First drive review: Audi Q7, SQ7 and SQ8

Friday, 7 February 2020

**AUDI Q7, SQ7 and SQ8

Watch how Audi's Active Roll Stabilisation works to virtually eliminate body roll.

Price range:** $144,900 to $194,900

Powertrains: 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 with 210kW/600Nm, 6.9L/100km, 8-speed automatic, AWD (Q7), 4.0-litre turbo-diesel V8 with 320kW/900Nm, 7.6L/100km (7.8 SQ8), 8-speed automatic, AWD (SQ7 and SQ8)

Body style: 5-door SUV.

The Q7 packs the smallest engine of the three, but with a 48-volt mild-hybrid boost to produce a not-inconsiderable 210kW.

On sale: Now

The cream of Audi's premium SUV range just got even creamier. More tech, more dynamic design, better handling, oh and much more power.

The SQ7 backs Audi's S performance moniker with a brawny turbo-diesel V8.

Make me an instant expert: what do I need to know?

Three new (well one can essentially be classed as a facelift) premium SUVs have just joined the Audi Q family. They sit at the top of the range and provide both prestige and performance to the seemingly unquenchable SUV audience. Of course, they're aimed at the more affluent among us but more specifically the annoyingly motivated self-starters.

Spot the roofline - the SQ8 and SQ7 take a rest to enjoy the view.

* The antidote to Audi's EV-SUV is Audi's monster diesel SUV

* Why the Audi SQ7 is our Top Performance/Luxury SUV of 2017

* VW Touareg: do you still want that Audi SUV?**

Beginning with the $144,900 Q7. The designers have given it a new Audi single-frame grille which brings it more in line with the family's modern look or design language as they call it, plus it now has a wider lower apron to help broaden its visual stance. They've also redesigned its tailgate while they were at it too.

The headlights are now HD, Matrix and laser light which all sounds very cool and Star Warsy but the end result is virtually double the illumination ahead, out to 600 metres while not blinding the oncoming traffic either.

The SQ8 proved itself to be remarkably adept on the gravel.

Air suspension is now standard (making it height-adjustable for various terrains) and Audi has also thrown in, active roll suspension and all-wheel steering too. The cabin has been poshed and teched up with high-quality trim, two touch screens (featuring their latest MMI system), Audi Connect, virtual cockpit and head-up display - it really is a great place to be.

The Q7 is powered by Audi's 3.0-litre diesel turbo V6, but with the addition of a 48-volt mild hybrid system producing 210kW of power and 600Nm of torque.

Aside from having all that the Q7 has to offer, the new SQ7 ($184,900) and SQ8 ($194,900) models both get a 3D looking single-frame grille and a big turbo diesel V8 with an electric turbine to remove any hint of lag and pump out 320kW and 900Nm of grunt.

Where did you drive it?

On an Audi launch event from the Valet parking area at Christchurch Airport to the remote and very exclusive Annandale Villas at an unfortunately named Scrubby Bay, near Port Levy - and then back again.

It was a day-long 140km, 5+ hour return trip drive that included ample on-road and arguably even more gravel driving. All three new Q's were available for the drive and we swapped between them at strategic rest stops along the way.

At first glance, the general assumption would be that these premium, luxurious SUVs will barely ever mount a kerb let alone spend hours on un-sealed or uneven road surfaces. However, when you consider the affluent, over-achievers that these vehicles are targeted at, maybe the drive to a luxury remote getaway location was perfectly suited.

The initial part of the route south from the Airport offered very little in terms of dramatic South Island scenery, more potholes than mountains, but the Q7's Comfort mode setting smoothed out all the lumps or bumps. The big 7 seater SUV takes up plenty of road space but actually doesn't feel too big or overinflated. The V6 lags a little at the lights but once on the move, it doesn't exactly lack any power.

A pit stop and vehicle change had us behind the D-shaped sports wheel of the SQ7 next. The roads that cut through Dyers Pass offered up some mild twists and turns and the chance to engage dynamic drive mode. With all-wheel steer, quattro and a multitude of other engineering aids to play with, the SQ7 made light and nimble work of the corners while having 900Nm of torque underfoot ensured there was no chance of being left behind.

Last but not least, the SQ8. With the heart of the SQ7 and its coupe-like roofline, it feels more like a performance SUV should. The tighter bends around Port Levy presented very little challenge and even less body-roll. It's great on sealed roads but was surprisingly a bit of a stand-out on the gravel too. The long and dusty, coast-hugging trek to Scrubby Bay was a breeze with the SQ8's All-Road setting, the suspension is so smooth it would barely unsettle your latte.

What's the pick of the range?

The SQ8 was an immediate favourite. Its muscular, coupe-akin design alone offers you plenty to gawp at and thanks to that electric-powered compressor, its 900Nm of torque are right there from the get-go. However, should you require more seats, the SQ7 is certainly not to be sniffed at. Mind you, there was a hint of an RS model on the horizon, just saying.

Why would I buy it?

From dropping the kids off at their private school to towing the superyacht to the secluded bay where your bach is hidden, these three premium Q's have the class and clout to impress at every turn and in every turn for that matter. They're big and bold and very smart but moreover, they're actually fun to drive.

Why wouldn't I buy it?

The acute angle of the Q7/SQ7's A-pillar keeps you on your toes when entering the cabin and the off the line 'pause' with the Q7 may cause issues around town. The size of all three makes them pretty snug when it comes to mall parking or drive-throughs too.