The great all-rounders

It’s an age old automotive question and one that’s fun to trot out when discussing new vehicles. If you had to choose just one vehicle to cover all of the aspects of your life, what would it be? Depending on your circumstances and lifestyle, for some the answer is an easy one, but increasingly, the differing demands of modern life make it a trickier question.

Particularly for those needing a larger vehicle to transport friends and family, the level of compromise tends to increase – and no one likes to compromise. In very general terms, as vehicle size increases, the performance capabilities tend to decrease. Day-to-day practicality too has a tendency to negatively impact style and often luxury appeal, while conversely, extreme performance and handling are often the enemy of ride and comfort.

Obviously Audi has long had a reputation for challenging these conventions, producing vehicles that are both luxurious and sporty, practical and elegant. 

This ‘great all-rounder’ achievement is beautifully illustrated with the new Audi SQ7 TFSI ($174,815*) and its sibling the SQ8 TFSI ($178, 815*) – both now available in Australia having been extensively upgraded both in terms of styling and in their equipment and technology offering. Both vehicles represent the very best at the large end of the luxury SUV market and top their respective model ranges – although there is of course the RS Q8 that frankly deserves its own category altogether.

They each deliver the very highest standards in luxury appointment and automotive technology with accommodation for up to seven people in the case of the SQ7 TFSI. But far from just being large, luxury conveyances, they each boast impressive performance and handling that belies their size and rewards the most demanding of drivers. 

Both vehicles share Audi’s outstanding 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine which delivers 373kW of power and a stump-pulling 770Nm of torque – enough to rocket these luxury SUVs from a standstill to 100km/h in just over four seconds (4.1 seconds to be precise).

Perhaps more impressive than the acceleration is the handling, which again belies the dimensions of these two vehicles, the combination of all-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension as standard serving to give them an agility that again, makes the driver forget the considerable dimensions. The all-wheel steering alone can turn the rear axle by up to five degrees as required in tight spots which translates to a turning circle that is literally smaller than that of the Audi Q3 models, as well as greater stability changing direction at speed.

The adaptive air suspension has the dual capability of providing a smooth, cushioned ride over even broken B roads (even riding on the massive 22-inch standard wheels), but can also vary the ride height depending on the circumstances. In its standard setting the S models sit 15mm lower than their model siblings, with the ability to raise up to 50mm higher than standard or drop 40mm lower in dynamic mode for greater aerodynamics as the speed increases.

Stepping up the performance package even further, customers can opt for the quattro sport differential and active roll stabilisation, delivering the sort of agility that would make a vehicle half the size envious and absolutely removing any sense of body roll regardless of the speed or how tight the bends.

Brakes too are impressive in standard guise 400mm front and 350mm rear), but for those who want to further the performance capabilities, ceramic brakes measuring a huge 420mm up front would stop a freight train if they had to.

It all adds up to a pair of vehicles that admirably scratch the performance itch, on roads that would traditionally be the hunting ground of much smaller performance-oriented vehicles. Both the SQ7 and SQ8 seem to shrink around the driver when the roads and conditions are just right – their size and weight simply not a factor. The driver-focused layout with its heads-up display and the heated front sports seats, perfectly set-up for exploring the vehicle’s performance potential.

Out on the open road they become the ultimate grand tourers, comfortable, quiet and effortless to drive and even in the stop and go of peak hour traffic which, let’s face it, is never fun in any vehicle, they provide a luxurious haven from the outside world and wealth of on-board entertainment options to keep everyone happy.

From the superb 730watt B&O 3D sound system with 17 speakers (which can be optioned up to the advanced unit with 23 speakers), to the Audi connect plus service, Audi smartphone interface with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, four-zone climate control, Valcona leather upholstery with the distinctive diamond-patterned stitching and huge panoramic glass sunroof.

Then there is the fact that the SQ7 TFSI can carry up to seven passengers with its third row of electrically-folding seats, and both vehicles have the capacity to tow up to 3.5 tones, so that’s the boat or horse float taken care of as well.

Safety and driver assistance systems are extensive as you would expect from Audi vehicles of this calibre and Matrix LED headlights are standard equipment across both models. Customers also have the option to upgrade the lighting even further with HD Matrix LED headlights with laser light function also available, illuminating up to 600 metres ahead of the vehicle. This lighting option also includes OLED rear taillights.

Then, in addition to the comprehensive standard equipment, owners are able to further refine their vehicle with everything from the aforementioned Dynamic package (active roll stabilisation and quattro sport diff), to the Sensory package which builds on the already impressive comfort offerings – think the likes of sunshades for the rear windows, front seat massage function, advanced B&O sound system and even an air quality package that includes ioniser and bespoke perfume. It’s luxury in the true sense of the word.

You can also tailor the look of your vehicle, adding 23-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels should you go with the SQ8, or perhaps choose a high-gloss black exterior package rather than the more traditional chrome finishes. Here the choices come down to personal preference – just as which model best works for your lifestyle.

Regardless of whether it is the SQ7 with its third row of seats and more traditional styling, or the coupe-like SQ8, what you have in both of these offerings is the rarest of combinations. The ride, appointment and finish of a luxury limousine, coupled with the presence and practicality of a large SUV and topped off with the supreme performance and handling of a sports car. Accomplished all-rounders in every respect without so much as a hint of compromise.

(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)