Heaven in new Audi Q7
AUDI CONNECT: ONLY THE SECOND LOCAL MODEL TO FEATURE SYSTEM
Tried-and-trusted 183kW/600Nm diesel engine only powerplant on offer.
Despite featuring serious refinements in terms of styling and handling, it is on the connectivity front that Audi has made the biggest strides in the new Q7.
Closely following in the footsteps of the recently updated A4, the Q7 is only the second local model from Ingolstadt to feature the comprehensive Audi connect system.
In addition to the Wi-Fi hotspot, natural voice control and real-time traffic and weather information, Car2X services add safety and service features in the event of damage, breakdown or minor accidents.
In addition, the MyAudi app enables certain remote features and functionality through a smartphone, which includes car finder, remote lock/unlocking plus speed and theft alerts.
“SUVs are all about lifestyle and interactivity with your mobile device has become an integral part of our lives,’’ says Tarryn Knight, Audi South Africa’s head of marketing, product and public relations.
The cabin, which utilises Audi virtual cockpit plus for seamless integration between car and driver and the ultimate digital experience, is every bit as luxurious as its coupe-styled sibling the Q8, which this publication last year described as “a business class lounge on wheels’’.
The digitalisation is highlighted by two large touchscreens of which the top one operates the infotainment system and the bottom one the fourzone climate control. Optional equipement include ambient lightning and a Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System.
Apart from comfort, the Q7 has always been about space and having grown 11mm in length to 5 063mm in total, the latest reincarnation offers heaps of leg and elbow room.
It can be ordered as a seven-seater which features two electronically lowered rear seats. With the third row flat, it offers a ginormous 865 litres of luggage space, which can be increased to 2 050 litres with the second row also folded flat.
On the outside, the new Q7 is more chiselled than its predecessor with six upright slats replacing the horizontal lines on the Singleframe grille and the side air inlets receiving some
cosmetic treatment. At the rear, a chrome strip connecting the flat tail lights are a striking addition.
Under the bonnet, nothing has changed, with the 3.0-litre TDI engine still the only drivetrain option. The triedand-trusted diesel mill sends 183kW/600Nm to all four wheels via an eight-speed Tiptronic.
Audi claims a 0 to 100km/h time of 6.9sec with a top speed of 225km/h.
The engine gets the job done without any fuss, but it does feel a tad underpowered during acceleration, which is no surprise taking into account the vehicle’s weight of over two tons.
Those opting for more power would have to wait for the 310kW/900Nm SQ7 next year.
The Q7 offers greater agility and stability through optimised all-wheel steering, as well as optional air suspension. The allwheel steering enables the rear wheels to turn by as much as 5%.
The adjustable air suspension enables the car’s ground clearance of 210mm to be raised to 270mm or lowered to 180mm.
Comfort, black styling and S line are offered.
Likes
Space and versatility Striking arrow line detail in indicator lights
Dislikes
Only one engine option for now
Verdict Verdic
Despite being out of re reach for the majority of buyers at over R1.3m, the updated Q7 offers very good value