Will Audi's Incredible SQ7 Make Diesels Cool Again?

Mar. 11, 2016 12:47 PM ET by Joel Patel / 10 Comments

There's a chance it's coming to the US.

After Audi took the covers off of the SQ7 TDI, we immediately wondered whether the high-performance SUV would somehow find its way to America's shores. Well there's some good news and some bad news. When asked about the chances of the SQ7 TDI coming to America, North America, Audi USA spokesman Mark Dahncke told Autoblog that "the SQ7 is not officially signed off on for the US, but we are optimistic." At least Dahncke didn't say no.

Why would anyone want a high-performance SUV in the US? Well, for starters the SUV features a 4.0-liter V8 diesel engine with two traditional turbochargers and an electric one. That means the SQ7 puts out 435 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. This is the first time Audi has ever placed the S performance badge onto its largest model and has done so in an entertaining fashion. While Audi hasn't confirmed or denied if the SQ7 will come to America, Dahncke's answer gives us some hope. If Audi were to bring the SQ7 over, Dahncke says "expect it to be a TDI." Thanks to the ongoing diesel emissions scandal, Audi no longer has a stellar score with its diesels, but we think there's still a market for the SQ7.