AUDI Q7 50 TDI
Ingolstadt’s second-gen seven-seater slips into something more comfortable
AUDI’S UPDATE program continues apace, and its Xl-sized Q7 is next in the queue. Debuting in 2015, the second-gen sevenseat SUV has done solid numbers since then, despite starting at just under $100,000. This mid-life facelift arrives early in 2020, and while prices aren’t finalised yet, it’ll head north of its current position.
It’s hard to impart runway glamour to a large wagon, but Audi has blended the ruggedness of the Q7 with the modernity of the Q8. Sharply angled LED headlights add authority to the front end, and new machined-face rims wrap up the exterior makeover.
Inside, a new multimedia touchscreen blends with full-width horizontal vent slats, while the centre console has been considerably cleaned up.
The Q Q7 50 shown here uses Audi’s 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, which makes 210kw ( (10 more than previously) and 600 600Nm. It uses an eight-speed automatic transmission linked to an AWD drivetrain, riding on air-sprung adaptive suspension. Audi has added a 48-volt power system, a belt alternator/ starter and light hybridisation that uses a lithium-ion battery to refire the Q7 after up to 40 seconds of highwayspeed coasting.
Basic spec will include LED headlights and tail-lights as a minimum, while options will include the Q8’s clever electromagnetic decoupling antiroll bars, which allow the Q7 to tower up to 225mm above the ground. Rearwheel steering will be an option, along with sports air-sprung suspension.
There’s 865 litres of boot space, which is a slight decrease thanks to the hybrid gubbins under the boot, or 2050 litres with the seats down. The Q7 can tow up to 3500kg, too.
The front seats in our tester are a little narrow, but have long bases and supportive backs. There is an absolute acre of room in the second row, which features sliding-rail seats with reclining backs.
We didn’t get a chance to sample the Q7’s off-road charms, but a 220km tour of the narrow roads around the Irish towns of Kerry and Killarney displayed a confident, supple and capable large SUV whose handling prowess belies its size and 2.3-tonne weight. It steers with aplomb and confidence, while passenger comfort from the clever, compliant air suspension is exemplary. Noise suppression is excellent, too, and visibility around the car is top-notch.
The 3.0-litre V6 diesel has a chequered history when it comes to its emissions tech, but it remains a strong, tractable and unobtrusive workhorse that seldom betrays its oiler origins, though it can feel laggy in normal mode. Popping it into Sport mode cures most of those ills, though.
We’ll need to test the Q7 in its proper Australian spec when it lands early next year, but if this taste is anything to go by, the Q7 will retain its popularity with the luxury SUV set once it does arrive down under.