AUDI SQ7
Just a year after eloping with diesel, this seven-seat sports SUV is back with petrol
The US may be bitterly divided at present, but at least when it comes to cars, and specifically the type of fuel that goes into them, Americans are united in their preferences. Petrol, unleaded, gasoline: so long as it isn’t diesel, they will generally be happy.
This, Audi claims, is why the SQ7 has ditched its mighty oil-burning V8 in favour of the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 that’s used in everything from Audi’s own RS performance models to the Bentley Continental GT and more in between. Americans just prefer it that way – although it does seem to contradict Audi’s recent efforts to shift all of its S-badged saloons onto diesel V6 power. Maybe that will be reversed soon as well
– not that Audi revealed anything when we asked the question.
Anyway, the petrol V8 develops a heady 500bhp and 568lb ft between 2000rpm and 4100rpm, all of which is deployed to four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
There’s rear-wheel steering, 48V active roll control, an Audi Sport rear differential and enough spacious seating for seven adults to travel in reasonable comfort, too.
On unnaturally smooth German roads, the SQ7 combines all of this to tremendous effect. Rolling refinement and ride comfort on air suspension and 22in alloy wheels are both immaculate. The cabin is as plush as you would expect that of a large Audi to be, and the optional Bang & Olufsen stereo sounds fantastic.
The car is also seriously quick. Get the revs up past 2500rpm, wait a fraction while the turbo boost picks up and you will find yourself surging towards the horizon on a tsunami of torque and V8 thunder.
Despite weighing 2265kg, the SQ7 handles its mass through fast corners, too. Dial the active anti-roll bars up to Dynamic mode and you can feel them working to keep the car level. Traction is equally immense.
As excessive as a 500bhp, seven-seat SUV undoubtedly is, it’s impossible not to be taken by the sheer breadth of the SQ7’S talent.
SIMON DAVIS
Some may lament the demise of the characterful old diesel motor and its more palatable fuel economy figures (we achieved just 15mpg on our test route). But with the return of petrol power, it seems the SQ7 remains very capably served indeed.