Logical Luxury
Bearing Audi’s design DNA paired with modern technology, the SUV crossover Q7 makes a lot of sense
Luxury often comes at a great cost. But when the benefits outweigh the cost of this exclusive experience, I call that logical luxury. It is also the term I would use to describe the Audi Q7 whose design is a thoughtful merger of first-class features and practical qualities.
The Q7’s exterior bears the hallmarks of Audi’s current SUV design language. Defined by a large octagon-shaped Singleframe with six upright slats and the Audi logo in the front centre, the Q7 looks imposing and powerful. The sill area underscores the Q7’s ground clearance which, combined with a 20-inch cast aluminium wheels makes this SUV suitable for off-road conditions.
Whether you get the 5-seater or the 7-seater variant, the Q7 is roomy and can accommodate a whole family. At 6.5 feet wide and 5.7 feet high, it is larger than its predecessors and offers more interior length, headroom, elbow and leg room in the front and rear seats. A host of storage compartments and its generous load capacity provide functional utility value. This goes into the Q7’s logical design—not too wide nor too high, making it easy to maneuver (especially for narrow urban streets, or going into those low-ceiling mall parking spaces), while having sufficient ground clearance for off-road driving and considerable interior space for riding comfort everywhere.
Inside, the Q7 imparts a lavish and modern ambience. The all-digital Audi virtual cockpit has a high-resolution 12.3-inch display that can be switched between two views through the multifunction leather steering wheel. Along with the usual speed and engine information, the instrument cluster offers a choice of navigational maps and directions, infotainment selections, the status of various driver-assist systems, phone directory and outside temperature. Other information include fuel consumption by litres per kilometre based on real-time driving conditions.
A “Car-to-X service traffic light information” is currently being rolled out in stages in selected European cities. Hopefully, this feature arrives in the Philippines soon as it allows the Q7 to receive information from the central traffic light computer via a server, enabling the driver to select a speed to match the next green-light phase. With this feature, the Q7 provides the driver with individual speed recommendation and the remaining time until the next green-light phase while waiting at a red light.
All elements of the Q7 interior refer logically to one another. At the centre is the Q7’s Multi-Media Interface (MMI) touch response system, with two. The 10.1-inch upper screen blends seamlessly with the black panel when switched off. Like a smartphone, it allows access to navigation, multimedia, connectivity, parking assist and vehicle setting functions. The 8.6-inch lower touchscreen accesses the climate controls and the air quality package. Both touchscreens are enabled with haptic feedback which gives a mechanical pulse that can be felt by fingertips, and a clicking sound notifying users of command inputs. This gives a safety advantage as it minimises the driver’s need for visual confirmation.
The MMI system delivers top-of-the-line connectivity featuring LTE Advanced, a Wi-Fi hotspot, natural voice control and an extensive Audi connect portfolio where the Audi smartphone interface allows seamless connection to Apple Car Play and Android Auto devices. The access options range from traffic information online, navigation with Google Earth, hybrid radio and integration with Amazon voice
service Alexa. The Q7’s digital functions complement the lifestyle of busy-bodies as they provide navigation directions, while allowing the driver and passengers to make calls, send and receive messages, listen to music and hold online meetings through the MMI system. It also allows a user to save preferred settings as “favourites” and infrequent passengers to log-in as “guests” for their own settings.
High-end digital technologies provide an extensive array of driver-assist systems that enhance safety. 360-degree cameras constantly scan the Q7’s immediate vicinity and render obstacles in high-resolution graphics. The touchscreen can be used to swivel or zoom in on the image of the vehicle and its actual surroundings to ensure no obstacles are hidden from the driver’s view. A virtual overhead view shown on the MMI display and panoramic views in front and the rear assist drivers in parking the Q7 in tight spaces and driving through tough conditions.
The Q7 reduces the driver’s workload, especially on long journeys, through adaptive cruise assist. This feature combines the functions of other driving modes (adaptive speed assist, traffic jam assist and active lane assist) enabling the Q7 to brake and accelerate in anticipation of the conditions ahead. Also new in the Q7 is the emergency assist (activated in “assisted and manual modes”) which brings the Q7 to a stop and initiates protective and rescue measures if the driver is inactive.
With all the features that the Q7’s MMI and driving system has to offer, I admire its logical design and layout. I didn’t have difficulty figuring out how to operate the vehicle settings or the sound-system (unlike other luxury vehicles which may take over 30 minutes to figure out).
Complementing the Q7’s modern technologies is its premium hardware features: Bang & Olufsen premium audio system with 3D sound; optional contour ambient LED lighting package; and Audi Music Interface in the
Every aspect of the Q7’s design reflects a thoughtful merger of firstclass features and practical qualities
rear seats. Cabin comfort is also enhanced by the Q7’s four-zone automatic air-conditioning and an air quality package that includes fragrancing and ionisers.
Standard to the Q7 are front leather seats with electric seat adjustment and memory function, and four-way lumbar support for all the seats. The Q7 also allows for customised contour seats with numerous adjustment functions and the S-sport seats plus (for the more premium S-line variant), both available with climate control and massage functions.
The second-row seats have their own air vents, storage compartments and hidden hooks, also available for the third-row (sixth to seventh) seats. This rearmost third-row seat can be conveniently folded down or raised up with a push of a button, for more luggage space. Cable cord outlets are conveniently provided in the elbow rest-compartment; however, the size of the cord outlet is smaller compared to the standard Apple iPhone cord and probably requires an adaptor. As an alternative, the front-row elbow rest compartment contains a charging pad.
Just as technologically advanced as its interiors is the Q7’s powertrain, comprising a 3.0-litre TDI V6 turbocharged diesel engine with an eight-speed tiptronic transmission and the quattro all-wheel drive. The Q7 45 TDI quattro produces 231 metric horsepower (hp) and 500 Nm of torque, accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds, with a top speed of 229 km/h. The more powerful Q7 50 TDI quattro delivers 286 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque, accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, with a top speed of 241 km/h.
The Q7 thus ranks on the upper range of speed for luxury SUVs (slightly lower than the BMW X5, but higher than that of other competitors like the Range Rover Vogue, Lexus LX, or Jaguar F-Pace). Going back to Audi Q7’s logical design, the Q7 positions itself in that logical range of how fast an SUV is expected to go. It gives the pleasure of driving a sporty, powerful vehicle while keeping its identity as a cross-over SUV.
The Q7’s sporty driving style is focused on optimum roll compensation, to substantially reduce the vehicle’s tendency to lean into the bend. In addition to the optimised all-wheel steering that allows the rear wheels to turn as much as five degrees in the opposite direction, the Q7 has the option of electromechanical active roll stabilisation. The Q7 is thus engineered to be precise and agile in urban traffic, or on hairpin bends. The air suspension system gives the Q7 a comfortable and stable ride on freeways and rough terrain.
Part of normal expectations from an SUV is its ability to cover long distances, ideally with less demands for refuelling. The Q7 excels at meeting these expectations, offering a practical balance between performance and efficiency. The Q7 is also exceptionally fuel-efficient owing to its engine’s mild hybrid system.
When thinking about a vehicle that meets our driving needs and our personal aspirations, the Audi Q7 is able to cover both spectrums. Self-satisfaction met, money well-spent—a state I call logical luxury.