INGOLSTADT: Audi’s full-sized Q7 sport utility vehicle (SUV) ups the ante with its newfound prestige factor, better dynamics and more high-tech goodies.
For looks, the new Q7 still bears the large octagon-shaped single-frame grille and six upright slats up front and flanked by a pair of gaping two-part side air inlets
The front end is further defined by the halogen headlights (HD Matrix LED technology with Audi’s laser light optionally available), while the restyled rear is slapped with a chrome strip that helps with the continuation of the defined shoulder line.
As an optional extra, the Q7 has the S line exterior that includes a blade in the front bumper, paint-matched sporty rear underbody protection and 19-inch wheels.
Suspending this SUV is an optional electromechanical active roll stabilization system that helps to reduce body movements on uneven roads when driving in a straight line.
The system focuses on optimum roll compensation and tries its level-best to substantially reduce the vehicle’s lean into a bend.
Also optionally available is the all-wheel steering system that turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction by up to 5-degrees to increase agility.
It also steers the rear wheels slightly in the same direction during highway speeds to improve stability.
To promote higher comfort levels is the standard adaptive air suspension (for all seven-seater Q7 model variants) which helps to provide variable ground clearance.
The system also includes offroad mode which is selectable via the Audi drive select dynamic handling system that provides a total of seven driving profiles.
An S line exterior can also include a slightly firmer adaptive air suspension sport that lowers the ride height by 15mm compared to the regular air suspension system.
Regardless of engine variant, an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission manages power delivery to the permanent all-wheel drive system.
The choice of powerplants available includes two diesel engines that will first be made available at market launch in mid-September for Europe before a petrol and a plug-in hybrid model completes the list of variants.
As standard, the Q7 will be equipped with a standard mild-hybrid technology that can help to reduce consumption by up to 0.7 litres per 100km.
The technology uses a belt alternator starter (BAS) to power a 48-volt main electrical system in which a compact lithium-ion battery stores the energy.
During braking, the BAS can recover up to 8kW of power and feed it back into the battery.
If the driver takes their foot off the accelerator at speeds between 55 and 160kph and the Q7 can recuperate back some of the energy.
It can also roll in idle or coasts for up to 40 seconds with the engine switched off.
Also, the BAS restarts the engine the next time the accelerator is depressed, and does so faster and more gently than a conventional starter. The start‑stop range begins at 22kph.
Inside, regardless of whether its five or seven seats, the Q7 is more spacious than before thanks to the dimensional increases that make it 5,063mm-long (+11mmn), 1,970mm-wide and 1,741mm-tall.
It also boasts of segment-leading headroom and elbow room throughout the cabin as well as a host of storage compartments including a new accommodating compartment in the instrument panel.
Depending on the position of the rear seat backs, activating the standard powered tailgate with an optional foot-activated gesture control system in the five-seater Q7 reveals an 865-litre boot that expands to 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded down flat.
A Rear Seat Bench Plus can also be added from the options list so that it can be moved fore and aft as well adjustable backrest angle and a third seat row with two power-foldable seats.
At the front of the cabin, there are two large touchscreens with haptic and acoustic feedback when touching the controls.
When off, the top display slots almost invisibly into the large black decorative surface.
An optional contour ambient lighting package gets the interior illuminated when in the dark.
The comfort equipment options include four-zone automatic air conditioning, a power-assist function to close the doors quietly, Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System and an air quality package with fragrancing and ionizer.
Highlights in the seat lineup include the customized contour seats with their numerous adjustment functions and the S sport seats plus, both available with climate control and massage function.
For infotainment purposes, its the Audi connect and assist systems that have the Multi-Media Interface (MMI) Navigation Plus with LTE Advanced, Wi-Fi hotspot, natural voice control and the extensive Audi connect portfolio which includes traffic information online, navigation with Google Earth and hybrid radio.
The cloud-based Amazon voice service Alexa has been newly integrated into the MMI operating system.
The same applies to the Car-to-X service traffic light information, which is being rolled out in stages in selected European cities.
Interconnection with the city’s infrastructure allows the vehicle 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.
The all-digital Audi virtual cockpit – and the optional heads-up display – provide an individual speed recommendation as well as the remaining time until the next green-light phase if the driver is already waiting at a red light.
The system thus contributes to a predictive and efficient driving style and facilitates a steady flow of traffic.
There is also an adaptive cruise control assist system which combines the functions of adaptive speed assist, traffic jam assist and active lane assist to reduce the driver’s workload, especially when on long journeys.
In combination with efficiency assist it brakes and accelerates the Q7 in anticipation of the conditions ahead.
Also newly added is the emergency assist system, which detects if the driver is somehow inactive and will bring the car to a full-stop while initiating protective and rescue measures.
Keyword: Audi Q7 enhanced