RE: Audi SQ7: Review

Saturday 7th May 2016

Audi SQ7: Review

The future of performance diesels, or just another fast and expensive SUV?



Is the prospect of a 435hp, 2,330kg, £70,000 Audi SQ7 an appealing one? You're not alone if it isn't but, as has been discussed extensively on PH recently, there's currently no stopping the performance SUV onslaught. Buyers want them and manufacturers are all too happy to oblige them. The SQ7 TDI is the latest offering, and it's in fact far more intelligent than it perhaps seems at first glance.

Because, let's be honest, it's another chintzy big SUV. Sure, the Audi 'S' embellishments are fairly discreet - see the mirrors, grille and exhaust - but there's no missing a Q7 on (optional) 22-inch wheels. It's a confident and assertive design without being too brash, but confident and assertive on something more than five metres long and just about two metres wide certainly makes an impression.

However, as mentioned, there's some very PH-worthy and interesting tech beneath the sheet metal. The first notable addition is the electric powered compressor, a technology first seen on the RS5 TDI prototype and claimed to be a global debut for a production car. It aims to eliminate turbo lag as the compressors use electricity rather than exhaust gases to spool up; turning at up to 70,000rpm, EPC provides "boost energy" for the turbos in less than 250 milliseconds. Audi says the system "augments the work of the two turbochargers", effectively filling in those gaps at low revs where conventional installations typically struggle.


Torque of the town
Furthermore, credit where it's due, the system is extremely effective. There's 664lb ft (that's not a misprint) available from 1,000rpm (neither's that) and the response from barely any revs is superb. Both throttle and engine feel instantaneous, the result being that the SQ7 can happily and swiftly mooch along at less than 1,500rpm without any of the lethargy you might expect of a turbocharged car, even a petrol. It's quite something. Indeed, most owners will probably see all of their performance demands catered for with less than 2,000rpm showing.

In addition, for those drivers keen to travel really rather quickly, the EPC gives the SQ7 a far broader powerband than you would expect from a diesel. It's willing, fast and eager for 4,000 revs, right to the 5,000rpm red line, which is an unusual and quite pleasant experience initially. The EPC is augmented by the first use of Audi's AVS valve lift system in a diesel too. This is not suddenly a VTEC-style diesel, instead - and Audi's words seem most appropriate here - "one cam contour supports starting off in conjunction with the EPC, while the other optimises cylinder filling and thus power at high engine speeds." It means the SQ7 is tremendously potent, at any revs and in any of the eight gears. It could be said the delivery is too linear to be truly exciting - always a possibility with peak torque from 1,000 revs - but the SQ7 certainly feels a step on for diesel engines. It even sounds like a proper V8, both inside and out.


Power station
The EPC is powered by a 48V sub-system, which is also used to supply the electromechanical anti-roll bars. Yes, there are so many electrical demands in this car it needs a sub-system to keep them going. A laudable feat of engineering or needlessly complex, depending on viewpoint.

Anyway, the anti-roll bars are again very clever, aiming to provide comfort on a straight road (by slackening the two halves of the bar around the gear set) and then offering support in corners by connecting the tubes back up and twisting them against each other. It certainly works in practice too, the Q7 refusing to pitch and yaw as you might expect from something so big.

There are problems though. The fancy anti-roll bars come as part of a Dynamic package that also includes a Sport Differential and all-wheel steering. The steering was a useful asset on the road, making the big Audi feel sharper and more agile than it would otherwise. The effects of the Sport Differential were far harder to detect, if at all.

But every single car provided on the launch was so equipped. Moreover, the carbon ceramic brakes (also optional) were smoking after a brisk drive down a mountain pass. In Audi's attempt to make the SQ7 more dynamic, it's been packed with more technology than both a regular electricity supply, or indeed 420mm front ceramic discs with 10-piston calipers, can handle. Which seems a bit daft really.


Smoke without fire
The SQ7 is far more capable on a challenging road than expected though. And the brakes hadn't entirely wilted. The bigger issue is that it's a joyless car to drive fast. Perhaps not the greatest surprise, or the most relevant observation, but there's no doubt that other cars in this super-SUV segment are more entertaining.

The Audi's additional tech does a fantastic job of keeping it locked down, the tremendous composure meaning you can carry great speed. But the driver doesn't have a clue what's going on. The roll bars mean the body barely moves, the engine works as well below 2,000rpm as it does beyond 4,000rpm and the steering always feels artificial. Then the traction control will cut in, but you won't be entirely sure why. The SQ7 drives how many people imagine the Nissan GT-R drives, albeit at a (slightly) less frantic pace: near total precision, huge speed and terrific grip, but with the driver feeling almost surplus to requirements. There are 24 driver assist systems in this car, with a few pointing towards piloted driving - sadly the driving experience seems to preview it as well.

