2017 Audi SQ7 TDI – Triple-Turbo Diesel V8 is Ultimate Tax on Society



 

Could there be a worse time for the SQ7 TDI to make its world debut?

Ultra-high-performance.  Diesel.  SUV.

These top models like the previous V10 turbodiesel appeal to a tiny slice of the population, mostly in crowded European city centers, who are incentivized by the tax programs of their countries to choose a high-powered diesel over a similar gasoline model.

The differences in tax, insurance and running costs for any diesel — no matter how hot — are dramatically lower than a similar Cayenne Turbo of GLE63 AMG.  Ballpark?  About a third cheaper for the diesel models like this 90k Euro SQ7.

And they do get better fuel economy.

But the shadow of doubt about their actual environmental cleanliness is now dark as midnight.  There is no doubt that these diesels are extremely harmful, putting out real-world emissions that make them a huge negative tax on society.  They benefit only a few cheap/rich shoppers who parade them as an eco solution.  The black grit coating every building in Paris, London and Berlin begs to differ, however.

In addition, super-diesel is not that fast?  The SQ7’s 0-100kph sprint time?  A lackluster 4.8-seconds.2017 Audi SQ7 TDI 40

This is even counting for the car’s 435HP and 663 pound-feet of torque. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo is supplemented, for the first time ever on any production vehicle, with a third electric turbo.  This requires a 4X stronger 48-volt electrical system to spin up the low-rev EPC (electric powered compressor) on command. The promise is superb low-end response.

A standard sport exhaust has sound-actuators inside and the makeover outside is very effective.

As a super-SUV, the SQ7 will be awesome.  But we’d wait until there is a non-TDI version.

CLOSING POINTS:

— Despite Audi faking the LA skyline for a few of these fake photos, this model will not come to the United States as a diesel.  In addition to lack of perverse tax incentives, all Volkswagen Group diesel sales are banned indefinitely.

— We nailed the look of the SQ7 via some December 2014 renderings. So close, it is uncanny, actually.

Very authentic stuff from VW, natch.

sq7 render real

 

2017 Audi SQ7 TDI

Audi SQ7 TDI: Driving Innovation

 

With 320 kW (435 hp) and 900 Nm (663.8 lb ft) of torque, the new Audi SQ7 TDI* is the most powerful diesel SUV on the market. It also leads the competition in numerous other technical fields. Its newly developed 4.0 TDI engine features a world first: An electric powered compressor gives the SQ7 TDI outstanding off-the-line performance. Yet it consumes on average 7.4 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (31.8 US mpg).

Simply the best: Driver assistance systems
The SQ7 TDI offers a wide range of 24 driver assistance systems to help drivers travel safely, fuel-efficiently and comfortably. The predictive efficiency assistant, for example, provides additional information in the instrument cluster to help the driver save fuel. The standard Audi pre sense city – an anticipatory warning and emergency breaking function for avoiding accidents and protecting pedestrians – makes the SQ7 TDI even safer.

The adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist relieves the driver in slow-moving traffic on well-paved roads by taking over the steering in many situations. The predictive ACC enables the anticipatory adjustment of driving speed to the route and speed limits, such as when entering towns.

In Europe, the Audi SQ7 TDI can be ordered beginning spring 2016. It will be offered in Germany for a base price of €89,900. This price includes a significantly expanded range of standard equipment, valued at approx. €10,000, compared with the base model. Examples include LED headlights, 20-inch wheels, sportily contoured bumpers and door trim strips, adaptive air suspension with S-specific tuning, electrically adjustable and heated sport seats in Alcantara and leather, brushed aluminum inlays, 3-spoke multifunction sport steering wheel with shift paddles, anti-theft alarm and an enlarged tank with 85-liter capacity. In addition, the Audi SQ7 TDI is also the first production vehicle to feature an electric powered compressor with a 48-volt electrical subsystem. The factory-installed sound exhaust system provides for a sporty, unmistakeable V8 sound.

Fuel consumption of the models named above:

Audi SQ7 TDI:
This car is not yet on sale. It does not yet have type approval and is therefore not subject to Directive 1999/94/EC. The aforementioned fuel consumption and emission values are provisional.