Approaching the launch, I had one burning question: How would Audi, an established German manufacturer, respond to the challenges facing the SA premium car market? With Eastern competitors offering high-spec vehicles at lower prices, a global economy under pressure, and the South African economy in freefall, would Audi lower prices and sacrifice specifications to compete in a price war? Or would they reinforce the qualities that have always attracted customers to Audi- German engineering, build quality, brand and model heritage, and reliable service and backup?
I tackled the Q7 first, in 55 TFSI form, on a route that combined highway driving, rural roads, and winding mountain passes. I was surprised to find myself completely agreeing with the manufacturer’ s description of the ride and handling: serene and composed in all conditions. It felt rock-solid and stable at highway speeds with its highlyrecommended four-wheel steering option( standard on the SQ7 and SQ7 Black Editions), and comfortable even on rough roads, despite its high center of gravity and substantial weight. I was even able to navigate the Franschoek Pass’ s many corners at a speed that felt more appropriate for a Golf GTI than a large SUV. This was the first time I’ ve considered a car of this type“ agile”, and parking lot maneuvers proved the point, with the four-wheel steering reducing the turning circle dramatically.
The 3-litre six is very tractable and it’ s 500Nm of torque more than enough and I was left wondering what more performance would be needed by the family looking for the typical Audi interior luxury and space, with the big car simply flattening any real-world acceleration needs that was asked of it. The obvious question of why no diesel option was an elephant in the room that wasn’ t really answered to satisfaction and I feel it was more a rationalisation of the model line-up than anything else.
THEN THERE’ S THE SQ7.
A sonorous 4.0 TFSI V8 slashes acceleration times down to a hair over four seconds. To put that into perspective, it’ s a permanent four-wheel drive five or seven-seater luxury SUV that outaccelerates a Ferrari 360 Modena F1, all the while cossetting its occupants with the same sublime ride-quality of the Q7, albeit with a slightly sharper edge to it.
The 22-inch wheels and black styling package create a more aggressive, edgier look. This car suits those who are vibrant and sporty, individuals who are driven and refuse to compromise, even with a family.
Personally I was sold the moment I pushed the start button and that burbling V8 came to life. One doesn’ t necessarily“ need” the towering performance of the SQ7 over the 55 but this is the Q7 for those who aren’ t at the need stage and firmly at the“ want” stage, if you can spring the extra for the very different performance of the SQ7 then, why not? I kept getting the impression that it would be perfect for the medal-winning World Cup Super G skier to hop into after another winning run but I digress.
WOULD I NEED AN SQ? NO. DO I WANT AN SQ? ABSOLUTELY NO QUESTION.
In the glory days of sportscar racing Porsche had two distinct body styles,“ Langheck” meaning longtail and“ Kurzen”,“ shorty” or“ Kurzheck”. The Q8 is the“ Kurzen” to the Q7 as far as I’ m concerned. A more compact, aggressive and almost coupe-like styling treatment means that it has a very different character to its Sister, would that carry over to the roadfeel and dynamics I wondered?
Curiously the 45 TDi makes an appearance in the Q8 lineup as well as the beforementioned 55 V6 and biturbo V8 engines found in the Q7. The 45 TDi’ s 100Nm more torque
MOTORING NEWS
makes the Q8 a veritable stump-puller and would be the top of the ladder in my mind and it can be thrown around( I promise Audi I didn’ t abuse your baby) like a hot-hatch around town.
The Q8 range offers a more dynamic alternative to the established Q7, while still maintaining the same level of refinement and luxury. Both models share the latest driver-assistance and safety features and provide a similar level of comfort and space. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired vehicle personality.
BUT THEN THERE’ S THE RS Q8 PERFORMANCE.
The demand for a test drive was unprecedented, with journos vying for the opportunity. Despite my early rising, I was unable to secure a vehicle, leading me to suspect that underhanded tactics and clandestine deals were made in the wee hours of the morning. The intense competition for access to the vehicles speaks volumes about their desirability.
Halo cars need that level of desirability, much like Sara Sampaio walking into a room full of models, yes all are beautiful and desirable but there’ s always one that’ s in a different league. The RS Q8 is definitely a different animal to its sisters, capable of making an entire parking lot come to a standstill merely by starting up and idling its way out.
Towering performance aside, which cannot be ignored though with its 471kW making it the most powerful engine ever offered for production by Audi and the fact that it is currently the fastest SUV around the Nurburgring, its charisma is spot on for its role.
Not as scene-stealing as a Urus perhaps but also more discreet at the country club and definitely more than capable.
I have found the dual-mode capability fascinating with this vehicle especially when one looks at the optional eAWS system, which allows for roll-stiffness increasing electronically during cornering and disconnected in a straight-line. Something not really doable with a traditional system, one would either have stiff springing and anti-roll bars for body roll control or a softer set-up for rough road comfort, never both.
Essentially one has a ceramic-braked 470 + kW supercar and a family wagon all in one. Just what you need when you have to get the kids to school in a hurry … www. abrbuzz. co. za 39 MARCH 2025