Just yesterday Audi unveiled a more streamlined, more curvaceous take on their smaller SUV, officially succumbing to the coupe-like crossover craze with a new bodystyle but a semi-borrowed name: Q3 Sportback. At the same time, they’ve whipped their flagship performance big rig, the SQ7, into shape for 2019.
For most intents and purposes, the range-topping Audi SUV has remained unchanged with only minor exterior tweaks to have it keep up with the designs from the legitimately newer models in the line-up, such as the Q8 and all-new A6.
Consequently, the SQ7 adopts a new front grille with more bling as well as the requisite satin metallic accent pieces, a new set of 21-inch wheels, even chromed finishes on its quad exhaust tips. Compared to its closest rivals such as the BMW X7 M50i, Range Rover SVR, and Mercedes-Benz GLS680, the Audi does better job to fit in at a glance.
Under the bonnet, its 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 diesel that gave it such unique characteristics when it debuted has been fettled with slightly, mirroring the changes the automaker made before slotting it in the SQ8.
The engine’s unique induction system is aided by its mild-hybrid architecture, which is also boosted by an electric compressor that can effectively increase overall boost pressure as well as provide boost at low RPMs where the conventional turbines usually struggle.
However, we understand that the changes are down to calibration changes and various smaller optimisations. Output still remains as it were before with 320kW and 900Nm delivering an impressive 4.8 second 0-100km/h sprint time.
This is, of course, thanks to its enormous reserves of torque as well as Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system effectively putting that to the ground. Before that, however, power is funnelled through an 8-speed Tiptronic torque converter automatic transmission.
Audi will also be offering the facelifted SQ7 as a higher-specified Vorsprung edition that includes all-wheel steering for extra agility as well as lightened 22-inch wheels fitted with higher performance tyres.
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