi claims “has the same efficiency as a 6-cylinder”, is paired with- not two- but three turbochargers (one featuring an electric powered compressor). From this mighty setup, the Audi SQ7 is able to produce performance figures of 435HP and 664lb.-ft. of torque which propels the large SUV to 100km/h in 4.8seconds, rougly the same amount of time it takes the small Audi S3 to get to 100km/h. As a side note, it does all this while maintaining an estimated 7.4L/100km.
The engine and three turbos help the Audi SQ7 reach a top speed of 250km/h. The three turbos work in a way that reduces turbo lag and provides power on tap. The electric turbo reduces the lag, while one of the other two turbos activates only under heavy loads or high demands for power. Therefore, the SQ7 is always switching between modes, at times operating as a Bi-Turbo.
The power is converted through a “redesigned” 8 speed tiptronic transmission, likely due to the amount of torque the engine is producing. Shifts are claimed to be faster alongside an increased overall efficiency. The suspension has also been reworked to provide more sporty handling characteristics. New features include all-wheel steering, electromechanical active roll stabilization to mitigate body roll and a sport differential. Lightweight construction helps improve the nimbleness of such a large vehicle.
The Q7 gets decked out in “S-attire”. A wider stance is the result of larger performance wheels and a flared fenders. The Audi SQ7 has a new radiator grille with an S‑specific design and gets a sharper and sportier S bodykit. Other features that differentiate it are the larger air inlets, the aluminum mirror housings and door inlays and brushed matte treatment to certain parts, like the diffuser under the four rectangular tailpipes. The SQ7 also comes with Matrix LED Headlights to top it all off.
The interior comes with the choice of 5 or 7 seats and a complete LED lighting package throughout. Standard is the Audi Virtual Cockpit and a suite of technology features as part of the MMI system. 24 Driver Assistance features help keep the vehicle and occupants safe, hopefully to prevent another mishap on the Nurburgring. A few of these technologies include the predictive efficiency system, Audi pre sense and adaptive cruise control.
The Audi SQ7 TDI is set to hit Europe in spring of 2016 at a price of 89,900 euros in Germany. It is predicted to come to North America sometime in 2017 without TDI. No news on pricing for the North American markets yet.
