Audi unveiled the world’s first series production car combining turbocharging with an electrically powered compressor bringing breathtakingly immediate response – the 435PS Audi SQ7 TDI. Set to lock ‘turbo lag’ in the past, the incredible technology pays tribute to it’s eligibility for the ‘S’ badge, with a truly extraordinary performance.
At the heart of the new Audi SQ7 TDI is a redesigned V8 BiTDI engine that now develops 435 PS and 900 Nm of torque, firmly staking this performance flagship’s claim as the most powerful diesel SUV on the market. The electrically powered compressor dispenses with any sign of turbo lag from step-off acceleration, helping to set an outstanding 0-62 mph sprint time of just 4.8 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155mph.
Featuring 7 seats, passengers in the Audi SQ7 TDI experience the largest interior in the segment, with the second row enjoying a three-section backrest with segments that can be folded down separately whilst the third row folds up and down electrically. The additional space features luxury-class comfort with the choice between standard sport seats or optional sports seats plus.
The SQ7 TDI boasts elegant design solutions in the interior, including analogue instruments with gray faces and white needles, special welcome screens and S badges. Illuminated by LED lighting, the contactless switches control the light in the door pockets and reading lamps whilst the instrument panel and door trim contain contour-lighting with ambient light also available. The top version allows the driver of the SQ7 TDI to customise the interior lighting. Via the MMI, the driver can adjust it in several profiles and in five zones, and regulate the colour of the contour lighting in the ‘drive select’ profile in 32 steps.
Technology, as always, has taken a stride forward with the Audi Virtual cockpit present on the 12.3-inch display with logical structured information. T
MMI navigation plus, the top-of-the-line infotainment system in the SQ7 TDI, enables experience enhancing technology including the Audi Connect package (3 month trial is standard with the option to extend), Audi connect safety & service package ( customers can use their smartphone to lock/unlock the vehicle and check it’s status) and Audi smartphone interface. Not forgetting the audio options, with two packages available to choose from :
- The Bose Surround Sound system, which generates the surround sound with 19 speakers, also features two speakers located higher up in the A-pillars to produce the third dimension.
- In the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System, the digital signal processor drives 11 channels with a total of 23 speakers in such a way that the sound is equally precise and harmonious in every seat. Four speakers installed in the A‑pillars and driven via separate channels broadcast those elements that generate the spatial height, creating a big virtual stage.
Vehicle technology doesn’t halt there either, there are an extensive 24 driver assistance systems to help drivers travel safely, fuel-efficiently and comfortably.
“Following the launch of the successful SQ5, we are now also applying the concept of a diesel-engined S model to the Q7 model line. So equipped, the SQ7 TDI with a V8 TDI engine achieves the consumption figures of a six-cylinder. The new technology solution of the electric powered compressor in the SQ7 TDI is a world first in the competitive environment, with which Audi once again underscores its claim Vorsprung durch Technik,” said Dr. Stefan Knirsch, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG for Technical Development.
The SQ7 TDI will be available in 12 colours with pricing to be confirmed upon orders in May 2016.
