The legislative framework is shifting under the feet of car makers worldwide, as governments look to reduce and eliminate tailpipe emissions.

Some countries have already set end dates for the sale of new internal combustion powered vehicles, with the European Union recently moving a step closer to legislating a ban on their sale by 2035.

Diesel engines have been one of the first casualties of this shift, thanks to the cocktail of emissions they produce that are harmful to human health and the environment. 

Diesel-powered vehicles once had a stranglehold on the European market but their grip has loosened since Paris, Rome and Oslo announced a ban on their sale as early as 2024, with other major cities looking to follow suit.

Amidst all this, the so-called performance diesel has been collateral damage, with car makers like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz – who once stuffed the biggest and most powerful V6 and V8 turbo-diesels they could find beneath the bonnets of their large SUVs – rapidly backing away from the technology. 

The latest example of this trend is Audi’s SQ7 and SQ8 performance twins which were formerly powered by a continent-shifting 4.0-litre turbo-diesel V8 with outputs of 320kW and a staggering 900Nm of torque, but which have now ditched the dis-iesel as one colleague unkindly puts it, in favour of an equally impressive petrol 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8.

The new TFSI V8 is the centre piece of an MY23 update for the large SUV twins, which are differentiated by body style but otherwise share largely identical mechanical and technical fundamentals.

Both are built on the Volkswagen Group’s MLB platform which underpins a wide range of the sprawling automotive group’s large SUVs, including the Audi Q7 and Q8 upon which these performance versions are based, along with the Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg.      

Audi SQ7.

Technical elements aside, the key differentiators between the SQ7 and SQ8 is the former’s more practical, seven-seat body style, versus the fastback styling of the latter.

Pragmatists with an eye to boot space and third-row seating capacity will likely choose the SQ7, where more style-conscious types will prefer the racier-looking SQ8.

The SQ7 and SQ8 boast styling enhancements over their Q7/Q8 stablemates, including specific front and rear bumpers, grille, side sills and rear tailgate spoiler.

The brand’s signature single-frame grille is surrounded by a black mask effect, while gaping lower air diffusers feed the hungry V8’s intercooler.

Matrix LED headlights complete the distinctive face, while at the rear there’s a full width light strip emphasising the SQ8’s width, and a lower air diffuser with honeycomb mesh on both models that’s flanked by a quartet of chrome-plated oval tailpipes.

Both models are striking examples of the fastidious attention to design detail that has become an Audi hallmark.

Crisp character lines, tight shut lines and subtle detailing emphasise the taut muscularity of their substantial bodies, and it all sits rock-solidly planted on immense 22-inch alloy wheels.

During a pothole-blasted drive program from Melbourne to the quaint township of Daylesford in Victoria’s spa country, we learnt that the SQ7/SQ8 twins have lost none of their potency in the move from V8 diesel to V8 petrol.

In fact, the new 4.0-litre V8 is a peach, with a brassy baritone warble on start-up and a muscular but syrupy smooth delivery all the way to its 7000rpm redline.

Audi SQ7.

A pair of twin-scroll turbos nestled between the engine vee deliver instant response and the V8 sound, usually muffled by turbos, is enhanced inside the cabin via a sound actuator.

The engine also features cylinder-on-demand technology, which temporarily deactivates four cylinders during moderate driving to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Drive goes to all four wheels via a quick-shifting eight-speed tiptronic automatic and Audi’s renowned quattro all-wheel drive system, with a range of selectable driving modes including Sport Plus.

Drop the hammer in this mode and the circa 2345kg SUVs launch with alarming zeal, propelling the German heavyweights from 0–100km/h in a seriously rapid 4.1 seconds, 0.7 faster than the outgoing TDI model.

As ridiculous as this might seem, that’s also as quick as a Porsche 911 Carrera, which tips the scales some 840kg lighter.

Out on the highway both models drive with the sort of solidly planted ease that their muscular exteriors suggest.

They feel bank vault tight and unshakeable, even over rough road surfaces where the standard adaptive air suspension maintains impressively plush ride comfort, even despite those huge 22-inch wheels.

The petrol V8 brings weight reductions over the old TDI unit of 95kg and 120kg for the SQ8 and SQ7 respectively, which is enough to have a tangible benefit on handling.

Audi SQ8.

In combination with the optional dynamic package which includes a sport differential and electronic-mechanical roll stabilisation, plus the fact the SQ models sit 15mm lower than their standard stablemates, the level of dynamic ability is truly impressive.

However, even without the $10,900 dynamic package the Audis feel enormously stable and planted, the variable ratio steering offering a satisfying heft and consistency, with sure-footed and confident handling due in part to the standard dynamic all-wheel steering.

At road speeds this technology improves driving stability and response by making small steering angle adjustments to the rear wheels, while at low speeds the rear wheels are turned at up to five degrees in the opposite direction to the front, reducing steering effort and the turning circle by approximately 1.1m.

That means these hulking SQ models can turn in about the same space as the much smaller Audi Q3.

