AUDI has injected extra grunt, higher dynamics and much more luxurious into its up to date SQ8 efficiency SUV.
Sure, the RSQ8 sits above the SQ8, however as a hyper SUV the RS is de facto extra about downright efficiency than providing a balanced luxurious choice.
Audi’s shift to the 4.0-litre twin turbo petrol V8, a detuned model of the engine within the manic RSQ8, gives higher driving dynamics and extra tempo than the outgoing diesel V8.
Within the SQ8, greater than 100kg has been pulled out of the entrance finish because of the lighter engine, which has reworked the dealing with prowess of the SQ8.
The brand new V8 gives up 373kW/770Nm, mated to an eight-speed torque converter auto and all-wheel drive, a mix Audi says will propel the burly SQ8 to 100km/h in simply 4.1 seconds.
For perspective, the 0.7-second discount in dash time over the outdated mannequin places the SQ8 simply three tenths off the RSQ8’s 3.8-second triple-digit dash.
Audi’s Quattro everlasting all-wheel-drive system, all-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension are all customary and we couldn’t fault their operation or the seamless coherence of all these subtle programs working collectively.
What Audi will do, although, is provide to make the SQ8 even higher with the optioal dynamic package deal that features electromechanically energetic roll stabilisation and a sports activities rear diff. The non-compulsory further, at $10,900, severely elevates the driving expertise.
What’s significantly attention-grabbing in regards to the electromechanical energetic roll stabilisation is that it options electrical motors back and front which function off a 48-volt system. The electrical motors rotate every half of the stabiliser bars in reverse instructions, creating torque that counteracts physique roll. Fascinating, even when the engineers needed to clarify it a couple of occasions.
The outdated SQ8 was properly appointed, with a great deal of customary inclusions, and the brand new mannequin isn’t any completely different.
It isn’t, nonetheless, fairly as ‘useful’ as its SQ7 sibling in that it doesn’t have seven seats, however in each different approach the SQ8 remains to be a compelling all-rounder.
Just like the outdated mannequin, it retains a 3500kg braked towing capability and extra cargo quantity than most will use.
Behind the second row, there’s 605 litres of area, and behind the primary row a full 1755 litres – slightly down on the SQ7 however given its glossy physique form they’re respectable cargo volumes.
The brand new SQ8 is an much more visually interesting instance of an already fascinating mannequin, with a great deal of ‘S’ physique styling parts, a extra aggressive entrance grille remedy, guard-filling 22-inch wheels, and palms down the best-looking SUV rear finish. In our opinion.
A refined roof wing, quad-tip exhausts, and sharp traces trace at its efficiency pedigree whereas privateness glass, an enormous panoramic sunroof, and Audi’s fancy Matrix LED headlights additional add to the brand new mannequin’s luxurious enchantment.
Contained in the SQ8, there’s no scarcity of S badging, Valcona leather-based and in the event you tick the ‘inlays in carbon vector’ further, lashings of carbon-fibre function throughout the sprint.
Very like its SQ7 twin-under-the-skin, the seats are exceptionally properly bolstered, snug, and have electrical adjustability, heating, driver reminiscence, and four-way lumbar help.
The SQ8 has a digital cockpit, consisting of a 12.3-inch display screen with varied view modes out there – our decide being efficiency mode.
Entrance and centre, a ten.1-inch display screen with haptic suggestions serves infotainment duties, whereas a smaller 8.6-inch display screen under gives ‘digital dials’ for local weather management and different in-car performance.
Audi’s infotainment system is prime tier, with the standard smartphone integration, Audi Join Plus software program, a roof-mounted SOS name perform, and epic 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system that positively pumps. A Friday afternoon freeway run to the airport supplied higher audio than any set of headphones we’ve skilled.
The SQ8 is protected, too, with all of Audi’s customary driver help tech, however it’s on no account an irritating system. The security options, like pre-sense entrance and rear, energetic lane help, facet and cross site visitors help, are nearly as good as any. The parking cameras and 360-degree view are significantly helpful when parking, as a result of these 22-inch wheels wouldn’t look too good rashed up.
