New vs used Audi Q7: what are the top 3 differences?
As the sensible choice from Audi’s largest SUV range, the Q7 has quietly built a loyal fanbase among those who want something different to the usual premium SUV crowd. Now, after its mid-life restyle, it looks a lot more imposing on the outside, and it’s bristling with new technology inside as well. We list the top 3 differences between the latest Audi Q7 and its immediate predecessor.
While the second-generation Audi Q7 was styled a lot more conservatively than its predecessor was, this didn’t put too much of a damper on buyer’s enthusiasm for the erstwhile top-level Audi SUV. It sold in small but steady volumes, and is proving to be quite popular on the used-car market as well.
But, after the swanky Q8 SUV-coupé mashup arrived, the Q7 has been looking a little dull, so Audi decided to spruce it up for 2021. It still only offers one powerplant at the moment, though (the well-regarded 3.0-litre V6 TDI with 183 kW and 600 Nm), but there’s more to come soon.
Related: Get all the details about the updated Audi Q7 in this launch report.
1. More-assertive styling
Perhaps the biggest single point of criticism that could be levelled at the pre-facelift Audi Q7 was its subdued appearance. While the first-generation Q7 looked distinctive, bulging excesses and odd proportions and all, the second-generation was rather more inoffensive. It looked more like a large station wagon than it resembled a big SUV, and, in the face of Audi’s latest design language, it also started to appear quite dated.
That’s all been fixed with the facelift, however. Up front, a new octagonal “Singleframe” grille with vertical slats, redesigned all-LED light clusters, and larger side air intakes gives it a much more assertive face, while new alloy wheels and reprofiled side skirts butch up the profile view. From the rear, horisontal styling lines are now emphasised, and a chrome trim strip links the flattened LED tail lamp clusters to increase the Q7’s visual width.
Related: Used SUV value shootout - Audi Q7 vs BMW X5 vs Mercedes-Benz ML/GLE.
2. Reworked suspension
These are upgrades which aren’t visible to the naked eye, but they combine to transform the Q7’s driving dynamics. The optimised rear-wheel steering system now allows for up to 5-degrees of opposite-direction steering at low speeds, vastly improving low-speed manoeuvrability and making parking a cinch – in spite of the Q7’s substantial dimensions.
In low-speed driving, the opposite-phase steering also combines with the optional air springs to improve off-road ability. Away from crawling conditions, the re-calibrated rear steering also boosts cornering and straight-line stability, by switching to same-phase steering as the speed mounts.
Related: Which Audi Q7 trim holds its value better?
3. Upgraded in-cabin technology
Audi was one of the leaders when it came to digital dashboard applications, and the pre-facelift Q7 was an earlier beneficiary of this expertise. Now, along with an update to the Q7’s general electronic architecture, the Q7’s virtual cockpit, infotainment system, and connectivity also receives a boost.
As with the Q8, which pioneered the new triple-screen layout for Audi in South Africa, there are two configurable colour touchscreen displays in the centre console. Smartphone mirroring, navigation and main car setup functions are controlled by the top one, and comfort- and convenience settings such as climate control and shortcuts are operated via the lower screen. Haptic- and audible feedback both feature, and the touchscreen sensitivity can even be adjusted to suit different driver preferences.
As far as connectivity goes, the new Q7 features an embedded SIM to turn the car into a wi-fi hotspot, and enables the comprehensive Audi Connect suite of enhancements. Audi Connect offers online (real-time) traffic information, point of interest search functionality, navigation with Google Earth, live weather updates, and automatic emergency calling. It also adds remote smartphone communication, showing car status data via the MyAudi application, which allows a car finder, remote lock/unlock, and speed- and theft alerts.
Related: We explored the pre-facelift Audi Q7 3.0 TDI in this video review.
Conclusion
With improved connectivity, beautiful new user interfaces and enhanced dynamics, the latest Audi Q7 is yet again a technological masterpiece – and it now looks the part as well. For those who can hold off buying until the second half of 2021, there will also be an exciting addition to the range: the new Audi SQ7 will add even wilder styling and sportier driving dynamics, to complement its stonking V8 turbodiesel engine (good for 310 kW and 900 Nm).
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