Test Audi SQ7 V8 TFSI 507 CV: The superlative SUV

Audi SQ7 V8 TFSI 507 CV

With a heart as pure as the 4.0-liter V8 TFSI Biturbo beating beneath its hood, the Audi SQ7 has earned a position in the Olympus of real Super SUVs on the market, as well as a spot in our memories after passing through the Car and Driver garage. We want real automobiles, and this one has abandoned its flirtations with the TDI blocks of the home to reveal itself as a beast. This 2,275-kilo behemoth is less rational and more extravagant than ever, clinging to its 507-horsepower gasoline engine and 770 Nm of maximum torque, yet it moves!

The official stats show a 4.1-second acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, a 3.8-second recovery from 80 to 120 km/h, and a peak speed of 250 km/h, which is electronically regulated; otherwise, it would easily exceed 300 km/h. The best part? These figures translate into a sense of power and control on the asphalt that is tough to match.

Super SUV genetics

Everything concentrates around the new Audi SQ7 drive unit during the early moments of the test. The aluminum block of the V8 TFSI contains an anti-friction coating for the cylinder liners, as well as a cylinder disconnection mechanism, known as Audi cylinder on demand (COD). When its thrust is not required, four of the eight cylinders are disconnected to save gasoline, and although in the small blocks (4 cylinders), its motion is practically imperceptible to the driver, you will not notice anything here. You have the impression that you just have the switch of an actual catapult beneath your right foot.

It demonstrates that we run a powerful engine that is both contemporary and smart. This is connected with an automated transmission and a permanent all-wheel drive system, both of which are not so great. The eight-speed Triptronic transmission is a basic and simple torque converter, and the Quattro drive has a central differential that generally distributes power in a 40:60 ratio between both axes, however, it may drift up to 70% to the front and up to 80% to the rear.

The gear change is not one of those that read your mind, but it is fast enough and very smooth in its transitions, and at the motor level, the Quattro drive has very good allies: a sports rear differential is responsible for distributing engine torque between the rear wheels so that the car pulls like a charm on the supports, and if you add to that the steering rear wheels and the air suspension with active stabilizer bars that do not stop the body from moving excessively.

Pure magic

It should be mentioned that the mechanical basis of this SQ7 is the same one that has given life to some of the world's most powerful, quickest, and most exclusive turntables. I'm referring to the Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga, and Lamborghini Urus, albeit I'd argue that this Audi is nicer and better balanced in comparison. It has an exceptional road grip, the engine push is forceful but linear, simple to dose with the accelerator, and the feel of the steering or brakes, for example, is likewise great. As a result, we drive an automobile that makes traveling quickly in any situation quite easy. On the highway, you may allow advanced driving aids lead you to your destination while maintaining high cruising speeds and without becoming exhausted.

The chairs are a joy, with minimum mechanical and aerodynamic noise. On highways and surfaces in bad condition, its damping capacity, guiding precision, and outstanding traction will astound you, and on dirt tracks, it is a far more effective car than you may imagine if you choose a suitable tire. The one in our test vehicle was not (285/35 R22). What about the other fantastic counterpart? The consuming... The official WLTP consumption is 12 liters, however, most people use approximately 13 liters.

Space, quality, and technology

The test day is drawing to a close, and it's time to take a close look at the interior of the automobile that's drawing attention at the service station where we're staying. It's the ultimate example that you don't need to add a lot of hoopla to a model's bodywork to distinguish it from its standard variants. In the case of the SQ7, personalization comes in the form of a unique grille, bumpers, skirts, and wheel arches, as well as a number of logos seen on the interior. Of course, you can always upgrade to the Carbon Style Pack, which adds carbon fiber pieces for an additional 2,655 euros.

The Audi SQ7's interior is flawless in terms of perceived overall quality, size, and technical equipment. Remember that this vehicle is available with five or seven seats, with the latter costing roughly 2,000 euros extra. Both have the MMI Navigation plus infotainment system with 5G internet, WIFI, and Amazon Alexa, as well as the 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit, paired with a central screen of the same size. Front sports seats with electronic adjustment and 4-position lumbar support, Alcantara and leather upholstery, 20-inch wheels, Audi Matrix LED headlights, or the aforementioned pneumatic adaptive sports suspension 'S' are all standard. As is typical of this sort of vehicle, the options are numerous, diverse, and costly. For example, our test unit included the following:

• Audi Exclusive green paint (6,145 euros)

• Audi Sport 22'' cast aluminum wheels (3,130 euros)

• Heated front seats with massage function (2,165 euros)

• Power lock for the doors (895 euros)

• Location system in case of theft Audi connect (1,005 euros)

• Head-Up Display (1,955 euros)

• Audi parking system plus with 360º environment indication (100 euros)

• Bang & Olufsen advanced with 3D sound (8,590 euros)

Get out the calculator

The Audi SQ7 V8 TFSI is priced at 115,160 euros, but our test vehicle cost more over 140,000 euros. These are two figures that may irritate the reader but place this model among the most affordable of its class. Only the BMW M50i begins at 112,750 euros and has 530 horsepower. A Maserati Levante GTS (530 horsepower) starts at 165,400 euros, a Range Rover P530 SV starts at 236,600 euros, and the aforementioned Bentley Bentayga, with the same engine but 550 hp but somewhat inferior performance, does not dip below 217,200 euros. So, yeah, it may be pricey, but not prohibitively so.