Audi SQ7 2017 car review

How many volts? 

SQ7 is the first Audi production vehicle to be equipped with an electric (turbo) compressor in partnership with a 48 volt electrical subsystem. As well as opening up development possibilities in future models, this system is also taken advantage of in the performance upgrade package which incorporates electromechanical active roll stabilization - also known as EAWS in Germany. 

Alongside the regular automotive 12v electrical system, the 48v system allows the use of an electric compressor which can spool from idle 5,000rpm to 75,000rpm in a staggering 0.3 of a second. This provides instant boost pressure from a standing start to eliminate the dreaded turbo lag before the conventional turbos come in to their own.

The result is a maximum of 900Nm of torque between 1,000-3,250rpm from the diesel V8, and a win in any large SUV drag race. In anyone’s book this is certainly sports-car like performance from a vehicle weighing 2.3 tonnes, and accelerates 0-100km/h in just 4.9s.

Taking corners in the SQ7 is unlike any cornering experience I've had in any other SUV, and it's all down to the Quattro AWD and lightweight suspension links.

Exceptional zero body roll is achieved with the Performance Package ($16,000) which includes the EAWS system, red brake callipers, Sports differential, and all-wheel steering. 

Active roll stabilization 

So what is this exactly and what does it do? Active roll stabilization consists of an electric motor that's mounted into the roll bar - allowing each end to be independently adjusted - and thus creates optimum suspension stability at all times.

Using driver input recognition software, the system can also predict the road surface and driving conditions before you get there, and adjust the suspension settings instantly.

Another technological breakthrough is achieved by using the same motor to recoup energy and send it back to help recharge the lithium iron battery system. Proving that this system is not just reserved for EVs, I'm certain it'll lead to further systems making use of this technology.  

The same but different 

Physically the SQ7 is much the same as the current Q7 save for a few cosmetic 'S' tweaks.

As standard, SQ7 comes with Heads Up Display, LED Matrix headlamps, 4-Zone air con, heated front and rear sport seats, a Bose sound system, privacy glass, and ambient lighting. If this doesn't sound luxurious enough, opt for the $10,000 Luxury package which changes the interior colours, throws in a panoramic sunroof, ventilated and massaging front seats, power assisted closing doors and a heated steering wheel.

Now for the sting.

Starting at $175,900, the Audi SQ7 doesn't come cheap and you may think it'll be slow to shift. However that's clearly not the case. Demand in New Zealand for a fast Audi is strong, and more than 50 pre-orders have already been taken at the time of writing, with even more expected in the run up to Christmas.

After driving this exceptional large SUV, I fully understand why.