V8 Powered Audi SQ7 Can Be Yours For Half A Million Dollars

Powered by a twin-turbo V8, it sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds. Doesn't sound like much in this electric age where we are pampered with mind-bending figures like the 3.3 second century sprint amassed by the Audi RS e-tron GT, but these are still immense figures, more so for a hulking SUV that can be specced with a third row of seats. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h - way more than sufficient for a family hauler that weighs well more than 2 tonnes.

Yes, a twin turbo V8 might not be a friendly conversation starter nowadays given the attention placed on emission-free motoring, but Audi makes sure that it executes its duties as sensibly as possible during grocery runs. A cylinder-deactivation technology deactivates four cylinders temporarily by switching off the injection and ignition and keeping the intake and exhaust valves closed.

When family duties make way for more enthusiastic drives, the driver can enjoy go-fast tech such as two turbochargers tuned at up to 1.5 bar each, with an emphasis on reduction of exhaust back pressure for optimal throttle response. There is a flap in each tailpipe of the exhaust system that modulates the sound depending on the load and engine speed. Enjoy the dramatic aesthetics of massive quad tailpipes while they still exist!

An eight-speed tiptronic and quattro all-wheel drive system completes the tech wizardry. A mechanical differential distributes torque between the front and rear axle at a ratio of 40:60. If traction decreases at one axle, it directs most of the torque to the other axle – up to 70% to the front or up to 85% to the rear axle. Keen drivers can opt for the optional advanced suspension package that shifts torque between rear wheels via two multi-plate clutches.

The Audi SQ7 TFSI comes fitted with 285/40 21-inch Audi sport wheels and tires as standard. Brake discs measuring 400mm in diameter are fitted to the front axle, with 350mm discs on the rear axle.

The front features double slats in the Singleframe and a three-dimensional blade in the bumper, while the side air inlets are filled with a honeycomb grid. The sporty look continues in the interior, visually dominated by driver and front passenger sport seats supported by integrated head restraints and pneumatically adjustable side bolsters.

In terms of controls and the infotainment system, a MMI touch response control system integrates two large displays in the centre of the instrument panel. Both 10.1-inch and 8.6-inch displays respond with haptic and acoustic feedback.

The Audi SQ7 TFSI is available now in Singapore, priced from S$500,951 including VES and COE. The Audi SQ8, more distinctively differentiated by light bar across the rear tailgate, will be made available in Singapore later this year. Will you be sticking to tried-and-tested high-powered internal combustion engines, or future-proofing by opting for EV SUVs like the Audi e-tron Virtual Mirrors 55 quattro?

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