2017 Audi SQ7 TDI …possibly coming Stateside

Sounds like a V8, goes like a V12………..

Already for sale in Europe the new 2017 Audi SQ7 TDI has a strong possibility to make it to these shores, and we hope it does. After sampling the very good 2017 Audi Q7 a few months ago and realizing what an excellent job Audi did in reducing weight and creating a very competent driving machine. So imagine what it must be like with a 4.0 V8 Turbo diesel engine putting out 435 hp and a stonking 663.8 lb ft of torque……..ludicrously fast and the most powerful diesel SUV on the market. The SQ7 TDI has outstanding off-the-line performance because that torque is available between 1,000 rpm. and 3,250 revolutions per minute, thanks to an electric powered compressor that spools up the turbo even before exhaust gasses are available.

It has 3, yes 3 turbos, two exhaust-gas turbochargers  and the aforementioned electric powered compressor which augments the work of the two turbochargers, particularly in the lower engine speed range, providing for extremely dynamic off-the-line performance. Audi claims it will accelerate from 0-62 in 4.8 seconds and onto a governed top speed of 155.3 mph.  We are sure in an instrumented tsets it will be quicker. From a standstill, the Audi accelerates with the mind-blowing ferocity you’d expect from a supercar. They have managed to make it sound good too.  At idle there’s quite a menacing burble from the four tailpipes, and it becomes more violent as you go through the the rev range. There’s surely some trickery going on with the car’s speakers to amplify the noise, but it sounds fantastic and is utterly convincing.

All this makes the SQ7 truly fun to drive, particularly for an SUV.  It corners pretty flat and the engine has plenty of power to push on to the next bend and beyond. Fast sweepers are favored instead of really tight turns as the Audi still weighs almost 5,000 lb, but give it a tricky bend and the Audi remains composed and still surefooted. This is down to the but active anti-roll bars which stiffen the car enabling it to remain flat and very composed out of tight and fast corners. There is always traction thanks to the quattro four-wheel-drive system which controls all that power admirably.

Once again Audi excels and set a new benchmark in the segment. Diffuser vent wrap and application strips emphasize the horizontality and spaciousness of the interior. Comfort features are luxury-class. With the SQ7 TDI, customers have the choice between sport seats and sport seats plus. The sliding/folding seats provide for easier access to the optional third row. The power tailgate is standard. The SQ7 TDI boasts elegant design solutions in the interior, including analogue instruments with gray faces and white needles, special welcome screens and S badges.