Behind the formula Q + D + S there is no concept for an innovative fruit yoghurt, no equation for the fair composition of supervisory boards and certainly not the precalculated route of a distant comet far out in space. The Audi-style solution is much simpler, as it allows things to grow together that never really belonged together: sports and diesel packed in a Q-series car. At the Audi dealer, the whole thing will be called SQ7 TDI from spring and will cost at least 89.900 euros.
An S model with a diesel engine, one that already impresses with rich numbers on paper and sets new records. Under the hood is a four-liter eight-cylinder with triple charging, an output of 320 kW / 435 hp and a pulling power of 900 Newton meters. No other diesel SUV can keep up with that at the moment. Acceleration from a standstill to 100 km / h takes 4,8 seconds, real sports car values. The top speed of the all-wheel drive is limited to 250 km / h. Audi cites a consumption of 7,4 liters per 100 kilometers as consumption for the new king of all diesel quattros. "With an eight-cylinder engine, we achieve the consumption of an engine with just six cylinders," said Stefan Knirsch, Chief Technology Officer.
After the SQ5, the 5,07-meter seven-seater SQ7 is the second model in which modern diesel technology is married to the sporty claim of the brand. But the new flagship has some technical delicacies that are currently only granted to it: An electrically driven compressor ensures that the "turbo lag" that is still annoying in classic turbo engines disappears. It comes into action at low engine speeds when the pressure of the exhaust gases is not yet sufficient to operate a normal turbocharger. The system called EAV is driven by a compact electric motor, the paddle wheel works at up to 70.000 revolutions per minute.
The energy supply in the Audi SQ7 is taken over for the first time by an additional 48-volt electrical system with its own lithium-ion battery. In addition to the power dispenser for the engine, it also supplies another novelty: In the sports SUV, complex roll stabilization ensures that the body roll is significantly reduced in fast corners. An electric motor is also used here. The system is part of a dynamic package that can be ordered separately. This also includes the all-wheel steering known from the Q7, which makes parking easier and allows higher cornering speeds. The rear wheels are turned by up to five degrees. Depending on the pace, counter to or in parallel with their front partners. A central control unit ensures that all components are networked, including the standard air suspension, the regulated dampers and the sport differential.
Numerous extras and assistance systems can also be ordered for the SQ7 TDI, which differs in appearance from the normal Q7 models in terms of slight retouching, especially at the front end. LED headlights are standard, matrix LEDs with 30 individual LEDs per headlight cost extra. The famous virtual cockpit is also available, which, for example, brings the map of the navigation system directly into the driver's field of vision behind the steering wheel. In addition, there are no fewer than 24 electronic helpers, such as distance radar with a traffic jam function. Of course, an internet connection and a sound system with 23 speakers can also be selected in the price list.
With technical subtleties, such as those found in the SQ7, Audi also wants to pave the way for the compression-ignition engine to return to the US market, which is almost “diesel-free” after the VW company’s exhaust gas scandal. “We are repeatedly asked by our customers there to continue delivering diesel models to the USA. We will fulfill this wish with further models, ”promises Sales Director Dietmar Voggenreiter. And the first diesel audis are also due to be delivered to Japan this year.
Author: Peter Maahn / SP-X