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By Jonathan Crouch

Audi's potent SQ7 gets potent V8 petrol power. Jonathan Crouch looks at what's on offer from the improved version.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 43

Audi's huge, powerful SQ7 gets some subtle updates but stil offers a powerful petrol V8 and continues to re-write the rulebook for large, family-sized performance-minded SUVs. You get an emotive soundtrack with this 507PS TFSI engine, storming performance and virtually no turbo lag.

Backgroundword count: 138

If you're going to have a really large seven-seat SUV and want a very, very fast one, there aren't many options. The choices you will have almost all feature very thirsty V8 petrol engines that'll have the local green lobby up in arms every time you nip to the shops. Until 2021, Audi's SQ7 was an exception, using a V8 TDI diesel. But from that date it too got an emotive petrol V8 up-front. Now it's had a styling wash 'n brush-up too. The figures here may cause you to do a bit of a double-take: 507PS (up from 435PS with the V8 diesel) and 770Nm of torque (down from 900Nm with the diesel). All from a V8 featuring cylinder-on-demand technology, so in theory, it shouldn't be crippling to run in regular use. Sounds reasonable? Then read on...

Driving Experienceword count: 224

There are no changes beneath the bonnet with this revised model, so as before at the heart of the SQ7 TFSI is a 507PS twin turbo V8 4.0-litre petrol engine that firmly stakes this performance flagship SUV's claim amongst the most potent models of this kind on the market. The 0-62 mph sprint time is just 4.1 seconds (improved from 4.8s with the previous V8 diesel). As before, the top speed is limited to 155mph.  The powerplant in the SQ7 works with strong partners, including a quick-shifting eight-speed tiptronic auto that changes gears extremely quickly and efficiently. A self-locking centre differential is the heart of the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. It's compact, lightweight and interacts very precisely with the suspension control system. An optional sport differential provides stable and precise steering, particularly during fast acceleration out of bends. Variable torque between the wheels on the rear axle offers supreme control in curves and the car is pressed precisely into the bend as a result. The maxim of lightweight construction also applies to the suspension - its links are made primarily of aluminium. Electromechanical power steering, the Audi drive select driving dynamics system and adaptive air suspension with S-specific tuning are standard. Buyers will be offered an optional driving dynamics package comprising three technology modules: sport differential, electromechanical active roll stabilisation and all-wheel steering.

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