Audi’s all-new SQ8 has dynamic styling and power to spare

Technically it’s the big daddy of Audi’s line up thanks to its price tag and 900Nm of torque, but in reality the all-new SQ8 isn’t top dog.

Audi launched the Q8 early last year, and now has added a performance model with the SQ8.

The Q8 starts at $152,500 for the 55 TDI model while the SQ8 is priced from $194,000.

Our test vehicle was specced up to $212,700 due to the addition of 22-in spoke star style alloys over 21-in standards for a cost of $3,300, black gloss interior styling package for $2000 (though not an option I’d pick as it’s hard to maintain), and $13,000 for the performance package that included red brake callipers, active roll stabilisation, and sports differential. This makes driving more dynamic by splitting the torque between the wheels of the rear axle.

It’s a great touch, and not obvious until you need it. For me, it was heading into some tight corners in overtaking lanes where I had the power of the diesel engine but needed the guidance as I battled to pass, then move aside quickly to let the other traffic go by the long line of stragglers.

The instant torque of the engine came to the fore at another overtaking stretch, when I rounded a corner to find a slow, large truck straddling both lanes. There was just enough room for me to overtake on the right lane so, flicking on the indicator, I floored the accelerator and had enough power to overtake without panic – though I probably didn’t breathe until I had moved back into the left lane!

That power gives the confidence that you can manoeuvre out of situations with ease.

So what is under the bonnet? It has 4-litre TDI diesel that produces 320kW of power and a stonking 900Nm of torque. It goes from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds. Pretty impressive for a vehicle that weighs 1,630kgs, and added to that is a top speed of 250km/h.

The SQ8 has the addition as a standard feature of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that reduces fuel consumption through energy recovery and a situation-dependent shutdown of the engine while driving - the "sailing mode". No, not literally. It is when you’re going down hills or you take your foot off the accelerator, this feature will retain momentum keeping you at your speed.

Audi New Zealand says the SQ8 has the “most powerful diesel engine on the local market”.

While the five-seater SQ8 gets the title of “most powerful”, technically of big boss of the family is the seven-seater SQ7 (AutoMuse review coming soon) thanks to the increased passenger space.

But that’s not to take away from the SQ8.

“Thanks to the eight-cylinder diesel engine with bi-turbo charging and electric compressor, the large SUV coupe offers superior performance coupled with a high level of efficiency,” says Audi NZ general manager, Dean Sheed.

“The drive and suspension technologies, which include optional sport differential, roll stabilisation and all-wheel steering, ensure dynamic handling.

“The bi-turbo V8 in the Audi SQ8 TDI combines immense power with a high level of economy and integrates a whole package of high-tech solutions.”

The SQ8 gets the Quattro all-wheel-drive system and is paired with an eight-speed transmission.

It also has seven drive modes via the drive select system: offroad, allroad, efficiency, comfort, auto, dynamic and individual.

I played between comfort (in the city) and dynamic (on the motorway). Allroad was great for the final stretch of gravel road to get to Parihoa farm. I selected offroad for a drive on the farm, though it was more than capable in allroad mode.

The air suspension system changes the ride height by as much as 90mm, and this comes to the fore in efficiency mode, where the vehicle is lowered to get a lower coefficient of drag.

Audi Germany calls the SQ8 a “sports car, coupe and SUV”. Hmm, nice try marketing team, but pick a lane!

I love the rear of the Q8 due to the strong horizontal design lines, giving it a masculine look, especially with the continuous light strip.

I also appreciated the frameless doors, giving it a sports coupe appeal.

To differentiate between the Q8 and SQ8, there is a progression of additional features.

It starts with the standard fully painted S-bumper, the shaped side air intake grilles are matte titanium-black. On the side there are S-specific side skirts and to finish it off, the S-specific diffuser and four permeated tailpipes.

Inside, the SQ8 has a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 3D sound, and the stunning new Google satnav maps that introduce satellite images. Brilliant idea.

This is what Audi does so well. It created the virtual cockpit (first seen in the TT) that customises the driving information for you.

Now Audi has upped the stakes with the introduction of the Google satnav maps to the 12.3in display virtual cockpit and to the two high-resolution infotainment screens in the central console.

Unfortunately, there is an issue with the high-resolution screens. Fingerprints. There are no dials to control the air conditioning (instead, like the Porsche range, it’s touch screen) and after just a few minutes in the car the screens are dotted with fingerprints.

Hey, I’m not even a clean freak (no comment friends and family) but even I found it annoying.

So Audi SQ8 owners, invest in a glass cleaning cloth.