Such is the importance of SUVs these days that you could argue the Audi Q7 is more important than the firm’s range-topping limo, the A8. And now the German manufacturer is widening the range of its 4x4 flagship with a performance diesel edition, the SQ7.
A seven-seater as standard, the new model is designed to go up against cars like the seven-seat BMW X5 M50d and five-seaters like the Range Rover Sport SDV8 and Porsche Cayenne S diesel. Audi’s offering costs £70,970 - more than both of its German competitors, but the thick end of £17,000 less than the Range Rover Sport.
At the heart of the SQ7 is an all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbodiesel that features some pretty nifty technology. Its two turbos work pretty conventionally, being spooled up by the car’s exhaust gases. They operate sequentially, so one gets all of the available exhaust gas at low speeds, before a valve opens as the engine revs increase to kick in the second turbo.
This process is designed to minimise the delay between pressing the throttle pedal and boost being available - turbo lag. But to negate even more of this trait, Audi has also fitted a small electrically powered compressor that can give the turbos an extra boost at really low revs. It claims the technology is a world first in a production vehicle - though it sounds remarkably similar to the PowerPulse set-up that Volvo is bringing with its latest four-cylinder diesel engines.
In any case, the V8 has some pretty mighty stats: 429bhp between 3,750rpm and 5,000rpm, and a whopping 900Nm of torque from just 1,000rpm. To put things in context, that’s a full 95bhp and 160Nm more than you get in Range Rover Sport SDV8, and it the torque kicks in 750rpm lower to boot. Even Porsche’s mighty Cayenne S V8 diesel is 49bhp and 50Nm adrift.
Audi says the SQ7 can reach 62mph in 4.9 seconds - pretty remarkable for a 2.3-tonne vehicle - and an artificially limited top speed of 155mph. Its fuel efficiency looks strong for the class too, with combined economy of 39.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 190g/km. BMW’s slower X5 M50d is cleaner, admittedly, but the Range Rover Sport and Cayenne S are both north of 200g/km.
On the road the SQ7 can’t quite belie its size and bulk - but it comes impressively close to doing so. It’s actually quite hard to complete low-speed manoeuvres smoothly, such is the aggression of the throttle modulation and the engine’s ability to deliver such huge reserves at little more than idle.
Once you’re up to speed, the SQ7 becomes an accomplished cruiser, with barely a murmur from the V8 and - unusually for a performance Audi - a compliant ride. The SQ7’s air suspension is particularly soothing if you force its hand and use the Drive Select controls to stick it into Comfort mode. Leave it to its own devices and you’ll be a little more aware of pattering over poorer surfaces, although it’s by no means uncomfortable.
The eight-speed automatic gearbox shifts smoothly and quickly, and while it’s not infallible, it generally gets you into the right ratio on twistier roads. In those conditions the SQ7’s new electromechanical active roll stabilisation - an option in the UK - does a cracking job of minimising body roll, allowing you to select Dynamic mode, use the gearshift paddles to hold revs for longer and enjoy what must be one of the best-sounding diesel motors on the planet. The steering is perhaps the weakest link; it has pleasing weight, but is low on communication.
The UK standard spec for the SQ7 looks reasonably generous - as it should on a car costing just over £70,000. On the outside you get LED headlights and tail-lights, 20-inch alloy wheels, revised front and rear bumpers, side skirts and a rear roof spoiler.
The cabin, meanwhile, contains Audi’s Virtual Cockpit - the configurable 12-inch display that replaces the conventional instrument dials - plus MMI Navigation Plus, leather-clad front sports seats, four-zone climate control and an S-badged three-spoke leather steering wheel. The third row seats operate electrically, as does the rear hatch. The fit and finish is pretty standard fare for the Q7 - which is no bad thing, because its high-quality materials are among the best in the class.
- Model: Audi SQ7
- Price: £70,970
- Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbodiesel
- Power/Torque: 429bhp/900Nm
- Economy/CO2: 39.2mpg/190g/km