Our observations of the all new Q7 Interior

As the media photos came in from Audi Germany, we couldn’t help but notice that the interior of the upcoming 2016 Q7 is not only a dramatic departure for the Q7, but for Audi in general. Below we have 2 photos from slightly different angles, which show some items which are all new for this model, and some for Audi in general.

1. Faux vent windows. We haven’t seen an Audi with vent windows since the 4000. On the Q7, they probably don’t open, but still seems a bit strange to see them on a modern car that isn’t a Subaru Imprezza or Lamborghini.

2. The MMI screen is on the top of the dash, like the A3 and Q3, instead of the front of the dash as found on the A6/A7/A8. We expected  the latter, but as usual, Audi surprised us with this. We think we like it where it is.

3. The START/STOP Engine button is on the dash (where the ignition key was on the original/current Q7, not the console as it’s been since the beginning (other than the B7 RS 4).

4. This is a busy area with lots of change. The MMI appears to be completely new, with what looks like A3 style controls, and a gigantic touch pad. There does appear to be a command dial as well. The gear selector is interesting as well. We notice one thing immediately, there is a P BUTTON on the face of the selector, which makes us think that the mechanism is more along the lines of what is in the D4 A8 – fully electronic, but with an all new order of ratios. No more PRND.. Park in the middle? Ok. Interestingly, there is a tiptronic gate visible in the indicator on the console, which is nice.  . We’re not sure why the selector couldn’t select P like the A8 does.

5. The images do show a fully electronic “digi dash” as the new TT also has been showing off. This is hugely exciting, and does to a large extent render the location of the MMI screen less of an issue, if the same information can be displayed directly on the instrument cluster.

6. The full width vent panel. Again, we’re not sure exactly what this is all about. Is it just for looks, is it functional? Time will tell.

All in all, we’re excited about the significantly updated and hyper-modernized cabin, and are comping at the bit to see this new Q7 in person, to see what else hides out of view.