On the motorway and around town, both arguably more valid tests of this car, the SQ7 is supreme though. The air suspension has excellent comfort even on the 22-inch wheels, the refinement at motorway speeds is fantastic and, wouldn't you know, the interior is marvellous. It even has seven seats as standard.

But these are attributes you would expect to find in any Q7. Where this car struggles is in justifying itself as a performance derivative, despite the amount of power on offer for the money. Bear in mind a V8 diesel Range Rover Sport is £15,000 more with nearly 100hp less. Perhaps there's an RS Q7 coming, ready to thunder up the road with the RS6's V8 shoving it along and making the Q7 a more emotive product. For now the SQ7 is an odd mismatch between an excellent powertrain that actually lends itself to more relaxed driving and a car that, with the right options added at least, is capable of covering ground extremely rapidly. The EPC is undoubtedly an intriguing advance for turbo engines, and it will be fascinating to see its next application, but this car will do nothing to convince the detractors of either fast SUVs or fast Audis.


AUDI SQ7
Engine
: 3,956cc V8 twin-turbo diesel (with electric compressor)
Transmission: 8-speed auto, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 435@3,750-5,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 664@1,000-3,250rpm
0-62mph: 4.9 seconds
Top speed: 155mph (limited)
Weight: 2,330kg (unladen)
MPG: 39.2 (NEDC combined, on 20-inch wheels)
CO2: 190g/km (20-inch wheels)
Price: £70,970

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   
   
   
Author
Discussion

Shambler

Original Poster:

1,184 posts

143 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
quotequote all
I would have this over a Range Rover all day long

Dr G

15,159 posts

241 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
quotequote all
Were I in the market for something of this size and price there's a hell of a lot of appeal there. It's not really the sort of car you drive hard rather you 'make progress' and to the end it seems incredibly well suited.

I can see it selling very well.

Baryonyx

17,990 posts

158 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
quotequote all
It certainly sounds as though Audi are flexing their technical muscles here. If only the tech were was dropped into something A4 sized...

BeirutTaxi

6,627 posts

213 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
quotequote all
Shambler said:
I would have this over a Range Rover all day long
Why so?

I can't afford either however the Range Rover strikes me as more palatable and classy.

rhinochopig

17,932 posts

197 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
quotequote all
A genuinely exciting bit of tech the EPC. Should make future petrol turbos a genuine alternative to a naturally aspirated engine WRT throttle response.

Krikkit

26,500 posts

180 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
quotequote all
Very interesting tech indeed. The conversion to 48V electrics is inevitable now I think.

Surprising that such huge ceramic brakes couldn't cope though, 420mm! 10-piston calipers is faintly ridiculous too.

big_rob_sydney

3,394 posts

193 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
quotequote all
Every time I see abominations like this, I just laugh. I mean, why stop there? Why not go out and buy a tank? Good luck parking this in any normal sized parking station without either banging doors, or coming back to find your own doors having been dinged by someone else futilely trying to get out next to you.

Putting aside all discussions of selfishness of road space taken, you realise that the UK is not exactly like the US in terms of width of roads, and narrow country lanes will not suit these kinds of cars, especially if another one is coming in the opposite direction.

Its a bit ironic, because for all intents and purposes, practicality is supposed to be what these lifestyle vehicles are about. When they get so bloated, I wonder just how practical they really are.

Baryonyx

17,990 posts

158 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
quotequote all
big_rob_sydney said:
Putting aside all discussions of selfishness of road space taken, you realise that the UK is not exactly like the US in terms of width of roads, and narrow country lanes will not suit these kinds of cars, especially if another one is coming in the opposite direction.
Absolutely spot on.

buckline

377 posts

162 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
quotequote all
I had a look around the new Q7 a couple of weeks ago. Lovely cabin; a real "ticks every box" family car. Yes its gargantuan but i would guess the floor space taken up is no more than the A6 or any other big estate. Sadly it was too much money for me so i walked away with a SQ5+ instead. I vowed once to never to own a diesel but the torque and ability to progress in the SQ5 made me laugh out aloud - it still does. I am glad i made the change.

epom

11,396 posts

160 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
quotequote all
Nice, if in the market I'm sure it would be hard to argue against it.

PhilboSE

4,319 posts

225 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
quotequote all
big_rob_sydney said:
Every time I see abominations like this, I just laugh. I mean, why stop there? Why not go out and buy a tank? Good luck parking this in any normal sized parking station without either banging doors, or coming back to find your own doors having been dinged by someone else futilely trying to get out next to you.

Putting aside all discussions of selfishness of road space taken, you realise that the UK is not exactly like the US in terms of width of roads, and narrow country lanes will not suit these kinds of cars, especially if another one is coming in the opposite direction.

