The offering might be limited but the power is not – 900 Nm of torque and 310 kW to be exact coming from the twin-turbo V8 diesel engines fitted to the Audi SQ7 and SQ8 that are now locally available.
The large S models are now available for sale in South Africa as part of a limited, once-off TDI engine launch opportunity.
Making its South African debut, this V8 engine is Audi’s most powerful diesel engine currently available. The twin-turbo V8 accelerates both models from zero to 100 km/h in 4,8 seconds. The electronics limit the propulsion at 250 km/h. Depending on the equipment, the SQ7 TDI consumes around 8,7 l/100 km in a combined cycle, which corresponds to C02 emissions of 228 grams per kilometre. For the SQ8 TDI, these figures are 8,3 litres and 217 grams of C02.
Both drive throughan eight-speed tiptronic and have quattro permanent all-wheel drive. A clutch in the automatic transmission engages freewheeling when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator. In regular driving operation, the purely mechanical centre differential distributes the drive torque to the front axle and rear axle at a ratio of 40:60.
If traction decreases at one axle,it directs most of the torque to the other axle – up to 70% to the front or 85% to the rear axle.
Audi provides the SQ7 and SQ8 TDI with the adaptive air suspension sport system, which integrates controlled dampers.It is capable of varying the ride height of the body by up to 90 millimetres (vehicle height is 15 millimetres lower than the adaptive air suspension option).
The driver can choose from seven driving profiles: comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency, allroad.
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). Brake discs measuring 400 millimetres in diameter are fitted to the front axle, with 350 millimetre discs on the rear axle. The red brake callipers feature an S logo on the front axle and are standard for both models.
Upon request, Audi will install S sport seats plus with integrated head restraints. Their covers are made of Valcona leather but feature a rhombus pattern and diamond stitching. Arras red is available as a further colour option in addition to the grey and black colour schemes. The S sport seats can be further refined with ventilation and a massage function.
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. The car adjusts the individual settings when the driver’s door is opened. This convenient personalisation feature comes as standard with the Audi SQ7 and the SQ8.
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 a host of other assistance systems available.
The adaptive cruise control takes over 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 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 theirfoot off the gas. Systems such as the intersection assist,rear cross traffic assist, exit warning, and the surround view cameras add to the portfolio.
Audi SQ7 TDI quattro R1 679 500
Audi SQ8 TDI quattro R1 848 500
