New 429bhp and 900Nm Audi SQ7 diesel to arrive in the U.K. in August

Another pioneer joins the U.K. Audi range this week - the new SQ7 TDI is notable not only as the first ever 'S' version of the Q7 luxury Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), but also as the first series production car to incorporate new Electric Powered Compressor (EPC) technology that consigns 'turbo lag' to history.

Supporting two sequentially activated turbochargers, the EPC helps to generate pulling power that is unparalleled in this class, and the V8 TDI-powered Q7 flagship is able to deftly deploy it thanks to a chassis bolstered by state-of-the art electromechanical active roll stabilisation. The integration of both systems is made possible by a powerful new 48-volt electrical subsystem, which makes its Audi debut in the Q7 and will be the springboard for numerous revolutionary new technologies in the Audi models of the near future. 

As it is electrically driven and therefore not dependent upon exhaust flow like conventional turbochargers, the revolutionary EPC brings its force to bear on the 4.0-litre, eight-cylinder TDI in less than 250 milliseconds, so its benefit is palpable from the second the accelerator pedal is depressed.

Whenever the exhaust gases provide sufficient energy two sequentially activated 'conventional' turbochargers take over, all the while accompanied by a compelling V8 bellow from the active sound exhaust system.

Now developing 429bhp and 900Nm of torque, the redesigned V8 Bi TDI firmly stakes this performance flagship's claim as the most powerful diesel SUV on the market. With the EPC supporting the work of the two turbochargers, especially at lower revs, step-off performance is exceptional, and this is reflected in a 0-100km/h sprint time of just 4.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 249km/h, and in the New European Driving Cycle, the SQ7 TDI returns up to 16km/L combined. This corresponds to CO₂ emissions of 190g/km.