Its a bit ironic, because for all intents and purposes, practicality is supposed to be what these lifestyle vehicles are about. When they get so bloated, I wonder just how practical they really are.
Usual ill informed tripe.

Lexus LS length: 5060mm
Audi Q7 length: 5100mm.

So "selfishness of road space taken" is defined by 40mm or the last 0.8% of a car's length, apparently.

Baryonyx said:
big_rob_sydney said:
Putting aside all discussions of selfishness of road space taken, you realise that the UK is not exactly like the US in terms of width of roads, and narrow country lanes will not suit these kinds of cars, especially if another one is coming in the opposite direction.
Absolutely spot on.
Let us know how your campaign to ban vans and lorries from the UK road network is getting on. Will no-one think of the Jaguar XJ8 drivers in their diminutive vehicles?

Edited by PhilboSE on Thursday 5th May 12:16

AH33

2,066 posts

134 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
quotequote all
Worst looking big 4x4 of all, the front especially. Its all out of proportion. No-one seems to agree, but they're all wrong.

funkyrobot

18,789 posts

227 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
quotequote all
Baryonyx said:
big_rob_sydney said:
Putting aside all discussions of selfishness of road space taken, you realise that the UK is not exactly like the US in terms of width of roads, and narrow country lanes will not suit these kinds of cars, especially if another one is coming in the opposite direction.
Absolutely spot on.
Indeed.

Vehicles like this are horrid. Even if I had the money for one, I wouldn't buy it. The Audi badge does nothing for me either.

AH33

2,066 posts

134 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
quotequote all
PhilboSE said:
Usual ill informed tripe.

Lexus LS length: 5060mm
Audi Q7 length: 5100mm.

So "selfishness of road space taken" is defined by 40mm or the last 0.8% of a car's length, apparently.
Yeah, but the LS is pointlessly massive as well yes

J4CKO

41,279 posts

199 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
quotequote all
Sure its awesome and some great tech involved, but doesnt grab me one iota.

lukefreeman

1,492 posts

174 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
quotequote all
BeirutTaxi said:
Shambler said:
I would have this over a Range Rover all day long
Why so?

I can't afford either however the Range Rover strikes me as more palatable and classy.
Although I agree with you, this is a sheer tour de force of technology. That's why it'd get my vote.

300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

189 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
quotequote all
big_rob_sydney said:
Putting aside all discussions of selfishness of road space taken, you realise that the UK is not exactly like the US in terms of width of roads, and narrow country lanes will not suit these kinds of cars, especially if another one is coming in the opposite direction.
Have you ever actually driven on any British roads?











big_rob_sydney

3,394 posts

193 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
quotequote all
PhilboSE said:
big_rob_sydney said:
Every time I see abominations like this, I just laugh. I mean, why stop there? Why not go out and buy a tank? Good luck parking this in any normal sized parking station without either banging doors, or coming back to find your own doors having been dinged by someone else futilely trying to get out next to you.

Putting aside all discussions of selfishness of road space taken, you realise that the UK is not exactly like the US in terms of width of roads, and narrow country lanes will not suit these kinds of cars, especially if another one is coming in the opposite direction.

Its a bit ironic, because for all intents and purposes, practicality is supposed to be what these lifestyle vehicles are about. When they get so bloated, I wonder just how practical they really are.
Usual ill informed tripe.

Lexus LS length: 5060mm
Audi Q7 length: 5100mm.

So "selfishness of road space taken" is defined by 40mm or the last 0.8% of a car's length, apparently.

Baryonyx said:
big_rob_sydney said:
Putting aside all discussions of selfishness of road space taken, you realise that the UK is not exactly like the US in terms of width of roads, and narrow country lanes will not suit these kinds of cars, especially if another one is coming in the opposite direction.
Absolutely spot on.
Let us know how your campaign to ban vans and lorries from the UK road network is getting on. Will no-one think of the Jaguar XJ8 drivers in their diminutive vehicles?

Edited by PhilboSE on Thursday 5th May 12:16
You're missing the point. I , at least, know and acknowledge that the LS is a barge. And I suffer for it every day when parking. This SUV is even bigger. So what are you trying to say then? The laws of physics do not apply?

Typical ill informed tripe to shoot the messenger and not look at the message itself.

As you were.

big_rob_sydney

3,394 posts

193 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
quotequote all
300bhp/ton said:
Have you ever actually driven on any British roads?
Seriously? Do we now need to dig up some typically narrow lanes to balance the discussion? I guess you've never heard the expression "narrow country lanes" then...

Maldini35

2,913 posts

187 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
quotequote all
300bhp/ton said:
Have you ever actually driven on any British roads?









Not entirely fair as you don't see many tractors used for the school run...err hang on....