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- The SQ7 has three turbos attached to a 4.0-litre diesel V8. There are two normal turbos, and an electric compressor that spools to 70,000rpm in 0.25 seconds. This is the first road-going car to feature an electric turbo. The technology was first shown in the Audi RS5 TDI concept car in 2014.
- Clever computers can independently turn each turbo on and off depending on how much boost is needed. The whole system outputs 320kW and 900Nm, and full torque is available from as low as 1000rpm.
- Complicated as it is, the powertrain works. This seven-seater can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds, which is even quicker than the Audi TTS Roadster.
- Most cars run on a 12-volt electrical system. The SQ7 has 12-volt and 48-volt systems. The higher voltage system has its own battery that sends up to 7kW to the electric turbo and 6kW to the…
- Active sway bars. The SQ7 has an optional Dynamic pack that includes electromechanical roll stabilisation to keep the big SUV near-flat while cornering. When the system is activated the SQ7 has just one degree of body roll for each 1G of lateral load, which is almost as much as normal road tyres can handle before they lose grip.
- The Dynamic pack also adds four-wheel steering. Turning the front and back wheels adds stability at higher speeds and makes low speed manoeuvres easier. The SQ7 with all-wheel steering has a smaller turning circle than the Audi Q3.
- The SQ7 recovers energy for its 48V battery using the brakes and the active sway bar system. There is also a pair of alternators attached to the engine to help charge the two batteries.
- From the outside the SQ7 has a loud, crackling engine note. Inside, that sound is recreated through the rear speakers when the car is in Dynamic mode. A special acoustic canister in the exhaust captures the natural sound, where it’s picked up and piped subtly to the Bang & Olufsen stereo.
- The SQ7 is 5.07m long, 1.97m wide, 1.74m tall and weighs 2330kg.
- Sepang Blue is an Audi paint colour available exclusively on the SQ7.
- Changeable ambient illumination inside the SQ7 has 32 possible interior lighting colours to choose from.
- The SQ7’s adjustable air suspension drops 25mm lower than the lowest point on the regular Q7, and lifts to a higher point when raised all the way up.
- It’s not all about straight line speed. The SQ7 has built-in off-road drive assists and can wade through water up to 500mm in depth. It can tow up to 3500kg.
- Fuel economy is listed at 7.2L/100km, which is impressive for such a heavy and powerful SUV.
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