New Audi SQ7 unveiled

Audi has unveiled the new SQ7 SUV at their headquarters in Germany. The SUV is expected to arrive in India by the end of this year. It is powered by an all-new 4.0-litre V8 diesel engine with two exhaust-gas turbochargers that makes 435PS of power and 900Nm of torque. The engine is mated to an updated eight-speed tiptronic transmission.

The SQ7 TDI is the first production vehicle to feature an electric powered compressor with a 48-volt electrical subsystem to improve performance. The compressor provides boost in less than 250 milliseconds thereby supporting the 4.0-litre TDI engine while accelerating from low speeds. It does not require any exhaust-gas energy to develop boost and can be used at any time. This makes it an ideal solution for countering turbo lag, the achilles heel of exhaust-gas turbocharger. Driven by a compact electric motor, its compressor wheel spins up to 70,000 revolutions per minute.

Audi claims the SQ7 can accelerate from 0-100kmph in 4.8 seconds and attain a top speed of 250kmph. It gets a sound actuator which amplifies the exhaust note of the eight-cylinder mill.  Additionally, one can use the Audi drive select system to vary the amount of engine sound.

The SQ7 TDI gets a new radiator grille with an S‐specific design while the side air inlets, mirror housings and door inlays are in standard aluminum. It gets LED headlights with daytime running lights as standard while the Matrix LED headlights along with the dynamic rear turn indicators are optional. The standard equipment on the base model includes electrically adjustable and heated sport seats in Alcantara and leather, brushed aluminum inlays, a 3-spoke multifunction sport steering wheel with shift paddles and anti-theft alarm.

The Audi SQ7 TDI will be offered with a choice of five or seven seats. The second row gets a three-section backrest with segments that can be folded down separately as standard. The optional third row can be folded up and down at the touch of a button. Audi will also offer buyers the choice of sport seats and sport seats plus with the sliding/folding seats providing easier access to the third row. It will get an electrically operated tailgate as standard.

The SQ7 comes equipped with adaptive air suspension with S-specific tuning, Audi's drive select system and 20-inch alloys with 285/45 tyres as standard. Audi will offer lightweight carbon fiber-ceramic disc brakes and bigger 22-inch alloys as optional. A driving dynamics package comprising of a sport differential, electromechanical active roll stabilization and all-wheel steering will also be offered as an option.

In terms of features, there is an option between a 23 speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and a 19 speaker Bose surround sound system.  A rear seat entertainment system comprising of two Audi tablets will be optional. These tablets allow the rear passengers to access the infotainment system and control its different functions. The optional Audi connect safety & service package which includes the myCarManager package allows owners to lock and unlock the car via their smartphone.

The new SQ7 TDI will be available in 12 colours. It will be equipped with 24 driver assistance systems including Audi pre sense city, efficiency assist and adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist.