Red-hot new Audi SQ7 and SQ9 gets the nod for South Africa

Audi South Africa has announced that the performance versions of the new Q7 and Q9 SUVs will join their standard counterparts in the market by 2027. During the launch of the new Q5 and SQ5 in Cape Town, Audi's Ingolstadt executives confirmed that the Q7 will be the first to arrive, although the exact date remains undisclosed. The Q9 is expected to follow in the second half of the year, with the precise debut date revealed as the launch approaches.

Both the Q7 and Q9 are set to be equipped with the same turbodiesel engines as their European counterparts, with the performance S variants powered by petrol engines. The Q7's 3.0 TDI V6 engine has two power outputs, 180kW/500Nm and 220kW/630Nm, while the petrol-powered SQ7 will feature a 4.0-litre TFSI bi-turbo V8 engine with increased outputs of 441kW/800Nm. The SQ7 also retains the same 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox and all-wheel drive system as its standard sibling.

The SQ7 will retain the same 4.0-litre TFSI bi-turbo V8 engine as its standard sibling, but with increased outputs ranging from 373kW/770Nm to 441kW/800Nm. The interior of the SQ7 will also feature S-specific changes and additions. Audi North America has reported a limited top speed of 250 km/h and a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) acceleration time of 3.7 seconds, which is expected to translate to either 3.8 or 3.9 seconds when measuring from 0-100 km/h.

The SQ9, meanwhile, will become Audi's flagship model in South Africa next year. Introduced just over a month after the Q7, the six or seven-seat Q9 will have the same 3.0 TDI V6 engine, 180kW/500Nm and 220kW/630Nm power outputs, mild-hybrid system, and 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox as the SQ7. The SQ9 will also feature the same 4.0-litre TFSI bi-turbo V8 engine with outputs of 441kW/800Nm. Audi South Africa has confirmed that the standard petrol-powered Q9 will not be available for purchase in the market.