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

The proportions of the new Audi Q7 are slimmer than its predecessor: With 5.05 meters in length, a 2.99 meter wheelbase, 1.97 meters in width and 1.74 meters in height (with steel suspension) (16.6 x 9.8 x 6.46 x 5.7 ft), the large SUV is 37 mm shorter and 15 mm (1.5 and 0.6 in) slimmer, while the height has remained approximately the same.

The proportions of the new Audi Q7 are harmonious, with imposing roof pillars underscoring stability and space. Clearly drawn horizontal lines embrace the athletically taut surfaces, molded with high precision, although the outer skin is made entirely of aluminum.

The Singleframe grill with its bold and gleaming aluminum-look crossbars comes across broader and lower than in the previous model. Its three-dimensional body is the central element of the front; the robust frame runs up to the headlights. Powerful contours border the large air inlets, two crossbars each divide their interior.

Striking graphics: The headlights
The headlights of the large SUV are closely linked to the Singleframe: In their case too, the sculptural design makes an intensive impression of depth. Like the grill, they are bordered above by the hood, while their bottom edges lie at the level of the second Singleframe slat. Xenon plus units are standard. With the optional LED and Matrix LED headlights, the daytime running lights together with the turn signals form a double light guide arrow – a new and unique light signature within the Audi family.

Each Matrix LED headlight divides its high beam into 15 individual light-emitting diodes paired with three reflectors. A camera on the interior mirror analyzes the traffic situation. Given this information, the control unit individually turns the diodes on and off, or dims in them in 64 stages each, depending on the situation. With the millions of different resultant beam patterns, the high-end headlights from Audi always superbly light up the road, without dazzling other road users.

The functional range of the Matrix LED headlights also includes intelligent cornering lights, created by a shift in the light center position. If the car is equipped with the optional MMI navigation plus, then this system’s route data will trigger the cornering light to illuminate around the corner just before the driver begins turning the steering wheel. Together with the LED and Matrix LED headlights, Audi provides dynamic rear turn signals – their individual segments light up in rapid succession from the inside outwards.

Typically quattro: The side view
The side view of the new Audi Q7 continues the play of lines and surfaces. From the headlights and Singleframe extend contours that lend the engine hood a tauter appearance. At the upper corner of the headlight begins the so-called blister line, which segments the side. Above the wheels it conveys an impression of restrained muscularity – a subtle homage to the classic quattro models from Audi. The wheel arches appear large and incisive; this highlighting of the wheels is also typically quattro.

The outside mirrors rest on top shoulders, giving the sides a sporty touch and creating space for small triangular windows. The doors are pulled down and overlap the sills. At the bottom they carry inlay strips (“blades”) embossed with the quattro logos. The sill contour pulls upwards and towards the rear – in interplay with the descending roof line and the long window band, this solution makes the body appear lighter.

Creating an effect of wideness: The rear
The tailgate wraps around the massive, steeply raked D-pillars, a typical feature of the Q models from Audi. The entire rear end is dominated by the horizontal lines, which underscore the width of the new Audi Q7. The large LED rear lights vary the theme of the headlamps: The tail lights, activated when the ignition is turned on, also create a double arrow here. The brake light is located in the two upper chambers; the interior of the light has a three-dimensional appearance, with lightness and elegance.

The housings of the rear lights are trapezoidal in shape, with their inside edges running towards the wheels. This contour continues in the panel, where it frames the license number area field with a shadow edge. Because the lighting must be visible even with the tailgate open, the new Audi Q7 comes with additional light units in the rear apron. The lower part of the bumper contains the two large, rectangular tailpipes of the exhaust system.

The color range: Eleven paint finishes
For the new Q7, Audi offers eleven colors to choose from, including five new ones. The solid finishes are called Carrara white and night black, the metallic paint finishes are Argus brown, carat beige, floret silver, glacier white, graphite gray, orca black, ink blue and Tofana white. Daytona gray completes the S line exterior package. With the customized paint finishes, a special offering from Audi, customers themselves choose their favorite shades.

The trim and add-on parts lend the large SUV a robust, elegant or sporty touch, according to the customer’s choice. The trim strips have a new, matt aluminum look. With the production look, the inlay strips in the doors and front underbody protection have a silver-colored finish, while the grid of the Singleframe grille, the lower zones of the bumpers and the wheel arches are anthracite-grained with a light structured finish. The add-on parts can be consistently matched to the vehicle color as an option.

With the second alternative – the S line exterior package – the bumpers, door trim strips and the roof spoiler feature a particularly bold design.
At the front the air inlets are interconnected, at the rear a diffuser insert replaces rear underbody protection. The grid of the Singleframe grill and the slats of the lateral air inlets bear a new, dark-gray high gloss paint finish.