The newly facelifted Audi Q7 has just been joined by the hot new SQ7 TDI, one which shares the same 4.0 litre biturbo V8 diesel engine as the SQ8. The engine makes 435 hp and 900 Nm of torque from a low 1,000 rpm, allowing the three-rowed-seating SUV to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds before maxing out at an electronically limited speed of 250 km/h.

Of course, the SQ7’s engine is also augmented by a 48-volt electrical system which feeds an electric-powered compressor (EPC) to assist the pair of conventional turbochargers. This, Audi says, gives the SUV a virtually lag-free performance. A set of two actuators within the exhaust system help modulate the full sound of the eight-cylinder engine.

Power is put down to the road through a quick-shifting eight-speed tiptronic automatic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. There’s also all-wheel steering, which turns the rear wheels by up to five degrees at low speeds, thereby increasing agility.

Air suspension is standard, although customers can opt for the advanced suspension package that includes an electromechanical active roll stabilisation. Equipment such as progressive steering and sport differential are standard fitment.

Design-wise, the largest Q car gets the customary S-specific trims such as the sportier bumpers, Singleframe grille with twin slats, aluminium side mirror caps, quad exhaust exits with chrome tips, and matte silver exterior highlights.

The 20-inch cast aluminium wheels (seen here with a five-spoke turbine design) is wrapped with 285/45 tyres, behind which rests a pair of 400 mm rotors up front and 370 mm discs at the back. Clamping those discs is a set of black brake calipers with S logo, although this is optionally available in red. Larger carbon ceramic discs are available too, and those come with anthracite grey calipers.

Inside, the cabin gets a combination of dark leather and Alcantara upholstery for the sport seats, complete with brushed aluminium trims. However, customers can opt for carbon trims, S sport seats plus with Valcona leather and rhombus pattern, as well as the ambient lighting package with 30 adjustable colours.

Other features include MMI navigation plus with live traffic updates, head-up display, S-specific Audi virtual cockpit with performance view, four-zone climate control, soft-closing doors (optional), Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System, and air quality package with fragrancing and ioniser. Prices start from 94,900 euros (RM438k) in Germany.

-paultan