When we come to Audi all attention lately was focused on the future Q8 model. We had a Q8 Concept in Detroit this January, and we hardly grasped for air when new Q8 Sport Concept arrived in Geneva. X6’s rival is a nice thing, and especially its angrier S edition previewed by Geneva concept, but what if you want your luxury and tremendously powerful SUV today.
Audi has one right now, and it’s yours to take it if you can afford it of course. We are talking here about 2017 Audi SQ7, which has quite a few things to bring to the table.
2017 Audi SQ7 STYLING
The current generation of Q7 is shrunk compared to the previous one, but it is still bigger than any direct competitor. In fact, visually it even seems larger now, due to the different styling choice. As we are used to with S models, there are no any traces of brutal aggression in design changes, so at the front, we have larger side intakes, silver mirrors, and door accents while at the back there are quad tailpipes.
On the inside, we have a flat-bottomed steering wheel, sportier seats, carbon-fiber inlays and some badging going on. In the end, you’ll hardly differentiate it from the regular version, while main things are happening under the skin and there is more of them.
THE ENGINE
Let’s start with the core, aka engine. We have 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged diesel engine pumping out 435 hp and monstrous 664 lb-ft of twist. If you are angry about the fact that diesel took the position under the hood instead of petrol guzzler, take a look again at peak torque figure, and you might forgive Ingolstadt instantly. This huge beast takes only 4.8 seconds to 60 mph, while top speed is limited to 155 mph. You’ll also use 8-speed automatic, with brisk shifts, complementing mentioned power in a proper way. Nice figures, but we need to be honest as competition pushed further.
“Normal” BMW X5 50i model delivers 450 hp and takes one tenth less to 60 mph. Obviously Range Rover Sport SVR pumping 550 hp, Porsche Cayenne Turbo S rated at 570 hp, BMW X5M with 575 hp, and finally, Mercedes GLE AMG 63 S boosting 585 hp are all evidently faster. That is why Audi has more tricks up its sleeve.
THE COMPRESSOR
This is the biggest deal with SQ8 as it is the industry first, and surely not last. Spicy Q7 carries special 48V electric compressor under the skin followed by a lithium-ion battery located under the trunk. We mention the existence of two turbochargers, and now we have to discuss the presence of turbo lag. Or not? Since every turbo starts its work only after you already declared your wish to go faster by pushing the pedal, we have that waiting time, longer or smaller, depend on the case.
In this case, electric compressor drains power from the battery and pumps air constantly to turbochargers, limiting necessity of wait for exhaust gasses to arrive. That means when you hit the throttle in just 250 milliseconds air is circulating around turbine wheel and you’ll have your boost. When exhaust gasses do arrive, you’ll have even more of it. Let’s just say that this thing can glue you to the seats from 1000 rpm, while for higher revs you have two turbochargers, so we dare you to find a gap in the power band.
THE ALL WHEEL STEERING
Yes, you may control the front wheels, but rear ones will have the will of their own. At low speeds upon turning, rear wheels are turning to the opposite side of front ones shortening the travel and amount of space needed for a maneuver, while at high speed they are turning on the same side giving better stability. Result? Incredible nimbleness for 199 inch SUV, that’s always eager to corner.
THE ELECTROMECHANICAL ROLL STABILISATION
Or active sway in short expression. Developed by Toyota, used by Lexus and now ended up in Audi. Anti roll bar has its own motor, and it twists the bars at its own will in the direction that is needed to confront body lean. Add that to the all wheel steering and you will understand why this over 5,000 pounds SUV has track manners of a mid-size sedan.
2017 Audi SQ7 CONCLUSION
We established that most of the main rivals are faster than our 2017 Audi SQ7, but most of them are pricier also as it comes with $95,000 price tag in Europe. And further you’ll have to admit that it packs quite a number of technology tricks compensating power lack, so it is well worthy of consideration for sure.
