Audi SQ7, SQ8 here soon from $164,400

AUDI is set to return its flagship SQ7 and SQ8 models to Australia this May. The duo, which Audi says are the “technology showcases” for the brand and the “pinnacle of luxury and performance” will be priced from $164,400 and $169,600 (plus on-road costs) respectively, plus they will be powered by the brand’s sizzling 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 for the first time.

More powerful and faster-accelerating than their predecessors, the SQ7 and SQ8 are powered by a version of the petrol-powered TFSI engine that also does duty in several Bentley, Porsche and Lamborghini models. In this case, the motor produces peak outputs of 373kW and 770Nm. 

Those figures endow the pair with a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 4.1 seconds, while cylinder-on-demand technology is said to facilitate a fuel consumption figure of just 12.2 litres per 100km.

Both SUV models are further equipped with dynamic all-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension sport as standard, while Audi’s Dynamic Package with quattro sport differential and electromechanical active roll stabilisation is available as an option.

S body-styling cues are, of course, present from the get-go with model-specific front and rear bumpers, radiator grille, side sills and tailgate spoiler fitted as standard. The duo arrives with 22-inch alloy wheels, red-painted brake calipers, aluminium-look wing mirror caps, dynamic rear indicators, Audi’s Matrix LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, privacy glass, heated and power- folding wing mirrors, power-assisted door closure and roof rails (on SQ7 variants only).

Meanwhile, inside the SQ7 and SQ8's cabins, S-style luxuries and features include Valcona leather upholstery with diamond patterned contrasting stitching, S sport front seats, front seat heaters and electric adjustment, driver seat memory (SQ8 only), and four-way lumbar support. LED ambient lighting and aluminium door sill inlays with “S” emblem are also fitted as standard.

In-cabin technology highlights include a 10.1-inch haptic touch MMI navigation plus array and an 8.6-inch haptic touchscreen. Audi connect plus, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 17-speaker, 730-watt Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system are included, as is Audi’s high-resolution virtual cockpit digital instrument panel which measures 12.3 inches in SQ7 and SQ8 variants.

Both variants feature a multitude of advanced driver-assistance and safety technologies, such as adaptive cruise control (with Stop & Go functionality and traffic-jam assist), a 360-degree camera with kerb view, front and rear parking sensors, Audi pre-sense front and rear, and active lane-, side- and cross-traffic assist.

Audi Australia general manager of marketing Nick Reid said the pair would offer buyers plenty of standard equipment, high-tech inclusions and other items “that provide the ultimate in comfort.”

“The SQ7 and SQ8 are technology showcases for our brand, representing the pinnacle of luxury and performance SUVs,” he said. “We are delighted to see them return to our range in Australia with a new TFSI dimension to their performance.”

The new Audi SQ7 will be in showrooms soon with the SQ8 to follow in May. Like all new Audi passenger vehicles, the SQ7 and SQ8 are backed by a five-year warranty and are available with a comprehensive five-year servicing package from $4100.

2022 Audi SQ7 and SQ8 TFSI pricing*:

SQ7 TFSI        $164,400    (new model)
SQ8 TFSI        $169,600    (new model)

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.