The Audi SQ7 and SQ8 Arrive in South Africa
Quick Facts:
- Price: From R1 679 500
- Engine: 3.0TFSI
- Transmission: Eight-speed Tiptronic
- Power/Torque: 310kW / 900Nm
- 0-100: 4.7s
Audi presents the SQ7 and the SQ8 with a V8 diesel engine in the high-performance SUV segment. The large S models are now available for sale in South Africa as part of a limited, once-off TDI engine launch opportunity. The 4.0 TDI diesel engine is Audi’s most powerful diesel engine currently available.
The twin-turbo V8 accelerates both models from zero to 100 km/h in 4.8-seconds before being electronically limited to 250 km/h. Depending on the equipment, the SQ7 TDI consumes around 8.7 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres in a combined cycle.
The SQ7 and SQ8 TDI come standard with the adaptive air suspension sport system which integrates controlled dampers. It is capable of varying the ride height of the body by up to 90 millimetres. The optional all-wheel steering consists of two components. The front axle steering, which has a sporty and direct gear ratio of 13.3:1, increases the vehicle’s agility and manoeuvrability considerably. A spindle drive influences the rear wheels: At low speed, it turns them by up to 5 degrees in the opposite direction, which makes it easier to manoeuvre. From a speed of about 60 km/h, it turns them slightly in the same direction for improved stability during fast changes of direction in particular.
Breathtaking Exterior Design - The special status of the Audi SQ7 and SQ8 becomes apparent at first glance thanks to its S-specific details, the front features double slats in the Singleframe and a distinctly three-dimensional blade in the bumper, while the side air inlets are filled with a honeycomb grid.
At the side, the exterior mirror housings in aluminium look catch the eye, while the underbody protection with its powerful design, a honeycomb grid insert, and the four characteristic tailpipes provide highlights at the rear. Some attachments are designed in matte silver, including the frame of the Singleframe, which is designed as a wide mask in the SQ8. If the customer ordered the black styling package, the frame, as well as other exterior parts (roof rails, trim strips on side windows, mirrors and front and rear bumpers), are finished in black paint. In addition to this, the extended black styling package adds the Audi rings at the front and rear as well as the SQ7 or SQ8 lettering in the radiator grille and on the boot lid in black. A standard panoramic glass sunroof rounds off the exterior design with class.
World-class Interior - The Audi SQ7 and Audi SQ8 are equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The MMI touch response control system integrates two large displays in the centre of the instrument panel. They have a 10.1-inch and 8.6-inch diagonal measurement respectively and respond with haptic and acoustic feedback to all finger input. The menu structure makes it easy to control with flat hierarchies. The user can configure the interface of the upper display such that they can follow multiple apps at the same time.
The two S models provide a natural language voice control system as a second control level, which understands many formulations from everyday language and accesses the knowledge of the cloud to respond to many requests.
A head-up display that projects important information onto the windshield is available as an option. The standard Audi virtual cockpit plus with S-specific views is controlled via the multifunction steering wheel and serves as the standard display instrument. The driver can activate different screens, including an “S-Performance” look. It shifts the focus to the rev counter and displays the power output and torque as percentages.
Convenience equipment such as four-zone automatic air conditioning is standard. The HD Matrix LED headlights with dynamic light design (standard on the Audi SQ8) are a further piece of top-of-the-line technology: Thanks to their intelligent regulation, they illuminate the road with maximum brightness and precision in any situation. In the SQ7, Matrix LED headlights with dynamic turn signals are part of the vehicle offering.
Keeping you safe with its Intelligent Systems.
The assist systems make driving the Audi SQ7 and the SQ8 feel even more confident and comfortable. Safety systems such as Audi pre sense basic are included as standard with a host of other assistance systems available.
The adaptive cruise control takes over the steering, accelerating, and decelerating for the driver in many situations. The improved restarting comfort is a new feature: Even after a longer standstill, the adaptive cruise control gets the car start rolling again if the car in front starts moving. It takes only a slight touch for the car to detect that the driver is taking responsibility for steering and automatic lateral guidance can remain active.
The efficiency assist supports a fuel-efficient driving style by notifying the driver as to when it would make sense to take their foot off the gas. Systems such as the intersection assist, rear cross-traffic assist, exit warning, and the surround-view cameras add to the portfolio.
Pricing
Audi SQ7 TDI quattro R 1,679,500
Audi SQ8 TDI quattro R1,848,500
The SQ7 and SQ8 TDI are officially available for sale in South Africa in limited numbers as part of a once-off launch opportunity and comes standard with a five year Audi Freeway Plan.
