by In early July, Audi presented the top version of the Q8 model—the newcomer received the SQ8 TDI index, which eloquently indicated: the “rings” are not thinking of giving up on diesel engines.
Let me remind you: Dieselgate, which originated at Volkswagen, became a true watershed in the automotive world—there is now a period before September 2015, and after when modern diesel engines, despite all their obvious advantages, found themselves in disfavor. But what is happening before our eyes can be called a manifestation of the law of conservation of energy: in 2015, Dieselgate originated in the Volkswagen Group—and now, with the efforts of Audi, which is part of the Volkswagen Group and, concurrently, its most profitable brand, efforts are being made to restore diesels to the positions they rightfully claim. About what the car represents and why the Q8 lineup was topped by a diesel engine version, we talked with Maxim Shkil, founder of Audi Center Odessa South. This official representative of the brand includes Audi Terminal—the first dealer center in Ukraine, executed in the Audi Sport concept. 
— Maxim Viktorovich, my first question is about the TDI designation in the name of the new top cross-coupe from Audi.
How do you feel about the appearance of a diesel engine in the engine compartment of one of the flagship models of the brand, represented in Ukraine by your enterprise?
— My attitude is absolutely clear: it’s about a high-speed model of the luxury sector that offers the possibility of traveling not only on roads but also off-road. Therefore, the most powerful diesel engine available to buyers in Europe is quite appropriate—this is a 4-liter bi-turbo V8 with an output of 435 horsepower and 900 Nm of torque. 
— In other words, you see nothing strange in Audi’s decision to install a diesel in the SQ8. Okay. But we are talking about a top cross-coupe—and today, considering the reputation of diesel engines in the world, this step seems almost provocative…
— Again, everything is quite understandable here.
The Audi SQ8 has a starting dynamics of 4.8 seconds, so there is no doubt about whether this car has the right to be among the top models Audi offers to its customers. Add to this appearance, which in a “standard” Q8 radiates energy—and in the SQ8 TDI has emphasized athleticism… Finally, it is worth remembering that diesel Audis have won the most prestigious endurance marathon “24 Hours of Le Mans” five times—meaning diesel engines have proven fully capable of being used in world-class motorsports. Moreover, when talking about the SQ8, we must remember that it is a hybrid—though a mild one, with a starter-generator. And diesel-electric Audis have won Le Mans three more times.
In total, we have eight victories… In my opinion, there is nothing strange in the fact that many years of developments are not hastily “written off”—just to meet the current conjuncture. After all, ask the buyers: do they really want to give up on modern diesel engines? 
— Regarding the “mild hybrid” scheme on which the SQ8 TDI is built. As this term is just entering the everyday life of the global automotive industry, could you elaborate a little on what it is?
Is it a certain configuration or something from the list of options…
— Technically, the SQ8 almost repeats the SQ7: a 4-liter bi-turbo diesel with an additional electric compressor, 8-speed automatic transmission, permanent quattro all-wheel drive with a Torsen center differential transmitting 40% of the torque to the front wheels and 60% to the rear, air suspension. But the power unit is supplemented by an 11 hp belt-driven starter-generator, which ensures the operation of the start-stop system and allows the engine not to be used for 40 seconds at speeds from 50 to 150 km/h. This addition, which allowed complying with EU-6 DG requirements, earned the car the designation “mild hybrid.” All Audi SQ8 TDIs will be produced in this form. 
— You mentioned the starting dynamics indicator: 4.8 seconds. This is the level of sports cars, but externally the car is almost indistinguishable from the “standard” Q8, the most powerful version of which has a 3-liter gasoline engine with “only” 340 hp, which is noticeably slower…
— Yes, the 340-horsepower Q8 (which debuted in Ukraine in the fall of 2018) accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h a full second slower (in 5.9 seconds).
But considering its appearance, I don’t think the top modification should differ significantly from the “standard” Q8. It is generally not inherent to Audi to vividly separate its most powerful and fastest cars. There is a certain set of external details that allow you to immediately distinguish the S-versions, and in the SQ8 TDI, they are all present: mirror caps made of polished metal, wheels with their own design of increased diameter (for the SQ8 you can order 22-inch discs; standard are 21-inch wheels), an exhaust system with double round pipes… In other words, those who understand the technology will immediately see the differences. And in everything else, customers are very satisfied with the appearance of the Q8.
— And what should we expect in the cabin of the SQ8?
