Audi’s lighter, roomier Q7 vying to be NO1 premium SUV
Known for its bulk, the original Q7 was wildly popular — particularly in the US — as Audi’s first premium SUV contender. The new car is considerably leaner, having shed 325 kilograms, and Audi says its lower centre of mass makes it extremely agile.
Even so, it is still the most spacious car in its segment and, while exterior dimensions have ben reduced, it offers substantially more interior room for passengers and luggage.
Audi also says the new Q7 will boast innovative assistance and infotainment systems and engines that use 26% percent less fuel, on average.
The Q7’s exterior has changed and it now more resembles the company’s allroad models than the previous car did, and this may be due to its weight reduction.
With a kerb weight of just 1,995 kilograms (4,398.2 lb) in the case of the 3.0 TDI, the new Q7 is the lightest in its class.
With its lightweight, multi-material body and an all-new chassis, it is said to be very comfortable, while offering the typical performance of a sporty Audi —and also boasting top-notch CO2 values.
The engines set top marks for large SUVs with all-wheel drive. The 3.0 TDI, with 200 kW (272 hp), and the 3.0 TFSI, with 245 kW (333 hp), accelerate the new Audi Q7 from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 6.1 seconds (TFSI) and 6.3 seconds (TDI), respectively.
The diesel V6 consumes, on average, just 5.7 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (41.3 US mpg), corresponding to 149 grams of CO2 per kilometre (239.8 g/mi).
Audi boasts that the Q7 also sets standards in the operating concept, infotainment, connectivity and driver-assistance systems. The second-generation modular infotainment platform is on board, as is the Audi virtual cockpit. The new, MMI all-in-touch control unit, with large touchpad, makes operation child’s play.
Other innovations include the expanded services from Audi connect, the Audi tablet for the rear-seat passengers, and the two sound systems with 3D audio.
Smartphone integration, with Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, is also new. The Q7 is one of the first cars to offer these functions.
One highlight is the comprehensive portfolio of new driver-assistance systems, which includes adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assistant.
The company says no other production vehicle offers more.
The Audi Q7 etron quattro, which will be launched later next year, is the first plug-in hybrid from Audi with a diesel engine.
It impresses with 275 kW (373 hp) of system output and a system torque of 700 Nm (516.3 lbft), and is also the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid with quattro all-wheel drive in the premium SUV segment.
It consumes just 1.7 litres per 100 kilometres (138.4 US mpg), which corresponds to less than 50 grams CO2 per kilometre (80.5 g/mi). A full battery charge is sufficient for a distance of 56 kilometres (34.8 mi).
Irish prices and specifications to be confirmed.
