Just days after the multiple reveals at the Geneva motor show there has been another global debut – the high-performance Audi SQ7 luxury SUV.

It features numerous firsts for Audi, but also a world first – it’s the first ever S model in the Q7 lineup, and it features the first electric powered compressor to be used in a production vehicle.

“Following the success of the SQ5, we are now also applying the concept of a diesel-engined S model to the Q7 lineup,” said Dr Stefan Knirsch, member of the board of management of Audi AG for technical development.

“The SQ7 TDI with a V8 TDI engine achieves the consumption as a six-cylinder and the new technology solution of the electric powered compressor in the SQ7 TDI is a world first in the competitive environment, with which Audi once again underscores its claim Vorsprung durch Technik.”

Audi claims this new system with an electric compressor is a ‘core element of the global Audi diesel strategy’. Combining supreme low down pulling power and sporty agility, Audi reckons this technology is ideally suited to markets like the United States and Australia. “The S is the second most sporty model we offer after the RS models and the SQ7 is the sportiest vehicle in its segment,” Knirsch said.

Published: Friday, March 4, 2016