Audi SQ7 upgraded

A mildly updated version of the wild triple-charged Audi SQ7 sports SUV goes on sale in Australia in the first half of 2020 as part of a mega new-model roll-out by the German luxury brand over the next 18 months.

The new Audi SQ7 offers an unchanged technical spec, significant upgrades to its infotainment and connectivity capabilities are its key changes.

So that means the 4.0-litre V8 turbo-diesel engine that makes 320kW and a hefty 900Nm with the aid of two exhaust turbochargers and a lag-reducing electric compressor powered by a 48-volt sub system, continues on.

Driving by an eight-speed auto and permanent all-wheel drive it belts the 2.4-tonne behemoth to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds and a governed top speed of 250km/h, and sips a claimed average of 7.4-7.6 litres of diesel every 100km.

Also ongoing are a suite of chassis aids including currently optional electromechanical active roll stabilisation, all-wheel steering and a sport differential. Sport-tuned air suspension is standard.

Massive 400mm discs remain standard up front, with 420mm carbon-ceramic discs optional.

The Audi SQ7 will arrive in Australia in the first half of 2020 around the same time as the updated Q7 it is based on. Watch out for our first drive of the new Q7 on Wednesday morning, July 31.

The closely-related new SQ8 is also due in Australia in the first half of 2020, boasting the same drivetrain as the SQ7.

They are just a few models in a cavalcade of new Audis that begin rolling out with next month’s launch of the new-generation A6 luxury sedan.

Following close behind will be updates to the TT and TTS sports cars, the arrival of a new generation A1 Sportback mini and the second-generation Q3 compact SUV.

The hard-charging five-cylinder RS 3 and TT RS are reintroduced at the end of the year or early 2020, then in rough order come the e-tron battery electric vehicle, updated A4 family, all-new Q3 Sportback, updated R8, S4 and SQ5, all-new S6 and S7, S8 and A6 allroad and all-new RS 6, RS 7 and RSQ8.

Phew. And they are just the ones Audi is willing to confirm!

The infotainment updates central to the SQ7 includes the use of twin integrated touch-screens to replace the old dash-top screen that used a rotary dial and buttons.

Backed up by Audi’s new MIB 3 operating system, its local capabilities will be previewed when the new Audi connect plus system is launched in Australia at the end of July.

Features being touted by Audi in the SQ7’s global reveal PR material include online traffic information, navigation with Google Earth, a hybrid radio and the cloud-based Amazon voice service Alexa.

The SQ7 can be picked from mainstream Q7s by the twin slats in its singleframe grille, aluminium mirror housings, four chromed exhaust pipes and five-spoke turbine design wheels.

Inside there’s alcantara/leather trim with aluminium or optional carbon inlays, sports seats and stainless steel pedals.

Carry-over features that are already being offered standard in Australia are seven seats and four-zone automatic air conditioning, while a power-assist function to close the doors quietly and a Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System are optional

Audi will also offers laserlight HD matrix LED headlights with the new SQ7 for the first time, in addition to matrix LED headlights. Adaptive cruise assist, which supports the driver with longitudinal and lateral guidance, will be available.

Pricing is expected to go up when the update arrives. The current SQ7 retails for $161,900 in Australia, while the limited run Black Edition costs $174,900 plus on-road costs.