Audi introduces powerful diesel SQ7 and SQ8

Audi has revealed its most powerful SQ7 and SQ8 V8 diesel engine as a high-performance all-wheel-drive SUV.  The variant offers an aggressive, sport design with technology and connectivity features.

The new Large S model is now available for sale in South Africa as part of a limited, once-off TDI engine launch opportunity.

The 4.0-litre, twin-turbo TDI boasts 310kW with 900Nm torque, making it Audi’s most powerful diesel engine in South Africa.

SQ7

The twin-turbo V8 accelerates both models from 0 to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds. Depending on the equipment, the SQ7 TDI consumes around 8.7 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres in a combined cycle and the SQ8 TDI figures are 8.3 litres.

Both models have an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox with an adaptive air suspension sport system provided by Audi. The driver can choose from seven driving profiles: comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency, allroad, offroad, and individual.

As standard, the Audi SQ7 and SQ8 are fitted with 21-inch Audi Sport wheels with an option to upgrade to 22-inch (for the SQ7) and up to 23-inch (for the SQ8). The red brake callipers feature an S logo on the front axle and are standard for both models.

SQ8

Exterior:

If the customer ordered the black styling package, the frame, as well as other exterior parts (roof rails, trim strips on side windows, mirrors and front and rear bumpers), are finished in black paint.

In addition, the extended black styling package adds to the Audi rings at the front and rear as well as the SQ7 or SQ8 lettering on the grille and on the boot lid in black and a standard panoramic glass sunroof.

Interior and equipment:

The spacious interior of the Audi SQ7 and the SQ8 TDI has sport seats with top-quality Valcona leather and come standard with a heating function in the front and memory function for both front seats.

Their backrests feature S embossing and colour-coordinated contrasting stitching. The inlays are made of matt brushed aluminium. It also includes illuminated door sill trims with aluminium inlays with the S logo at the front. The pedals, the footrest, and the loading sill protector are made of stainless steel.

SQ7 interior

If request, Audi will install S sport seats plus with integrated head restraints. Their covers are also made of Valcona leather but feature a rhombus pattern and diamond stitching.

Arras red is available as a colour option in addition to grey and black. The S sport seats can be further refined with ventilation and a massage function. A third seat row is available for the Audi SQ7.

Infotainment and controls:

In terms of controls, infotainment, and connectivity, the Audi SQ7 and Audi SQ8 are equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

The MMI touch response control system integrates two large displays in the centre of the instrument panel. They have a 10.1-inch and 8.6-inch diagonal measurement and respond to all inputs.

SQ8 interior

The two S models provide a language voice control system as a second control level, which understands many formulations from everyday language and accesses the knowledge of the cloud to respond to many requests.

A head-up display that projects important information onto the windshield is available as an option.

The standard Audi virtual cockpit is controlled via the multifunction steering wheel and serves as the standard display instrument.

The Audi smartphone interface has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Audi phone box couples smartphones with the car’s antenna and charges them inductively provided that the phone is equipped with this function.

The Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with 3D sound is also available and integrates an amplifier that outputs 1,920 watts and actuates up to 23 speakers.

Convenience equipment such as four-zone automatic air conditioning is standard. The HD LED headlights with dynamic light design (standard on the Audi SQ8) are a further top-of-the-line technology.

The SQ7 and SQ8 infotainment system has MMI navigation plus as standard, which exploits the full potential of Audi connect.

The navigation system offers satellite images and predicts the development of the traffic situation, weather, parking availability and point of interest search information into account.

If the car is driven by multiple drivers, up to six users can save their individual settings – from frequently selected destinations to their preferred lighting – in separate profiles.

The data is uploaded to the customer’s myAudi account in the cloud and stored there for their access via the app.

Driving safety systems:

The assist systems make driving the Audi SQ7 and the SQ8 feel even more confident and comfortable. Safety systems such as Audi pre sense basic are included as standard with other assistance systems available too.

The adaptive cruise control takes over the steering, accelerating, and decelerating for the driver in many situations.

The improved restarting comfort is a new feature: Even after a longer standstill, the adaptive cruise control gets the car start rolling again if the car in front starts moving.

It takes only a slight touch on the accelerator for the car to detect that the driver is taking responsibility for steering and automatic lateral guidance can remain active.

The efficiency assist supports a fuel-efficient driving style by notifying the driver as to when it would make sense to take their foot off the gas.

Systems such as the intersection assist, rear cross-traffic assist, exit warning, and the surround-view cameras add to it.

Local pricing and availability

The SQ7 and SQ8 TDI are officially available for sale in South Africa in limited numbers as part of a once-off launch opportunity and comes standard with a five year Audi Freeway Plan

Audi SQ7 TDI quattro                              R 1,679,500

Audi SQ8 TDI quattro                               R1,848,500

Picture/s: Motorpress