With 435 hp and 900 Nm of torque, the new Audi SQ7 TDI is the most powerful diesel SUV on the market. Displacing 3,956 cc, the SQ7 TDI’s new V8 engine employs two turbochargers and an electric powered compressor (EPC) to counter turbo lag; the latter feature being the first on a production car. Since the EPC does not require any exhaust-gas energy to develop boost, it can be used at any time, thus eliminating turbo lag. The EPC provides the engine the boost energy needed for urgent power delivery in less than 250 milliseconds. Driven by a compact electric motor fed by a dedicated, 48‑volt electrical subsystem, its compressor wheel spins up to 70,000 revolutions per minute. Meanwhile, the two exhaust-gas turbochargers are activated selectively according to the concept of sequential charging, since exhaust gas only flows through one turbocharger at low and intermediate load. The second turbine is only activated at higher loads.
Other technical highlights of the new SQ7 TDI include the Audi valvelift system (AVS), an electromechanical power steering, all-wheel steering, the Audi drive select driving dynamics system and adaptive air suspension with S-specific tuning are standard. Audi also offers the SQ7 TDI with an optional driving dynamics package comprising three technology modules: sport differential, electromechanical active roll stabilization and all-wheel steering. An optional brake system with lightweight carbon fiber-ceramic disks will follow shortly after the market launch. All of the aforementioned techno-wizardry combine and enable the new Audi SQ7 TDI to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds, and on to a governed top speed of 250 km/h.
On the outside, the SQ7 TDI has a new radiator grille with an S‑specific design at the bumpers, along with Audi’s optional Matrix LED headlamps. Other distinguishing features are the side air inlets, the mirror housings and door inlays in standard aluminum. The exhaust system terminates in four rectangular tailpipes. Audi offers the performance SUV with 20‑inch wheels on 285/45 tires, with options up to 22 inches. The new SQ7 TDI is available in 12 colors, while the radiator grille and underbody guard that encloses the four rectangular tailpipes are finished in twilight gray matt.
Inside, Audi offers the new SQ7 TDI with a choice of either five or seven seats, MMI navigation plus with Audi connect, an optional, 23-speaker, 1,920 watt, Bang & Olufsen sound system, and the optional Audi virtual cockpit with a 12.3‑inch display. Other features include electrically adjustable and heated sport seats in Alcantara and leather, brushed aluminum inlays, 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, and an anti-theft alarm. The SQ7 TDI is also available with the design selection Kodiak brown: a full-leather interior with contrasting stitching, an Alcantara black headlining, sport seats plus with Valcona leather in Kodiak brown and contrasting stitching, and velour floor mats. The SQ7 TDI offers a range of 24 driver assistance systems, which include the standard Audi pre sense city, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, and predictive ACC. In Europe, the Audi SQ7 TDI can be ordered beginning spring 2016. It will be offered in Germany for a base price of €89,900.
