The new Audi SQ7 TDI is here, producing 438 CV from its V8 diesel engine

Audi continues with the renewal of its SUV range. After undergoing an aesthetic, technological and mechanical renewal at the start of the month, the Q7 is now followed by its most powerful diesel version: the Audi SQ7 TDI. It also arrives with the aesthetic updates of the rest of the range, enhanced with the sporty features the brand gives its “S” models, as well as a powerful diesel engine that will stand out in several respects.

Starting with the exterior, the Audi SQ7 TDI adopts the new features of its siblings in the range, but with several distinguishing details. For example, the Singleframe grille now has double vertical bars, the mirror housings take on an aluminium-like appearance, the blade on the bumper receives a pronounced three-dimensional shape, the underbody protection is specific, there are 20-inch wheels with a five-spoke design, the four exhaust outlets now have round chrome tips, and several elements have been painted matte.

This look can be enhanced with a greater degree of customisation thanks to the options Audi offers, such as the possibility of replacing the chrome elements with the black styling package, which also adds darkened rear windows, as well as the custom paint colours grouped under Audi Exclusive or even the new Daytona grey finish with a pearl effect.

Inside we also find changes in favour of greater sportiness, such as the combination of leather and Alcántara for the upholstery, which is in turn combined with brushed matte aluminium inserts, although these inserts can optionally be in carbon fibre. Sports seats and illuminated door sill trims for the front doors are also fitted as standard, along with pedals, footrest and boot sill protector, all made of stainless steel.

If you opt for the S plus sports seats with integrated headrests, they feature upholstery in Valcona leather with a diamond pattern, in a colour range running from black to Arrás red, which is offered exclusively for the “S” version. Depending on the colour you choose, the door panels and armrests will also match. These seats can optionally be equipped with climate control and massage functions.

On the technology side, we find the same novelties and solutions offered in the new Q7, among which we can highlight LTE Advanced connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a wide variety of services grouped under Audi Connect, or the Audi Virtual Cockpit with a specific display for the “S” variants with Performance mode. The standard equipment can be expanded with a wide range of available options, such as the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System, HD Matrix LED headlights, a Head-Up Display, or the air quality package with fragrances and ionizer, among many other options.

Mechanically, the Audi SQ7 TDI uses a twin-turbo V8 diesel block of 4,000 cc that delivers 435 CV together with a tremendous torque of 900 Nm available between 1,250 and 3,250 rpm, which translates into strong pulling power from low speeds or even from a standstill. This is thanks to an electric EPC compressor that assists the two turbochargers by supplying fresh air, especially when we press the accelerator fully and the energy available in the exhaust gas flow is low. As a result, its acceleration to 100 km/h takes 4.8 seconds, reaching a limited top speed of 250 km/h, while combined consumption is set at 9.1 l/100 km along with CO2 emissions of 231 g/km.

Paired with this engine is an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox, which transmits power to all four wheels thanks to the permanent Quattro drive. There are also other elements that help keep the power under control and make use of it, such as the air suspension and progressive steering, or the braking system with 400 mm discs on the front axle and 370 mm on the rear. Optionally, the discs can be carbon-ceramic, with the front discs increasing in size to 420 mm, and the Advanced suspension package can also be fitted, which includes the active anti-roll stabilisation system.

The new Audi SQ7 TDI will open its order books at the end of this month of July, while the first units will arrive in September, at a price that we do not yet know for Spain.