It has become the norm nowadays for car manufacturers to upgrade its product on a regular basis adding improved style detail, technology, performance and efficiency. The objective is to keep their vehicles current giving new reasons to re-launch and generate extra sales from the latest versions available. This is true of the Audi Q7 which was originally unveiled in September 2005 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. This seven-seater was the first SUV offered by Audi and went on sale in 2006. The Q7 was redesigned in 2009 fixing most of the downside factors from the inception model. In 2015 the second generation Q7 was launched and in 2019 the vehicle was given a facelift. Now in November 2020 further upgrades have been added to keep the Q7 competitive in the marketplace.
The large SUV now features the new design of the Q family and offers better dynamics and excellent comfort and space. The exterior bears the large octagon- shaped Singleframe grille with six upright slats providing structure. Add the two- part side air inlets and the SUV looks far more aggressive and powerful. From the rear a striking chrome strip creates visual connection between the flat rear lights and horizontal body line. The S-line has even more enhanced exterior accents including a blade in the front bumper, radiator grille in titanium black with vertical slats in aluminum silver matt. High gloss paint finish, roof rails in aluminum and 20-inch wheels as standard. Optimized all-wheel steering allows the rear wheels to turn as much as 5 degrees in the opposite direction. This makes the Q7 more maneuverable, precise and agile in urban traffic and on hairpin bends. The optional adaptive air suspension offers improved ride comfort especially when travelling on freeways. Quattro drive for off the beaten track terrain along with a choice of seven profiles to select for the relevant off-road drive mode. The local line-up offers one diesel engine which is coupled to an eight-speed Tiptronic and permanent all-wheel drive. This Audi Q7 45 TDI quattro Tiptronic produces 183 kW of power and 600 Nm of torque. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/hr. in 6.9 seconds and reaching a top speed of 225 km/hr.
The large SUV has increased by eleven millimeters to 5 063 mm long and 1 970 mm wide. The 1 741 mm high includes the roof aerial. Plenty of storage compartments and best in class front and rear head and elbow room. Electric tailgate with foot-activated gesture control and luggage compartment between 865 and 2 050 liters of capacity depending on seating position. Audi optionally supplies the rear seat bench plus as part of the Comfort Package: all three seats can be moved individually fore/aft and the backrest adjusted, upgraded to a third seat row with two electrically lowerable seats which turns the Q7 into a 7-seater. Inside the cabin two large touchscreens provide haptic and acoustic feedback when clicking on the touch controls. When off, the top screen slots almost invisibly into the large black decorative surface. Standard MMI navigation plus delivers top-of-the-line connectivity. Embedded SIM, WIFI hotspot, voice control, and Audi connect. More technology is included such as Carfinder, remote lock/unlocking, speed and theft alerts to mention a few. The new Audi Q7 will offer the package concept to reduce complexity when customers order a new vehicle. Three packages are available Comfort, Black Styling and S Line interior.
Currently available in South Africa the model range and retail prices are:
Audi Q7 45 TDI quattro Tiptronic R1 328 500
Audi Q7 45 TDI quattro S line Tiptronic R1 388 500
Both models come standard with the 5 year/100 000km Audi Freeway plan inclusive of all taxes.
