Test drive Audi SQ8

Fully steerable chassis, active stabilizers, electronic differential and ... diesel. How the Audi SQ8 broke stereotypes about sports crossovers and what came of it

Diesel is in danger. The once most popular type of internal combustion engine in Europe is in danger of finally disappearing into history. It's all about the new environmental standards - in Europe they are already preparing a new regulation, which seems to kill diesel engines. Against this background, the release of the new Audi SQ8 with a 4-liter diesel V8 under the hood seems not just a bold step, but an audacity.

The supercharged G7 is the first diesel engine to be equipped with an electrically driven compressor. The motor debuted three years ago on the flagship SQ8 and is now being installed on the SQ2200. The electric turbine starts working on it as soon as the driver presses the accelerator pedal. It pushes air into the cylinders until a conventional turbocharger spins up from the energy of the exhaust gases. Further, up to about XNUMX rpm, it is he who provides boost.

And then, in parallel with the first turbine, the second comes into play, and together they work until the very cutoff. Moreover, to activate the second turbine, its own individual electronically controlled exhaust valves are provided, which simply do not open at low loads.

Actually, this scheme of sequential operation of the electric compressor and double boost ensures the complete absence of a turbo lag. Peak torque of 900 Nm is already available here from 1250 rpm, and the maximum 435 "horses" are generally smeared on the shelf from 3750 to 4750 rpm.

In reality, the overclocking of the SQ8 is not as impressive as on paper. From a huge crossover, which exchanges a “hundred” in less than 5 seconds, you expect a more emotional leap from the spot. Here, the acceleration is absolutely linear, without any bursts. Either because the gas pedal is too damped at the beginning of the stroke, or at an altitude of over 3000 meters above the sea, where our test is taking place, the gigantic V8 under the hood of the SQ8 is sorely lacking in oxygen.

But the serpentines in the Pyrenees perfectly fit the SQ8 chassis. Because it is, of course, reconfigured here. As with conventional cross coupes, the characteristics of the shock absorbers here change depending on the selected driving mode. But Audi felt that was not enough for the SQ8. Therefore, the car was equipped with a fully steered chassis with steering rear wheels, a sports electronically controlled rear axle differential and electromechanical anti-roll bars.

Moreover, to power all these electromechanical systems (including electric boost and exhaust valve control systems), the SQ8 provides a second on-board electrical network with a voltage of 48 volts. But if the steering rear wheels and an active differential have been used for a long time on charged Audi models, then active stabilizers are only on "hot" crossovers.

Unlike conventional stabilizers, they consist of two parts, which are interconnected by a three-stage planetary gearbox with an electric motor. Depending on the magnitude of the lateral accelerations, the electric motor with the help of a gearbox can increase the stiffness of the stabilizers for a more effective fight against body roll or "dissolve" them for comfortable movement on not very good surfaces.

"Eski", studs, running arcs - the SQ8 dives into turns of any complexity with the hunt of a sports sedan and just as easily gets out of them. Body roll is minimal, grip is phenomenal, and cornering accuracy is delicate.

After an active attack, even a couple of turns, you start asking two questions. First: why is off-road mode needed here at all? Well, and the second, more general: is it really a crossover?

A type	Crossover
Dimensions (length / width / height), mm	4986/1995/1705
Wheelbase, mm	2995
Curb weight, kg	2165
engine's type	Diesel, V8 turbo
Working volume, cubic meters cm	3956
Max. power, l. with.	435 at 3750-4750 rpm
Max. cool. moment, Nm	900 at 1250-3250 rpm
Трансмиссия	8AKP
Drive unit	Full
Acceleration to 100 km / h, from	4,8
Max. speed km / h	250
Fuel consumption (mixed cycle), l / 100 km	7,7
Cargo space, l	510
Price from, USD	Not announced