2017 Audi SQ7 TDI: World’s Most Powerful Diesel SUV – In Pictures

by Dhiyanesh Ravichandran · March 3, 2016

Audi has revealed its first-ever performance-oriented ‘S’ model in the new Q7 SUV line-up – the SQ7 TDI. Dubbed as the world’s most powerful diesel SUV, the SQ7 TDI delivers a whooping 435 hp (320 kW) and 900 Nm of max torque, thanks to the Electric-powered compressor (EPC) technology.

Under its hood is the newly developed V8 4.0-litre TDI engine coupled with world’s first Electric-powered compressor (EPC) that debuts with this car. The job of the EPC is to aid the diesel engine during the start-off and at low rpms, so as to completely eliminate the turbo lag. It consists of an electric motor and a compressor wheel that spins at up to 70,000 rpm, that makes the “turbo-lag a historical fact” in Audi’s own words! A 48-volt electrical subsystem along with a lithium-ion battery provides power of 7 kW to the EPC system.

The Audi SQ7 TDI is the first car to feature EPC technology

The 8-speed tiptronic transmission has been tweaked either, making gears-shifts faster and more efficient. Working in tandem are the permanent all-wheel drive ‘Quattro’ system along with a self-locking central differential, channelling the enormous output to the wheels.

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With 435 hp (320 kW) and 900 Nm of max power and torque at the peak demand, the new SQ7 is capable of hitting 0-100 kmph in just 4.8 seconds, with an electronically-limited top speed of 250 kmph. It is efficient as well, in comparison to the regular V6 version, swallowing up just 7.4 liters per 100 km and emitting just 194 g of Co2 per kilometre.

The 2017 Audi SQ7 TDI is the lightest, efficient, and powerful model in the Q7 line-up

The Audi SQ7 is also the lightest SUV in its segment, thanks to systemic light-weight construction, resulting in a minimal drag coefficient of 0.34. Other techno-features includes an optional driving dynamics package of electromechanical active roll stabilization, a sport differential, and all-wheel steering. The regular goodies of the Audi Q7 line-up like the Audi virtual cockpit, driver assistance systems, etc. are not missed in the S variant either.

The powerful SQ7 TDI will go on sale in Europe later this year for an approximate starting price-tag of INR 66.25 lakhs (€89,900).

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