Audi’s SQ7 sports SUV has landed in Australia. , clearly marking a renewed assault on direct competitors such as the venerable Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport. But the four rings’ plan of attack involves - arguably - more technology for its $153,616 behemoth.
The highlight of the SQ7’s repertoire is its unique bi-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine. It’s a diesel, for starters, unlike the top performers in the Porsche and Range Rover, but uses a unique third compression method that uses an electric motor to power an on-demand supercharger, providing ample torque at any engine speed but is most useful at lower revs, eliminating turbo lag.
The sprint to 100km/h from rest takes a mere 4.9 seconds, largely thanks to the 320kW and 900Nm generated that motor. Mighty impressive for an SUV weighing over 3,000kg.
This electric compressor can spin up to 75,000rpm in less than 250 milliseconds and is supplied by the car’s 48-volt electrical architecture that runs in parallel with the standard 12-volt system that powers its ancillary functions and stored in a lithium-ion cell.
The SQ7’s unique electrical system also permits other uses that Audi can capitalises on. For example, it allows the car to use an electromechanical stabilisation system that uses electric motors to twist the front and rear anti-roll bars against each other to ensure tighter body control. Conversely, they can decouple to allow a looser connection to better cope with bumpier roads.
It comes as standard with adaptive air suspension but can be augmented by the optional Dynamic Package for $13,500. This adds all-wheel steering and a self-locking centre differential for the rear axle. A sports exhaust with sound actuator also comes as standard.
Being at the top of Audi’s SUV pecking order, the SQ7 arrives with the automaker’s full suite of convenience features, including LED headlights and LED daytime running lights, a BOSE 3D surround audio system, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit and Head up Display (HUD), the MMI Navigation and MMI touch infotainment system. There’s also a standard rear seat entertainment system and electrically folding third row seats.
In terms of safety, there’s autonomous emergency braking (AEB up to 85km/h), adaptive cruise control, rear cross traffic assist, lane keep assist, and stop & go traffic jam assist.
Andrew Doyle, Managing Director of Audi Australia, said: “The all-new SQ7 TDI epitomises Vorsprung durch Technik. This landmark performance SUV debuts three innovative new technologies that have never been seen before in a production car. They combine to make the SQ7 TDI a vehicle without equal,”
“We anticipate the SQ7 will capture the attention of the Australian luxury car-buying market in much the same way as the highly sought-after SQ5 TDI has. For our customers, this extraordinary vehicle will fulfil the desire for the latest innovative technology solution, at the same time as delivering unmatched versatility in a highly attractive value package.”
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