If the first Audi Q7 was often criticized for its high weight, the German automaker learned more than well. The second generation dropped 325 kg , which will have the most positive effect on the consumption and dynamics of a large SUV . The design also went through a revolution, referring to the smaller Q3.
But we have to start with the weight, where the MLB platform, made of high-strength steel and aluminum, saved a whole 100 kg . Another 71 kg was saved on the body and 24 kg on the aluminum doors . The front fenders, bonnet and fifth door are also made of the same material. Shedding kilograms also applies to the interior, equipped with new materials, or the electrical installation . The currently lightest Q7 with a three-liter TFSI thus weighs 1,970 kg , the 3.0 TDI diesel version is only 25 kg heavier.
There was also a reduction in the size box, but don't be alarmed, the Q7 still remains a large or downright huge SUV. This is evidenced by a length of 5050 mm (37 mm less than the first generation), a width of 1970 mm, a height of 1740 mm and a wheelbase of 2990 mm . Despite the slightly smaller body, there's a lot more room inside – there's 21mm more between the first and second rows, headroom has increased by 41mm at the front and 23mm at the back, and if you go for the optional third row of seats , you'll gain 24 mm more space in the longitudinal direction and 20 mm more room for elbows. The size of the trunk is 295 liters in the case of three rows of seats, if you have only two rows of seats it increases to 890 liters and with only the front seats there is 2075 liters available. It is also worth mentioning the possibility to tow a trailer weighing up to 3.5 tons.
Under the hood, you can choose from two six-cylinder three-liter engines in Europe so far in combination with an eight-speed automatic. The petrol TFSI has 333 hp and 450 Nm, which is enough for a sprint to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, a top speed of 250 km/h and an average consumption of 7.7 l/100 km. The diesel TDI has 272 hp and 600 Nm, so the Q7 shoots to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, reaches a speed of 234 km/h and consumes an average of 5.7 l/100 km. Primarily for Asian markets and the United States, the 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder gasoline engine with a power of 252 hp and a torque of 370 Nm is intended. From next year, an economical version of the 3.0 TDI ultra with a power of 218 hp and a torque of 500 Nm will be available. Those who have fallen under the spell of hybrids will certainly appreciate the plug-in hybrid Q7 e-tron quattro with a three-liter turbodiesel and an electric motor, built into the eight-speed Tiptronic automatic, with a total output of 373 hp and a torque of 700 Nm. The first diesel plug-in hybrid in the history of the brand is said to consume only 1.7 l/100 km, while acceleration takes only 6 seconds in hybrid mode. Thanks to the 17.3 kWh lithium-ion batteries, there will also be a purely electric range with acceleration to 60 km/h in 6.1 seconds and a range of up to 56 km.
The appearance of the body is literally revolutionary compared to the first generation. Audi has left no stone unturned, so at the front we find the latest interpretation of the Singleframe radiator grille , which is strikingly similar to the recently modernized Q3 SUV, or the lights, where it is possible to choose from xenons, LEDs or the unique Matrix LED technology . However, there are always LEDs for daytime running lights. In the rear, Audi mainly emphasizes the option to pay extra for dynamic turn signal technology . There will be a total of 11 body colors to choose from or the S line optical sports package (in the photos) with a more prominent radiator grille, bumpers, sill extensions, rear spoiler and diffuser. However, the base model will have to make do with lower parts of the bumpers and wheel arches with plastic trim.
The interior is dominated by a 12.3-inch digital TFT display instead of an instrument panel, a technology used for the first time in the new Audi TT. The multimedia equipment is completed by the standard 7.3-inch screen of the MMI system , which can be replaced by a 1.3-inch larger screen for an additional fee. A head-up display and a pair of 10.1-inch tablets with LTE internet connection and an Nvidia Tegra 4 processor for rear passengers will also be available as optional extras. The sound will be taken care of in the basic equipment by the excellent Bose audio with surround sound , but for an additional fee it can be replaced by Bang & Olufsen equipment with 23 speakers, also with surround sound and a power of 1900 watts.
In conclusion, it is worth mentioning the safety equipment, including, for example , a night vision system , autonomous brakes, multi-collision brake, adaptive cruise control or trailer stabilization. For an additional fee , the chassis can be equipped with all-wheel steering and air suspension, which can lower the ground clearance by 30 mm on the highway or raise it by 60 mm in the off-road. The premiere is scheduled for the January auto show in Detroit , sales will start next spring.
Source: Audi
