Lighter, more efficient and full of high-tech – The new Audi Q7

The large SUV presents innovative solutions for lightweight construction, drive, suspension, infotainment, connectivity and assistance systems. Its spacious interior pampers occupants with luxurious comfort.

Up to 325 kilograms (716.5 lb) less weight
Thanks to the strict lightweight concept from Audi, the basic version of the new Q7 remains under two tons unladen (without driver) – up to 325 kilograms (716.5 lb) lighter than the predecessor model, depending on the engine version. The body alone with its innovative multi-material construction saves 71 kg (156.5 lb) in weight, with add-on parts (aluminum doors), 95 kg (209.4 lb). With 5.05 meters in length, 1.97 meters in width and 1.74 meters in height (16.6 x 6.5 x 5.7 ft) (with steel suspension), the new Q7 is a big car – but also the lightest in its class.

Handling dynamics: The interplay of all components
The sporty handling dynamics unusual for an SUV results from the close coordination between all departments within technical development. The engines harmoniously deliver their power to the road practically loss-free via a superior chassis. This interplay of components provides the ideal basis for dynamic handling. Given also the quattro drive, a quick-shifting tiptronic and the low overall weight, each trip, whether on the freeway or a winding country road, brings the dynamic handling of a sedan to mind. Meanwhile the developers never neglected the need for a stable driving style off paved roads, or the desired dynamic gear mode – the Audi Q7 performs impressively on any terrain.

Lounge of the luxury class: The most spacious interior in the segment
On opening the door, the driver encounters a lounge of the luxury class. All colors and materials are carefully coordinated. In the front passenger area a continuous air vent strip stretches across the instrument panel and emphasizes the width of the interior. Restrained strips frame two-part decorative moldings; in the dark, optional, slender light guides follow the contours of the interior.

For the driver all switches and controls are ideally placed ready at hand. The numerous setting options afford a very comfortable seat position. The new Q7 offers numerous seat variants up to a customized contour seat with air conditioning and a massage feature. The versatility of the Audi Q7 is also revealed by the standard three-piece backrest in the second row of seats, which can be separately folded down, and by the optional third row of seats, which is now operated electrically. Another option is the Audi virtual cockpit, in addition to the Audi MMI monitor – the 12.3-inch diagonal TFT monitor displays elaborately computed graphics, and is operated at the multifunction steering wheel. In addition, the head-up display projects key information onto the windshield.

In the five-seater model the basic configuration of the luggage compartment boasts a volume of 890 liters (31.4 cu ft), and this can be increased up to 2,075 liters (73.3 cu ft).

Groundbreaking: Infotainment with the MMI all-in-touch
On the console of the center tunnel lies the newly developed and optionally available MMI touch. Driver and front passenger can write, pinch-to-zoom, or scroll through lists on the system’s large glass surface, which gives a haptic response to the operator’s finger. The simple MMI operating logic affords intuitive use, including intelligent free text searching. The voice control system can recognize input made using everyday language, such as: “Where can I refuel?”

The top-of-the-line infotainment system in the Q7, MMI navigation plus, uses the second generation modular infotainment module with its first-class computing power. In conjunction with the Audi connect module, passengers can surf the web with mobile devices via an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot. The LTE module also brings the online services of Audi connect on board. Among the many new services in this portfolio, the Audi smartphone interface is a particular highlight: It integrates smartphones with iOS and Android technology in a customized environment on the MMI monitor.

Shortly after the market launch, the Audi Q7 will include another new feature, “Audi connect safety & service”. Its features include emergency calling, online roadside assistance and the Audi service request. With the latter, the car sends at the customer’s request service-related data via an Audi server to the customer’s preferred workshop. These services may be used free of charge for ten years.

Comfortable and informative are the functions of the Audi connect vehicle control system (free of charge for three years). They include a vehicle status report, remote control locking and unlocking, information about the park position and remote control of the optional auxiliary heater. Operation is easy using the MMI connect app.

For hi-fi aficionados there are two sound systems from Bose and Bang & Olufsen featuring the new 3D sound, which exploits the spatial dimension of height. The top system from Bang & Olufsen integrates 23 speakers and delivers 1,920 watts of sound. Each of the front seat backrests is designed to take an Audi tablet, which functions as a versatile Rear Seat Entertainment system – another pioneering solution from the brand.

Engines: Two three-liter V6 engine versions and a plug-in hybrid drive
The new Q7 enters the German market with two greatly modified V6 engines. The 3.0 TDI with 200 kW (272 hp) and the 3.0 TFSI with 245 kW (333 hp) accelerate the large SUV from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 6.3 seconds and 6.1 seconds, respectively. The diesel engine consumes an average of just 5.7 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (41.3 US mpg) with an emission of 149 g CO2 per km (239.8 g/mi) – 23 percent less than the previous model. Shortly after the market launch in Germany, a very efficient second version of the 3.0 TDI (preliminary data) with 160 kW (218 hp) and a fuel consumption of 5.4 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (43.6 US mpg) and 144 g CO2 per km (231.7 g/mi) will follow.

The Q7 3.0 TDI e-tron quattro, to arrive at the dealers later, even emits only 46 grams of CO2 per kilometer (74.0 g/mi). The world’s first plug-in hybrid with a six-cylinder diesel engine and quattro drive system combines a 3.0 TDI with a powerful electric motor. Its system output is 275 kW (373 hp), and the pure electric range in the NEDC is as much as 56 kilometers (34.8 mi).

Superior engines, a new eight-speed tiptronic, improved quattro permanent all-wheel drive, a low center of gravity and a completely redesigned lightweight chassis – the technology package of the new Audi Q7 allows drivability that is both agile and comfortable. Its electromechanical power steering and the versatile Audi drive select system are standard features; on request, adaptive air suspension is also available. Completely new is the all-wheel steering: the rear wheels turn a few degrees in the same or opposite direction of the front wheels, depending on the situation.

High-tech excellence from Audi: Driver assistance systems
The new Audi Q7 currently offers the widest range of assistance systems of any production car, with many systems totally new on the market. The predictive efficiency assistant helps the driver save fuel, while the adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist relieves the chore of driving in slow-moving traffic on roads in good condition. Other innovations include the cross-traffic assist, the exit assist and trailer maneuver assist. The large SUV bearing the four rings emblem is an all-rounder for family, business and leisure, and a superior companion on all roads and thoroughfares.

Top of the class: Top position in insurance classification
The new Audi Q7 has the top spot in the German collision insurance classification. Compared with the competition models, the full collision insurance (VK N27) for the new Audi Q7 (3.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI) is lower in cost by one to three insurance categories. Audi customers can thus save up to €1,000 in maintenance costs annually.

Design: Expressive and striking
The large SUV interprets characteristic design features of Audi and the Q family. A sculpturally molded Singleframe grille with a solid frame is the defining element at the front. In the optional LED and Matrix LED headlights, the daytime running lights feature striking double-arrow graphics. Intense wheel arches and the shoulder line emphasize the wheels, while the tailgate extends around the D-pillars. They’re complemented by new solutions such as inlay strips at the bottom of the doors.