Also aiding in the parking stakes is a standard 360-degree camera system that includes four wide-angle cameras covering the area around the vehicle, including a kerb view function to avoid kerbing their lovely five-spoke alloys.

There’s also a standard park assist system for those who prefer to let the car park itself automatically.

Of course, Audi being a luxury brand and inclined to show off its wares, none of the four models tested were permitted to step out in their bare essentials, with each wearing between $30,000 and $40,000 worth of optional extras.

Among the notable inclusions was a $19,500 ceramic brake package with massive 420mm front brake discs clamped by 10-piston calipers.

Audi SQ8.

As impressive as these optional stoppers are, the standard 400mm performance discs with six-piston calipers are more than capable of hauling up the big Audis.  

Another pricey extra thrown at the test cars was a $13,300 ‘Sensory Package’, which includes a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, front-seat ventilation and massage function, seat heating for the outer rear seats, an ionisation and fragrancing air quality package, and extended leather treatment on the upper dashboard.

But in a sign of the computer-chip challenged times we live in, there were also several standard equipment items that had been deleted, with the costs shown as a reimbursement against the purchase price.

These included a manual luggage compartment cover in lieu of the usual electric unit, prompting a $429 reimbursement, and manual steering column adjustment in place of electric, putting $650 back into your skyrocket.

Despite this, with the list price of the SQ7 set at $164,100 and the SQ8 at $168,800, plus that shopping list of extras nudging prices on all the test models towards $200k, there’s no denying the Audi SUVs performance twins are reserved for the very well-heeled.

Naturally, they want for little in the features and equipment stakes, with standard kit including keyless entry and start; electric rear tailgate with programmable opening height and gesture control; heated, folding and auto dimming exterior mirrors with memory; aluminium roof rails; panoramic glass sunroof; dark tinted rear window and rear side windows, and more.

Inside the beautifully appointed cabins you’ll find inlays in matte brushed aluminium, an upper dash in leather with contrast stitching, extended aluminium look for the various control buttons, and shapely heated and ventilated sports front seats, clad in Valcona leather with embossed S logo and diamond stitching.

There’s also stainless-steel pedals and footrest, a heated three-spoke perforated leather sport steering wheel with shift paddles, four-zone climate control air-conditioning and much more.

Audi’s virtual cockpit remains one of the best systems of its type on the market, with a configurable 12.3-inch high-resolution colour digital instrument cluster ahead of the driver, complemented by a head-up display.

Audi SQ8.

At dash centre are two screens stacked atop each other, with an 8.6-inch colour display for the climate control sitting below the main navigation and audio control screen.

Both it and the main 10.1-inch high-resolution colour centre screen feature acoustic and haptic feedback so that you’re alerted when the function you’re stabbing at has been selected.

The crisply rendered main display runs Audi’s seventh generation MMI infotainment and navigation system, with voice control, 3D mapping, smartphone interface with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and controls for the 19-speaker, 558 watts, Bose 3D sound system.

If you’ve chosen the SQ8 the Bose system is swapped out for a magnificent 17-speaker, 730 watts, Bang & Olufsen Premium 3D audio system.

As you’d also expect at this price, the standard safety assistance systems are right up to the minute and include adaptive cruise control with stop and go, active lane assist, side assist, blind-spot warning, intersection crossing assist at up to 30 km/h, collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic assist rear, exit warning system, turn assist and more.

On the practicality front, the second row in either model is generously proportioned and adjustable 40:20:40 plus fore and aft, the latter to give some concession to the SQ7’s tight third row, which are electrically operated and fold flat into the floor.

For owners who prefer a full-size spare over the standard space saver the third row can also be deleted to provide the appropriate storage space.

Cargo capacity is a generous 617-litres in the SQ7, expanding to 1890 litres with the second row folded, while the SQ8 offers 605 and 1755 litres respectively.

The adaptive air suspension also allows for the ride height to be lowered for easier loading, while the power-assisted door closure mechanism is a nice luxury touch that uses a servo motor to automatically pull shut doors that aren’t completely closed.

Finally, for anyone with shares in an oil company and who likes to haul their rig in style, towing capacity for both models is 3,500kg braked, with a 350kg ball weight and gross combined weight (GCVM) of 6,595kg.

However, if you are planning on towing, you’ll need to plump for the optional trailer towing hitch which will set you back $1,500 but doesn’t include ball and mount.

Key stats

• RETAIL PRICE:  $164,800 (SQ7); $168,800 (SQ8)
• ENGINE: 4.0-litre twin turbocharged petrol V8 (373kW/770Nm)
• ANCAP SAFETY RATING: 5 Star (2019)
• BODY STYLE: Large SUV
•  FUEL CONSUMPTION: (Combined): SQ7 12.1L/100km (280.72g/km CO2)/SQ8 12.2L/100km (283.04g/km CO2)
• FOR: Bank vault build quality, attractive design, high quality fit and finish, epic performance, strong safety and technology package.
• AGAINST: Temporary spare tyre, SQ8 has smaller boot than SQ7, missing some features due to computer chip shortages.