Audi SQ7 expected to launch this Diwali

German auto giant, Audi launched its flagship SUV – the Q7 - in India last December. Now the carmaker is set to launch a sportier version of the luxury SUV, the SQ7, around the festive season.

This new SUV will not only look a lot sportier than the standard version but will also come with a larger powerplant. The SQ7 gets a 4.0-litre V8 unit that pumps 441PS of power along with a staggering 900Nm of torque. The SQ7 rockets to 100kmph from a standstill in just 4.8 seconds and goes all the way up to 250kmph.

Aside from a powerful motor, with the SQ7, Audi will introduce a 48-volt electrical system which is a first for any production car. It is powered by a 13kW lithium-ion battery and is mainly responsible for doing two things - taking care of the electric powered compressor (EPC) and also the electromechanical active anti-roll bars.

Simply put, the EPC helps the twin-turbochargers to work more efficiently. It reduces turbo-lag by maintaining a higher volume of air in the induction system much before the turbochargers can start working their magic, especially in the lower rev range. The electromechanical active anti-roll bars reduce body roll while cornering – much more effectively than non-active anti-roll bars.

In terms of looks, the SQ7 has certain elements like bigger wheels, redesigned front grille and bumper and rectangular tailpipes which differentiate it from the normal car. 

The SQ7 will be priced around Rs 1 crore and will take on the BMW X5M and the Porsche Cayenne S in the performance SUV category.