The automotive industry is caught between a rock and
a hard place when it comes to diesel engines. On one hand, carmakers are doing
everything they can to promote electric mobility, but at the same time, they’re
not willing to give up on oil burners just yet.
Audi is playing both sides and is betting big on
electrification. As far as diesels are concerned, they are using them in all types of models, including high-performance
ones such as the 2020 SQ8 sports crossover.
The SQ8 gets quad tailpipes, a chunky rear diffuser,
large alloys, new air intakes, carbon brakes, adaptive air suspension with a
Drive Select dynamic handling system, while four wheel steering can be had as
an optional extra, along with a sports diff and electromechanical active
anti-roll bars.
Inside, there are stainless steel pedals, a
flat-bottomed steering wheel, aluminum door sill inlays, embossed ‘S’ logos,
and an upholstery of leather and Alcantara. Audi’s latest MMI is also present,
working within three main displays, one of which the Virtual Cockpit gauge
cluster.
As for its performance, we’ve learned a long time
ago that, when it comes to diesels, premium German cars are quite efficient at
extracting serious amounts of pulling power from such units – and the SQ8 is no
exception.
It is powered by a 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 diesel
that also sports an electric compressor that eliminates turbo lag. With 429 HP and 900 Nm of torque on tap, the stylish crossover can
accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. Meanwhile, its official average
fuel consumption figure is 7.8 l/100km (30.2 mpg US / 36.2 mpg UK), although
don’t expect to hit that number unless you’re just cruising around at very low
speeds.