— The same story as with the appearance: changes are minimal but noticeable. First of all, it is the black color, which has become a trademark for the interiors of the Audi S series. Familiar from the “standard” Q8 is the Audi Virtual Cockpit interior with two touchscreens on the center console and an S-mode on the dashboard (with a tachometer in the center). Front seats with integrated headrests, two steering wheel options—a classic with three spokes and a flat-bottom version, composite in the trim… So it’s no exaggeration: as with the interior, it only takes a few details to make it special, just as the S-version Q8 needs.
— So, we have several stylish details in the exterior, a few more in the cabin, and starting dynamics at the level of 4.8 seconds. Also, a belt-driven starter-generator and the ability to order 22-inch wheels. And of course, the SQ8 badge. Is this what buyers will pay for?
— Buyers will pay for the MLB Evo platform, first and foremost. It’s the same platform on which, for example, the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus are built.
What does this mean for a buyer who wants a full-fledged cross-coupe? Air suspension is not worth mentioning—it has already been part of the standard package for such techniques for a long time. Like, incidentally, in the case of the SQ8, active electromechanical stabilizers and carbon-ceramic brakes. But among the options, you can choose 22-inch wheels. And complement them with a sports suspension, which comes with an active differential—it changes the torque delivery to the wheels in turns based on the load on the outer/inner wheel.
You can also order an all-wheel steering chassis with a turn angle of the rear wheels up to 5 degrees—moreover, such a chassis can be supplied either separately or as part of a sports suspension with an active differential. This is what customers will be paying for. In addition to some details on the exterior and interior. 
— I tried to recall who can be defined as a direct competitor to the SQ8 TDI. And an interesting picture emerges: Mercedes doesn’t offer anything like it; their diesel versions “end” with the 3-liter 330-horsepower modification 400d.
Porsche has generally given up on diesel engines. So, the only competitor is the BMW X6 M50d…
— Exactly. 3 liters, quad turbocharger… But only 400 horsepower, 760 Nm of torque, and a nominal 5.2 seconds to 100 km/h. Actually, very good results, but even on paper, the SQ8 wins.
That is, we are talking about the most powerful and with the best dynamics vehicle in its segment. This, incidentally, is also one of the reasons why people will buy the SQ8 TDI: for its indicators, at moderate fuel consumption, our customer gets a fast, comfortable car with excellent handling. The fastest in its class. On which you can move off the road without risking damaging the car. As for its appearance, I won’t say anything—it’s a matter of personal taste.
But I’m sure not every car, even a class higher, is capable of offering such a combination of properties—even if the SQ8 price tag is by no means democratic. — By the way, is it already known when the new SQ8 TDI will arrive in Ukraine and what its cost will be? In Germany, sales start at the end of summer…
— Priority in sales is quite logically given to the largest markets. So we’ll have to wait: the SQ8 will appear in Ukraine only in the first quarter of 2020. However, there’s good news: unlike the same Germany, where prices for the SQ8 start from 102,900 euros.
We are more fortunate in this regard: the cost of the base configuration is expected to be equal to 90,000 euros. — Well, we are waiting for the arrival of the SQ8 TDI in Ukraine. Thank you for the first, so far remote introduction to it. Goodbye!
Technical specifications of the Audi SQ8 TDI 2020MY
Dimensions:
length — 5006 mm
width — 1995/2190 mm (without mirrors/with mirrors)
height — 1624 mm (1630 mm with roof rails)
wheelbase — 2996 mm
trunk volume (5-seat configuration) — 605 l
fuel tank capacity: 85 liters
AdBlue tank capacity: 24 liters
curb weight — 2440 kg (EU)
Engine:
diesel, V-shaped, 8-cylinder, with two sequential turbochargers, auxiliary electric supercharger, direct fuel injection, and belt-driven starter-generator; displacement 3956 cm3
maximum power — 435 hp (320 kW) in the range of 3750-4750 rpm
peak torque — 900 Nm in the range of 1350-3250 rpm
fuel consumption (WLTP, according to the manufacturer):
— 8.6 l/100 km (urban cycle)
— 7.3 l/100 km (highway cycle)
Transmission:
8-speed automatic, with manual gear shift option; permanent quattro all-wheel drive with Torsen center differential, torque distribution under normal conditions 40/60% (front/rear axle respectively)
Dynamics:
0-100 km/h in 4.8 s
maximum speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited)
publication preparation by Yuri Bugayev
photos — Audi AG and Maxim Shkil
