Audi SQ7 TDI – first S model in Q7, and world's fastest diesel SUV

SQ7 TDI first Q7 in S spec

The Q7 gets the Audi S treatment for the first time with the new Audi SQ7 TDI.  For those looking for a big Sports Utility Vehicle that is also sporty looking and sporty going, the SQ7 TDI fits the bill.

Basically it follows the medium-size Audi SQ5 TDI recipe (the first Audi combining S and Q and TDI) but adds lots more engine and size.

Fastest diesel SUV

0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.  Diesel.  SUV.  Yes, these go together for the first time here, as Audi SQ7 TDI manages to break the 5-second barrier for diesels.  Some other recent diesel cars and SUVs have dropped to the low 5s, but 4.8 is the quickest.

320kW and 900Nm, as the most powerful diesel SUV, and the fastest.  The 4.0 TDI engine was developed from the ground up, and with economy in mind.  The previous big-performance SUV diesel was the Audi Q7 6.0 TDI V12, which was uniquely a V12 diesel, with 368kW at just 3750 r/min and 1000Nm across 1750-3250, though due to a heft of 2.6 tons kerb weight it could was said to do a 5.5-second time… but to have a V12 diesel in today’s eco-mindedness would be wrong. 

The 4.0 V8 TDI engine bears a chrome V8T on the front fenders, yet was optimised for power/torque and efficiency, with Audi indicating an average for the standard 5-seater of 7.5 to 7.2 litres of fuel per 100km which is just 198 to 189 g/km.  Super clean and efficient, and unexpected from a 4.0 V8 TDI – expected more from an engine half that.

Electric Powered Compressor – world first, secret weapon?

Audi added, in addition to the 2 turbochargers, what it says is the world’s first Electric Powered Compressor (EPC) where compressor means supercharger.  Significant here is that the engine does not need to propel the compressor/supercharger (needing engine power and thus fuel) as it runs electrically, independently from the engine.  Brilliant! 

The EPC device helps especially at lower revs to avoid instant off-the-line without any hint of turbo lag.  Mmm, so the secret weapon to getting that 4.8-sec time is the EPC.

More of this type to come?

With the rise and rise of the SUV popularity, and the requests to have it big and fast without the fat, building a big vehicle with performance by a (c)leaner diesel rather than a big V8 petrol turbo – could the SQ7 TDI pave the way for more of this type to come?

This model is not confirmed for South Africa.