By Sala Masindane

We recently spent some time with Audi’s refreshed SQ7. In the looks department the standout exterior features include a sporty design with S-specific front bumper, double-slat single frame grille, side air inlets filled with a honeycomb grid and quad tailpipes at the rear.

Posh, modern interior

Inside, the SQ7 features dual touch displays for the infotainment and climate control, a flat-bottom steering wheel, sports seats upholstered in Valcona leather with a heated function upfront. S lettering also dominates the cabin which seats seven and has a standard, massive panoramic sunroof.

During our time the luxury SUV it proved that you can almost have everything without comprises. It offers space all-round the cabin with an up-market infotainment and interior that is reminiscent of the business class private jets.

Performance and drive

Powering the potent the SQ7 is a powerful 4.0-litre twin-turbodiesel V8 engine with outputs of 310kW and 900Nm. The power is sent all four paws through an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. Audi claims the large seven-seater SUV will sprint from 0-100km/h sprint in 4.8 seconds. The V8 engine carries the 2-ton luxo-barge on stilts with no fuss and with little to no turbo lag. The SQ7 handles well and provides agility on twisty roads that some hot hatches would be jealous of. It could leave a few even blushing on a straight line.

The only compromise during our time in the SQ7 was the fuel consumption of 10.2l/100km from the claimed 8.7l/100km. Our excitement of spending sometime with the SUV may have something to do with this.

Final word

All things considered, the SQ7 does most things near perfectly. Certainly one to look at if you are aiming to have your cake and eat it thanks to its sportiness and practicality. The Audi SQ7 is prices at R1,679,500 and includes a five-year or 100 000km Audi Freeway Plan.