All-new Audi SQ8 TDI Offers Biturbo V8 with Titanic Torque

With the most-powerful diesel engine on the European market, the Audi also has advanced chassis technology including active roll stabilization.

The top tier Audi luxury SUV is about to show a harder-edged side to its character as a brawny V8 TDI with 429 horsepower and 663 lb.-ft of torque, thrusting its performance squarely into ‘S’ model territory.

The new SQ8 TDI becomes available to order in the U.K. next month in standard or the exhaustively equipped Vorsprung forms, the latter marshaling the copious power with the help of all-wheel-steering, the quattro sport rear axle differential and active roll stabilisation made possible by the car’s advanced 48-volt circuitry.

The 4.0 liter biturbo V8 in the Audi SQ8 TDI will be notable as the most powerful diesel engine available on the European market. It combines its potency with a high level of economy and integrates a whole package of high-tech solutions. The engine delivers 429 hp and a mammoth 663 lb.-ft of torque between 1,250 and 3,250 rpm, credentials that enable it to propel the SQ8 like a sports car: Acceleration from rest to 62 mph requires just 4.8 seconds, soon after which the electronic propulsion limit kicks in at 155 mph. The power of the V8 engine is emphasized by an engine cover specific to the S model series. Red applications flank the striking contours of the cylinder and visualize the air ducting.

In the eight cylinder heads, the intake side is on the outside and the hot exhaust side with the two turbochargers is in the inner “V.” As a result, the gas travel paths are short, working in favor of immediacy of response. The turbos are operated according to the principle of sequential turbocharging. Only one charger is active at low engine speeds; the second charger exerts its influence from around 2,200 rpm. The sonorous sound of the eight-cylinder engine is amplified by a sound actuator in the exhaust system, which drivers can adjust to their personal preferences via Audi drive select.

An electrically powered compressor (EPC) assists the turbochargers when starting off and when accelerating at a low engine speeds. It is located in a bypass behind the intercooler and is activated when the flap is closed. If the load requirement is high while the amount of energy available in the exhaust gas is low, the intake air flows into the EPC, where it is compressed a second time. It thereby ensures consistently strong power delivery and excellent overtaking capability. The driving force behind the EPC is the 48-volt main on-board electrical system, which is also the backbone of the mild hybrid system (MHEV). A compact lithium-ion battery serves as its energy storage unit.

As standard, the SQ8 TDI is equipped with the Audi drive select dynamic handling system with seven modes and the adaptive air suspension sport with regulated damping. The air suspension changes the ride height as needed by as much as 3.5 inches. In the UK the SQ8 TDI Vorsprung also supplements this with all-wheel steering and active roll stabilization.

Taut, muscular surfaces and a coupé-like roof line embody the dynamic character of the Audi SQ8 TDI, and the octagonal single frame, pronounced quattro blisters above the wheel wells and striking underbody protection help to underline its statement of intent. Standard HD Matrix LED headlights illuminate the road, and the three-dimensional signature of the daytime running lights and the tail lights displays a digital character. Horizontal lines, including the light strip on the rear which is a characteristic of all the high-end Audi models, emphasize the width of the SUV coupe, while design details specific to the S version also convey its special rank in the range.

The interior features a clear design that is dominated by horizontal lines. Super sport seats with integrated head restraints and pronounced side bolsters are standard, and in the SQ8 TDI Vorsprung incorporate climate control and massage functions.

The interior is primarily finished in black, with diamond stitched black Valcona leather upholstery, but the seats, the front center armrest and the door armrests can be trimmed in rotor grey or Arras red as an option.

The Audi SQ8 TDI has two large touchscreens with haptic and acoustic feedback as its main operating elements. The upper display, which is integrated in a large high-gloss black bezel and is almost invisible when it is switched off, is used to control the infotainment and navigation systems. The driver uses the lower display for managing the heating and air conditioning, convenience functions, and text input, the latter with his or her wrist resting comfortably on the selector lever if desired.

In addition to the two touchscreens, the digital instrument cluster displays a great deal of detailed information. The driver can use the view button on the multifunction steering wheel to switch between two views in the Audi virtual cockpit: While the tachometer and speedometer are displayed as large dial-type gauges in driving mode, the map is the center of attention in infotainment mode.

The online services from Audi connect complement the route-planning process. Traffic light information is a new feature that will gradually become available in cities across Europe. The connect portfolio also includes the cloud-based Amazon voice service Alexa, which is integrated into the MMI operating system. The driver can use it to place orders and get information on various current events. Alexa streams music and audiobooks and provides access to over 80,000 Alexa Skills. The smart home control allows users to lock doors in the house, adjust the lighting, and close the garage door from within the car. A broad portfolio of assist systems complements the extensive offer of services in the SQ8 TDI.

Photos: Audi