Audi has released extensive details about its new SQ7, following the reveal of the performance-focused SUV at the German manufacturer’s headquarters in Ingolstadt, Germany.
The new range-topper for the Q7 line-up, the Audi SQ7 will rival other fast SUVs like the Range Rover Sport SVR and Porsche Cayenne Turbo.
While Audi’s smaller SUV models – the Q3 and Q5 – have received performance derivatives before, this is the first time the larger Q7 has received an S model transformation. The SQ7 will go on sale this May and first UK deliveries will reportedly take place in August.
Electric-boosted engine
The most significant feature of the Audi SQ7 is the powerful new powertrain, which features a 429bhp 4.0-litre V8 diesel linked with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The SQ7 is the first Audi production car to use an electric powered compressor to boost the performance of the engine. This contributes towards the total torque output of 900Nm.
Sprinting from zero to 62mph in just 4.8 seconds, the SQ7 is 1.3 seconds quicker than the next most powerful model in the Q7 range, which uses a 328bhp V6 petrol.
Audi’s new electric powered compressor, which is designed to remove turbo lag, allows the SQ7 to be almost as quick SUVs with significantly more power from their engine. The SQ7 is just one tenth behind the 542bhp Range Rover Sport SVR and a few tenths off the 512bhp Porsche Cayenne Turbo. The top speed of the Audi SQ7 is electronically limited to 155mph.
Styling updates
Some mild design alterations have also been made to the SQ7 to make it stand out more compared to the rest of the SUV’s range. Differences include a darker grille, sportier-looking bumpers, aluminium housings for the door mirrors and new side air intakes.
Inside meanwhile, the SQ7 has sports seats which can be finished in one of two different styles and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit instruments and head-up display are both available optionally.
Pricing for the Audi SQ7 is unconfirmed but reports estimate it will start from about £70,000.
