More space and more pace never hurt anyone.
Many of our loyal readers would know that I often make references to the Audi RS6 when reviewing cars with space and pace, simply because there aren’t many cars that do that formula as well as the wonder wagon from Ingolstadt.
Well, with the SQ7, Audi has created a compelling alternative.
Aren’t they different, though?
Sure, they are rather different in many ways. One is a sedan-based estate; the other is an SUV. One seats five, while the other can take seven. The wagon is a pure-bred ‘RS’, while the soft-roader is a mid-tier ‘S’.
But in real-world terms, they pretty much deliver the same goods. In fact, I’d say that the SQ7 pips the RS6 in being more sellable because of its added space and practicality for drivers in Singapore. Although the RS will run rings around the SUV on the track, and is just more desirable on the whole.
Enough about the comparisons, though. I think it’s clear from the onset that I love the SQ7 (almost) as much as I do the RS6. Here’s why.
Gowing needs.
As a father of three grown boys and a business owner with a team of just under 20, I find myself ferrying people. A lot. So the SQ7 fits the bill when we need to squeeze seven or even eight. Perhaps the third row might be a little cramped for long drives, but quick lunch runs are definitely doable in the 7-seater.
Have more luggage requirements than human cargo? No problem, the Q7 on which the car is based has loads of room. Collapse the third row, and the area expands to 865 litres. Need more? Fold the second row of seats, and there’s a massive 2,050 litres to play with. This trumps the Volvo XC90 by about 100 litres.
But if space was all you needed, a regular Q7 would suffice, or maybe even an MPV. But no, you’re here because you like the ‘S’ stuff, the sporty, quick, fast and powerful variants that separate the men from the boys. Well, the SQ7 delivers.
Sophisticated speed.
As the most powerful 7-seater Audi has to offer, the SQ7 features a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 with 500bhp and an epic 770Nm of torque.
So you want fast? How about supercar-pace? 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h down the NS Highway when no one’s looking, should be enough, I reckon? You also get to enjoy the priceless look on the faces of Scirocco and Type R owners when you blast past them. Fun stuff.
Okay, maybe you might struggle a bit when it comes to the twisty bits. But that’s not to say that the SQ7 is a boat. Work the eight-speed gearbox and balance the speed you carry with the weight of the car, and you’ll still be able to get the SQ7 to dance around in the corners.
All this, while still being really comfortable thanks to sophisticated damping that ensures all occupants are not bouncing around or suffering from a sprained neck.
The 21-inch wheels are strapped with Bridgestone TURANZAs that manage to deliver a quiet ride and still grip well in the corners despite the weight and speed that the SUV bears.
The brakes are great too. Large 400mm discs in front and 350mm ones in the rear help to cut speed quickly when needed and never feel like they are overwhelmed.
As a driver, you’re always in for a visual treat when you’re in a modern Audi. The interior build quality is solid, with lots of shiny carbon fibre surfaces, premium leather and aluminium trim. Audi’s MMI infotainment system is also a cinch to use with wireless Apple CarPlay, a head-up display and Virtual Cockpit Plus.
It’s never easy to understand the needs of the modern-day car enthusiast. We want everything in one car even though we know it is technically not possible. But with the Audi SQ7, we might just be edging closer to that reality.
Technical Specifications
Audi SQ7 4.0 TFSI
Engine: 4.0 litre Twin Turbocharged V8
Power: 373kW (500bhp)
Torque: 770Nm
Gearbox: 8-Speed Tiptronic (A)
0-100km/h: 4.1 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 250km/h
Price: S$597,000 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Audi Singapore
Photo Credits: Joel Tam (@joel_tam)
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