Strong in design, comfort and technology – the revised Audi Q7 is now available in South Africa
Audi has once again upgraded its flagship SUV with a clear visual language and even better technology. The fresh exterior design with new front and rear sections underscores the powerful character of the SUV, which offers first-class versatility and generous space for up to seven passengers. For the first time in a Q7, the HD Matrix LED headlights with laser as an additional high beam sport digital daytime running lights with selectable light signatures. Digital OLED rear lights with four selectable light designs complete the offering. New wheel, colours, decorative inlays and seats with contrast stitching lend the Q family’s most versatile SUV an even higher level of customisability.
From a study to a successful production model
The Audi Q7’s journey of success began in 2003 as a concept car called the Audi Pikes Peak quattro at the North American International Motor Show. Conceived as a vehicle suitable driving on all roads and moderate off-road use, the Q7 – which has been delighting customers worldwide for 18 years – remains true to its virtues of design, technology, and functionality. The first SUV from the brand with the four rings was unveiled to the public at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), just in time for the 25th anniversary of the quattro permanent four-wheel drive system. The new “superlative” in the SUV segment, as Audi put it at the launch of the Q7, combined poise, sportiness, and versatility. Since its launch, the Audi Q7 has been viewed as an all-rounder that combines high prestige with a wide range of applications.
Powerful, spacious, elegant: the exterior
Following the launch of the second generation with all-wheel steering in 2015 and an initial product upgrade in 2019, the new Q7 impressively shows its robust and elegant design with this second, comprehensive upgrade. With its even more minimalist form, clean surfaces, and exceptionally large volume, the Q7 stands for adaptability in every situation.
Safe on every surface: suspension with Audi’s DNA
Only an Audi drives like an Audi: This is how the brand with the four rings sums up the DNA of an Audi’s on-road characteristics, and it’s no less true for the Q7. Five characteristics define the Q7’s handling: balanced, solid, controlled, precise, and effortless. The suspension, steering, drive and braking and control systems all play a key role in creating a reliably safe, confident, and comfortable driving experience.
Electronically controlled air suspension with a continuously adaptive damping system – adaptive air suspension or adaptive air suspension sport (standard equipment on the SQ7 TFSI) – are included. Depending on the driver’s preferences and the driving situation, the suspension adjusts the ride height by up to 90mm while also offering level control. On the highway, the suspension lowers automatically by up to 30mm, depending on the current speed, and by 15mm with adaptive air suspension sport. During off-road driving, the “Lift” function in Audi drive select can be used to increase the ground clearance by up to 60mm at low speeds.
In addition, all-wheel steering (standard equipment on the SQ7 TFSI) ensures an increased level of safety and comfort. At low speeds, the back wheels turn up to five degrees in the opposite direction to the front wheels. This reduces the turning radius by up to one metre and increases manageability. At the same time, the driver feels more comfort and stability at higher speeds because the back wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels.
Efficient and powerful: drive systems
The range opens with the Q7 55 TFSI featuring a six-cylinder petrol engine with three litres of displacement and direct fuel injection that delivers 250kW. It produces a maximum torque of 500Nm in a broad rev range from 1,370 to 4,500rpm. The Audi Q7 55 TFSI accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds. It reaches its electronically governed top speed at 250km/h.
Sportiness is deeply rooted in the genes of the new SQ7 TFSI. It now runs on the established four-litre TFSI with 373 kW and 770 Nm of torque with fast-shifting eight-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. With this engine, the SQ7 TFSI accelerates from zero to 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds, with an electronically governed top speed of 250km/h. With its firing order of 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8, the 4.0 TFSI provides a distinctively sporty, sonorous sound.
Versatile and spacious: the interior.
Both the five- and seven-seat versions of the Audi Q7 and SQ7 TFSI combine high prestige with everyday practicality. With their generous length, headroom, and elbowroom front and back, both vehicles offer a first-class, airily spacious atmosphere. Depending on the position of the rear backrests, the luggage compartment in the five-seat version offers a volume of between 867 litres (backrests up) and 1,993 litres (backrests down). The tailgate is electrically powered as standard.
