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Audi has officially switched over from V8 turbo-diesel to V8 twin-turbo petrol power in its SQ7 and SQ8 performance SUVs. Prices are up too.
Audi has detailed the price and specification for its performance SQ7 and SQ8 SUV models as they officially switch over from V8 TDI diesel to V8 TFSI petrol power.
The German automaker indicates that Australian-bound SQ7 TFSI models will be “arriving soon”, while the SQ8 TFSI lands a little later, in May 2022.
Pricing starts from $164,400 before on-road costs for the SQ7 TFSI, and the SQ8 TFSI starts at $169,600 before on-road costs. This is a price rise of $2023 and $3223 from each respective V8 turbo-diesel model.
The petrol models have 373kW of power and 770Nm of torque from their 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, compared to 320kW and 900Nm in the outgoing diesel.
The TFSI models accelerate from 0-100km/h 0.7 seconds faster than the outgoing diesels –claiming a 4.1-second time.
The engine is a detuned version of the RSQ8’s powertrain, shared with other models including the RS6, RS7, Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus, though without the RSQ8’s 48V mild-hybrid technology.
Drive is sent to a quattro all-wheel drive system via an eight-speed ‘tiptronic’ torque-converter automatic transmission. Cylinder-on-demand technology and idle start-stop feature as well.
This pair are twins under-the-skin, but appeal to different buyers. In short, the SQ7 has a seven seats and the SQ8 has five seats.
The Audi SQ7 TFSI competes against the BMW X7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS. The Audi SQ8 TFSI on the other hand competes with the BMW X6, Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.
All price exclude on-road costs.
The 2022 Audi SQ7 and SQ8 are both powered 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine producing 373kW of power and 770Nm of torque.
It’s mated to an eight-speed ‘tiptronic’ torque-converter automatic transmission with drive sent through a quattro all-wheel drive system.
Audi claims both the SQ7 and SQ8 can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.1 seconds.
The 2022 Audi SQ7 has a claimed combined fuel economy figure of 12.1L/100km, while the 2022 Audi SQ8 has a claimed combined fuel economy figure of 12.0L/100km.
Both models have an idle start-stop system, as well as a cylinder-on-demand technology that can force the V8 TFSI engines to run on four-cylinders under low engine load.
The 2022 Audi SQ7 measures in at 5067mm long, 1970mm wide and 1743mm tall, with a 2996mm wheelbase.
The 2022 Audi SQ8 on the other hand measures 5006mm long, 1995mm wide and 1708mm tall, with an identical 2996mm wheelbase.
Both models have a maximum braked towing capacity of 3500kg, with a 350kg maximum tow ball weight.
The 2022 Audi SQ7 and SQ8, like every new Australian Audi vehicle delivered from January 1, 2022, is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Audi also provides a 12-year manufacturer warranty for the bodywork corrosion.
There’s a five-year service plan package available for both models which is priced at $4100.
The 2022 Audi SQ7 wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing of the regular Q7 in 2019.
The Q7 scored 92 per cent in adult occupant protection, 87 per cent in child occupant protection, 71 per cent in vulnerable road user protection, and 71 per cent in safety assist.
The regular Audi Q8 also wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted in 2019, but this rating excludes the SQ8.
The 2022 Audi SQ7 and SQ8 have the following standard safety equipment:
The 2022 Audi SQ7 TFSI and SQ8 TFSI come with the following standard equipment:
The Dynamic Package adds the following:
The Sensory Package adds the following:
The 2022 Audi SQ7 and SQ8 are available in the following exterior paint colours:
All paint colours are free of charge.
MORE: Everything Audi SQ7 MORE: Everything Audi SQ8
Jack Quick is an emerging automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Jack recently graduated from Deakin University and has previously competed in dance nationally. In his spare time, Jack likes to listen to hyperpop and play Forza Horizon.
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