The prestige German brand Audi have updated and revised their flagship Q7 model. It is better looking and more refined than ever. Audi has upgraded its flagship family SUV with a refreshed design and enhanced technology. New wheels, exterior colours, detailing and advanced specifications lend the Q family’s most versatile SUV an even higher level of customisability. Three highly specified core trim levels are available across the Q7 line-up: S line, Black Edition, and Vorsprung. In addition an exclusive Launch Edition will be available in limited numbers from the market introduction, sitting between the Black Edition and the Vorsprung model.
The Exterior
The Q7 is the largest and most versatile SUV in the brand’s line-up and now features Audi’s modern design language with a more minimalist form and smooth, clean surfaces. The overhangs and wheelbase demonstrate powerful proportions that are further emphasised by distinctive exterior colours and a choice of new alloy wheels. Standard equipment starting from the base ‘S’ Line’ across the line-up includes quattro all-wheel drive, adaptive air suspension, Matrix LED headlamps and a rear view camera.
Stepping up to Black Edition brings larger 21” matt dark grey Audi Sport wheels, sport adaptive air suspension, and a black high gloss package plus with black rings. Highlights of the flagship Vorsprung trim include HD Matrix LED headlamps with Audi laser-light, a panoramic roof, all-wheel steering, and larger 22” black metallic Audi Sport wheels. Design upgrades further extend to a redesigned spoiler at the front, an expressive diffuser, and oval double tailpipes at the rear, which are typical for S-Models from Audi.
The unmistakably upright Audi ‘Singleframe’ grille with an octagon design now features vertical inlays in an L shape. This makes it clear at first glance that the vehicle is a flagship Audi and differentiates it from other Audi models. In addition, the grille’s contours and the repositioned headlights make for a completely new front-end design that clearly emphasises the car’s purposeful new appearance, while reduced decorative elements give a cleaner and more purist look. Aligned even more closely with the SQ7 TFSI, the S-line model stands out with its clearly accentuated side air intakes in the front bumper, giving the vehicle an even sportier look.
The newly designed headlights feature HD Matrix LED technology with lasers as an additional beam light (‘Vorsprung’ specification only), as well as the digital daytime running lights positioned on the upper horizontal edge, add to the Q7’s more purposeful look. In combination with the digital OLED rear lights, which are available for the Q7 for the first time, the premium-class character of the model becomes even more apparent.
The Refinements
As ever, the interior of the Q7 is typically Audi and as good as buyers would expect it to be. As part of the model update on the inside, Audi has expanded the range of available apps. For the first time, passengers can directly use popular apps from third-party providers (for example, Spotify or Amazon Music). Regular software updates and a constantly expanding range of apps make for even greater individualization of the infotainment system. A store with a market-specific app portfolio expands the third-generation modular infotainment toolkit to suit infotainment customisations.
Enhancements have also been made to the driver assistance systems, chiefly the Audi virtual cockpit, which now displays a lane change warning, other road users (trucks, cars, and motorcycles), distance warning, intersection assist and traffic light info online in stunning full HD quality.
The updates inside include ‘Valcona’ leather upholstery, electrically adjustable heated front sports seats with 'S' embossed logo (SQ7 only), the Audi Virtual cockpit, climate control, and privacy glass. The interior also features an extended leather pack, B&O Premium Sound System, four-zone climate control, a head-up display, and front seat ventilation and massage functions are fitted as standard.
The Drive
Sportiness is deeply rooted in the genes of the new SQ7 TFSI, say Audi. As part of the product upgrade, the SQ7 TFSI now runs on the established 4.0 litre TFSI petrol engine with 500bhp (507PS) and 770Nm of torque mated with a fast-shifting eight-speed ‘tiptronic’ gearbox and quattro permanent all-wheel drive.
With this gutsy engine, the SQ7 TFSI accelerates from 0-62 mph in just 4.1 seconds, with an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph. The firing order of the eight cylinders provides a distinctively sporty sound, incidentally. At low to medium loads and acceleration speeds, the cylinder on demand system deactivates cylinders 2, 3, 5, and 8 in the upper gears by shutting off injection and ignition and closing the intake and exhaust valves. The switching process takes just milliseconds and goes almost unnoticed. When the driver presses the accelerator pedal, the deactivated cylinders reactivate immediately. To achieve the sporty sound, there is an exhaust flap in the two outer tailpipes of the exhaust system that modulates the sound depending on load and rev speed.
For an ideal driving experience and long distance comfort, a vehicle requires not only first-class engines but also outstanding suspension components and Q7 buyers don’t miss out in this regard. With the SQ7 ‘Vorsprung’ range-topping version, customers also benefit from a sport differential as standard. When cornering at high speed, it uses two multi-disc clutches to shift the torque between the rear wheels, giving the wheel on the outside of the curve, which has the better grip, the greater share. Known as torque vectoring, this makes handling even more effortless and precise. When turning or accelerating in a curve, the large SUV literally presses into the curve, minimising the tendency to understeer and roll.
For further grip in all conditions, the SQ7 Vorsprung specification also includes electromechanical active roll stabilisation whereby both axles are equipped with a compact electric motor coupled to a transmission. In short, the Q7 offer one of the best all-round drives in the full-size SUV segment.
MHH International offer the Q7 and a variety of Audi vehicles for export from the UK to New Zealand, Ireland, Kenya, the Caribbean and other destinations, VAT free. Please browse our website for full details of our comprehensive stock and shipping expertise.
