Following the recent spy pictures of the Audi Q7, the company has now pulled off the wraps from its new SUV. At the front the large grille is set between three different options of headlights. These include xenon, LED or Matrix LED headlights. The wheelarches are more prominent than before, while the car also look more hunkered down than the model it replaces.
The interior is of typical high quality. The centre console features a huge gearlever with a touchpad, the latter of which we have seen on the A8 for the first time. The two screens, one behind the steering wheel, the other popping out from the dashboard, give all the necessary information for the driver. As before, the Q7 will be able to carry up to seven occupants.
For the ultimate level of entertainment, the Q7 will also be offered with 10,1-inch tablets for rear-seated passengers and a 3D Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Apart from all these technology and interior improvements, the designers and engineers have paid some serious attention to what you can’t see from the outside. The new Q7 is up to 325 kg lighter than its predecessor.
The range will be made up of five different models. The 2,0-litre TFSI develops 185 kW and 370 N.m. The top-of-the-range petrol unit will come in the form of the 3,0-litre TFSI engine, developing 245 kW/440 N.m. Two 3,0-litre TDI units will be available, one pushing out 160 kW/500 N.m, the higher specification one delivering 200 kW/600 N.m.
Finally, there will also be an e-tron plug-in hybrid. This model will implement the 3,0-litre TDI engine together with an electric motor. The combined output of the hybrid system will be 275 kW and 700 N.m. The dash to 100 km/h will be done in a brisk 6 seconds with a top speed set at 225 km/h. However, fuel consumption is claimed to be only 1,7 litres/100 km. The e-tron will also be able to travel up to 56 km on electric power alone.
Expect the new Audi Q7 to arrive in SA towards the middle of the year. Final specification and pricing will become available closer to the time.