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Let’s straighten something out. SUVs aren’t particularly MOTOR’s bag.
Their high-riding physics shouldn’t, and often don’t, translate well to the demands of fast, thrilling driving.
But Audi’s trying hard to spite Newton, really hard, because its SQ7 TDI launches with enough technology that could land a space shuttle.
The new seven-seater SUV’s stuffed with electric supercharging, active sway bars, 48 volt electrics, and pistons derived from Audi’s Le Mans Prototype.
But Audi knows the potential of an S-badged oiler SUV. The SQ5 outsold every other variant within a year of its launch, despite the $14K jump over next most expensive Q5.
However buyers won’t be treated to such a small ask here in seven-seat territory. The SQ7’s premium over the next best Q7 stands at a gaping $49K, or the price of a well-equipped Golf GTI.
For that there’s a 4.0-litre diesel V8 plugged with two turbochargers in its vee, and an electric supercharger spun by a 7kW motor.
But you’ll need a masters degree to understand the sorcery at work, as through its rev-range the engine switches from dual-charged, to single turbocharged, before finishing up twin-turbocharged.
As a result there’s 900Nm (!) on tap from idle to 3200rpm, before 320kW says hello at 3750rpm and sticks around until its 5000rpm redline.
While the electric charger supplies full boost until 2000rpm, those 900 newtons feel more focused on motivating 2.3-tonnes than throwing you at the horizon.
With some momentum finally behind it, though, the V8’s 320kW piles on speed at a serious rate. And the SQ7 feels much more potent from 100km/h onwards.
Stab the throttle while moving and you suspect engine needs a moment to figure which turbo’s doing what. It instead feels more responsive with a little tip-in before engaging a roaring overtake.
But the SQ7 TDI feels completely at home going fast. And that’s not only down to its whisper quiet cabin.
Tackle a set of bends in dynamic mode and there’s a duality about the SQ7 that’s so damn likeable.
The front-end doesn’t dissolve into push-understeer like it does in comfort mode, which slackens off the roll bars, so you can pick-up the throttle earlier and let the diff drive you out of corners.
And with the bars negating body roll, the adaptive air dampers are left to soak up the hits. So the car wafts along in a straight line like a limo, then corners with the tenacity of overweight hot-hatch.
Compared to others, sure, the SQ7 would cower from a Mercedes-AMG GLS63’s bark. But the GLS is $60K more expensive, couldn’t catch the Audi around bends, and drinks like a sailor.
In fact, the Audi has an answer for all its rivals. Tesla’s new Model X P100D might be faster, but it’s not here yet, already costs US$156K in American peso, and wouldn’t look anywhere as nice inside.
Over in Munich the $150K diesel X5, with a triple-charged six, handles sharper. But it won’t offer the same true seven-seat practicality.
Money wise, priced at $153,616, the Audi’s also a bit of a bargain. Dodge costly extras like red calipers, as the standard six-pots look delicious enough. But do go for the $5K optional 21s and the Dynamic Package – if you don’t mind a corner or two.
Like we said, we’re not particularly for SUVs. But if we had to have a big one, this would be it.
4.0 OUT OF 5 STARS
2017 Audi SQ7 TDI specifications Engine: 3956cc V8, DOHC, 32v, twin-turbo, electric supercharger Power: 320kW @ 5000rpm Torque: 900Nm @ 1000pm Weight: 2330kg 0-100km/h: 4.9sec (claimed) Price: $153,616
