Audi Canada's line of sporty S vehicles has expanded with the arrival of the new 2021 Audi SQ7 and SQ8 performance crossovers.
The 2021 Audi SQ7 and the closely related SQ8 are powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, which is good for 500 horsepower and a meaty 568 pound-feet of torque. Translating this power to the pavement is a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi's well-known Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system. The boosted V8 will help these big, heavy crossovers accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds, while huge front and rear brakes with black calipers and Audi S logos bring things to a stop. Lightweight carbon fibre slotted brake discs with grey calipers and red S logos are also available.
A sophisticated adaptive air suspension system and all-wheel steering comes standard on both crossovers and improve ride quality and agility at both low and high speeds. The optional performance suspension setup, meanwhile, will give drivers even more confidence when hustling these 500-horsepower family haulers through the corners. The package includes a 48-volt electronic active roll stabilization system, which keeps the body level when cornering and helps reduce vibrations on uneven roads, along with a torque-vectoring sport differential.
Both the SQ7 and the SQ8 receive their own specific exterior revisions that set them apart from the more run-of-the-mill Q7 and Q8. Both crossovers receive matte silver exterior trim, a honeycomb grille insert, larger side air inlets with a honeycomb grille pattern and quad exhaust tips. The available black styling package will change the various matte silver exterior trim pieces for gloss black parts.
Inside, the SQ7 and SQ8 both feature leather and Alcantara upholstery in either black or rotor gray, matte brushed aluminum trim, illuminated door sill trims with aluminum inlays and stainless steel sport pedals. Bolstered sport seats are also available, which feature integrated headrests, adjustable side bolsters and high-quality Valcona leather with diamond stitching. Also available is a contour/ambient lighting package, which adds a customizable ambient lighting array with up to 30 configurable colours. An optional third row can be added to the SQ7, as well, but it's not available on the SQ8.
Just like any new luxury vehicle, both the SQ7 and SQ8 come with tech-laden interiors and an array of active safety technologies. Both come with the latest split-screen Audi infotainment system, which features two touchscreen displays stacked on top of one another. The top display measures in at 10.1-inches diagonal, while the bottom screen is slightly smaller at 8.1-inches. The crossovers also come with a voice control system that can be activated by saying "Hey Audi." Other notable technology includes the standard virtual cockpit display with S-specific screen modes, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 1,920-watt Bang and Olufsen stereo.
Audi Canada has confirmed the 2021 SQ7 will start at $104,750, while the SQ8 will cost a bit more at $111,000. Look for these crossovers to begin arriving at Audi dealers in the near future.
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