TORQUE ABOUT IT

Audi’s switch to petrol delivers faster, but less charming performance SUVS

Diesel has long been part of the performance sales pitch for brisk Audi SUVS. But the fuel of choice is changing for the German brand, with petrol now the favoured brew for its SQ7 and SQ8, each a rung down from the top-shelf family that wears RS branding.

Gone is the 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 diesel and in its place is a petrol-powered alternative of the same size. Power has been boosted by 18 per cent – an additional 53kw to 373kw in total – but torque has headed in the other direction. Mid-range pulling power has dropped 14 per cent to a still substantial 770Nm.

Perhaps the most important number is the acceleration figure. The benchmark 0-100km/h blast now takes 4.1 seconds, well down on the

4.8 seconds of its predecessor. It’s also close to the RSQ8 (3.8 seconds) that sits atop the Audi fast SUV family tree with a more potent iteration of the same engine.

For those yearning for an SUV performance fix, that will no doubt be a welcome leap.

Less so the claimed average fuel use, which soars a hefty 59 per cent to 12.1 litres per 100km. Expect real world usage to be higher.

Whereas the diesel built its pace with sheer grunt and relatively lazy engine revs, the petrol gets things spinning more enthusiastically, using the top end of its rev range for an extra set of legs. It’s a more frenetic and engaging experience, the thrust of a high-revving V8 making light work of 2.3 tonnes.

An electric compressor virtually eliminates turbo lag, so there’s quick reactions to any squeeze of the throttle. From 2000rpm there’s a luscious surge of energy that reinforces the V8’s flexibility.

There’s also a higher pitched growl from the exhaust, something amplified into the cabin via a sound actuator. But it’s no AMG, the aural accompaniment more subdued than overt.

Riding on 22-inch wheels ensures swift responses to steering, which is nicely weighted for added reassurance.

Mid-corner grip is exceptional, the sizeable SUV stable and planted. Four-wheel steering tucks the tail around on tighter bends and an optional active stabiliser bar setup utilising a 48V electrical system keeps the already wellbehaved body almost completely flat through bends and on quick direction changes.

The adjustable height suspension can raise for obstacles or lower for high-speed stability. There’s also respectable compliance from the air suspension, although there’s only so much low-profile tyres can do; sharp edges occasionally jar.

Elsewhere the practicalities of the Q7 shine through. Seven seats accommodate large families or you can have a 617-litre boot with five aboard.

The coupe-like SQ8 is mostly the same flavour, although a lower roofline means the black Dinamica headlining is that little bit closer to the hairdo.

Frameless windows add some coupeinspired verve.

The SQ8 also does without the third row of seats but still swallows 605 litres of luggage.

As before, the SQ7 and SQ8 still tow 3.5 tonnes, matching load lugging credentials with dedicated off-roaders.

Pricing for each has inched up, the SQ7 starting at about 180,000 drive-away and the SQ8 at around $186,000.

Each comes generously appointed with a panoramic sunroof, 22-inch alloy wheels, softclose doors, quad-zone ventilation, smart key entry, head-up display and a Bang & Olufsen audio system.

There’s also a trio of displays, including a digital instrument cluster, an 8.6-inch lower display to control the ventilation and a 10.1-inch upper screen to take care of infotainment as well as Apple Carplay and Android Auto

Those who want to splash more cash can delve into a world of options.

But it’s the petrol-fed V8 that is the big news for the 2023 SQ7/SQ8 refresh, something that draws it closer to the pinnacle of the hot SUV fleet, Audi’s RSQ8 included.

While there are no styling updates, what’s making noises under the bonnet has altered the character and stepped up the performance that is a key consideration at this end of the market.

But it comes at the expense of the diesel engine that had an alluring pull, figuratively and literally.

VERDICT

Slicker acceleration advances one of Audi’s briskest SUVS, but the tantalising thrust of a diesel V8 is missed.