Another pioneer joins the UK Audi range this week – the new SQ7 TDI.
Priced from £70,970 OTR, the new model is notable not only as the first ever ‘S’ version of the Q7 luxury SUV, but also as the first series production car to incorporate new electric powered compressor (EPC) technology that consigns ‘turbo lag’ to history.
Supporting two sequentially activated turbochargers, the EPC helps to generate pulling power that is unparalleled in this class, and the V8 TDI-powered Q7 flagship is able to deftly deploy it thanks to a chassis bolstered by state-of-the art electromechanical active roll stabilisation.
As it is electrically driven and therefore not dependent upon exhaust flow like conventional turbochargers, the revolutionary electric powered compressor (EPC) brings its force to bear on the 4.0-litre, eight-cylinder TDI in less than 250 milliseconds, so its benefit is palpable from the second the accelerator pedal is depressed.
Now developing 429bhp and 663lb/ft of torque, the redesigned V8 BiTDI firmly stakes this performance flagship’s claim as the most powerful diesel SUV on the market.
With the EPC supporting the work of the two turbochargers, especially at lower revs, performance is exceptional, with a 0-62mph sprint time of just 4.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155mph, and in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), the SQ7 TDI returns up to 39.2mpg combined. This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 190g/km.