Introduction to a new progressive SUV as the biggest of the quattro family – the new Audi Q7

Audi SA has just introduced the new Audi Q7 full-size SUV to South Africa.

The all-new Audi Q7 is designed to be a progressive executive SUV with the courage to defy the limitations of its category, the company claims.

Biggest of the quattro family

While Audi has quattro their legendary quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, for better road handling and performance, available in all its ranges from S1 through R8, the Q7 is the biggest of the quattro family.  The quattro grip is an advantage in the Q7, both on and off the road.

Weight watchers

This time Audi designers went for a chiseled rectangular look, and this is visible throughout – the grille, front and rear lights, and the whole Q7 looks very rectangular.

The new Q7 disguises its length much better than the first Q7, as it is only 37mm shorter than the previous stretched-out generation.  It still rides on a 3-metre long wheelbase, which adds to ride comfort. 

Being such a large vehicle, weight watchers need to stand by to keep the kg’s in check – the new Q7 weighs 325kg less than its predecessor.

Welcome to the Matrix LED

While other SUVs have LED headlights available, the Audi Q7 has Matrix LED headlights as a class-leading technology.  You cannot be told what the Matrix LED headlights are… just like in the movie, it is said you have to see it for yourself.  Indeed, while xenon headlights had their time, and normal LED headlights are bright, the Matrix LED lights are superior.  These have 15 individual light-emitting diodes each, paired with 3 reflectors.

Luxurious comfort and space

The Audi Q7 was specifically designed to be luxurious, competing in the premium large SUV market, but also claims to have the largest interior in its segment.

Modern engine choices

At launch the new Audi Q7 will be sold with only the 3.0 TDI diesel turbo V6 engine, which, with its 183kW at just 2900 r/min and a full round 600Nm of torque between 1500-3000 revs, is the optimum combination for this SUV.  Performance is claimed at 6.3 seconds for the 0-100 sprint test.  Average consumption and emissions drop to 5.7 litres and only 149 grams of CO2.  This is very low for such a big SUV.

With standard suspension it can haul 2.7 tons of trailer, rising to 3.5 tons with the optional air suspension.

As of January 2016, Audi SA will also make available a 4-cylinder petrol turbo as the 2.0 TFSI engine with 185kW and 370Nm.

Just as well then that the Q7 has gone on a diet, as this time round it will likely not get another 6.0 V12 TDI as the first Q7 had, albeit for a short stint.

T-handle gear selector

Both engines drive via an 8-speed tiptronic automatic.  Similar to the Audi A8 flagship sedan, the normal round gear grip is replaced by a T-handle, which may look old-school at first, but is thoroughly modern in its design – the Audi Q7 gears are selected by a stubby grippy T-handle, which is actually a switch needing only a short push or pull, and ergonomically, the P switch to engage Park is in a natural position for the driver’s thumb.  Vorsprung durch Technik in action.

New generation Audi interior

The interior is clearly from the new Audi generation, as admired in the new Audi TT, using metal tactile clicks and a virtual digital instrument cluster (Audi virtual cockpit is an option of R 8 950).

Standard is MMI navigation plus with touch-pad and buttons to control in-car features, while optional driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, night vision assistant, head-up display, traffic jam assistant, Audi active lane assist, rear cross traffic alert (handy and safe when reversing such a long SUV) plus a lengthy list of options.

Pricing

The new Audi Q7 competes against the likes of BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE (formerly ML or M-Class), Lexus RX, Infiniti QX70, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Touareg, and Volvo XC90.

The Audi Q7 3.0 TDI quattro tiptronic price is R 924 000, while the Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI quattro tiptronic due early next year retails at R 872 000.