Alongside the Audi Q2, Q5 and Q8, the seven-seat Q7 has been given an update to its specifications from what was first offered in 2015 when the SUV was launched. Here, there is just a 3.0 TFSI quattro variant being made available, which is priced at RM599,900 on-the-road without insurance. This is inclusive of a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty (previously four-year/120,000 km).
The engine remains as before, a 3.0 litre supercharged V6 petrol unit producing 333 hp from 5,500-6,500 rpm and 440 Nm of torque from 2,900-5,300 rpm. An eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission handles power delivery to the wheels, together with the brand’s quattro all-wheel drive system.
From a rest, the big SUV takes 6.3 seconds to hit 100 km/h, and will continue accelerating to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. The claimed combined fuel consumption rating here is 7.9 litres per 100 km.
Much of the standard kit is as before, including adaptive air suspension, LED headlamps and DRLs (with high beam assist and washers), heated and auto anti-glare wing mirrors, powered tailgate and park assist with surround view camera. A revision here is the wheels, which are now 20-inch Audi Sport ten Y-spoke alloy wheels shod with 285/45 profile tyres.
It’s the same story with the interior, where you’ll still get leather/leatherette upholstery, four-zone automatic climate control, powered seats with four-way lumbar support and memory function for the driver, an ambient lighting package, leather-wrapped three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, upper inlays in brushed aluminium and lower inlays in an anodised finish.
Also present is the Audi virtual cockpit and MMI navigation plus with MMI touch, although the Q7 variant now gains Audi connect (includes Point of Interest search and WLAN hotspot) and a Bang & Olufsen Premium sound system with 3D sound. The latter replaces the previous Bose 3D Sound System.
In the safety department, you’ll find eight airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, Isofix mounts (on all second- and third-row seats; five in total), hold assist and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Externally, the Q7 2.0 quattro is identical to its 3.0 litre sibling in terms of looks, with different wheels being the only visible change for the seven-seater SUV. The 2.0 litre rides on 19-inch five V-spoke design alloy wheels compared to the 20-inch 10-spoke cast aluminium units seen on the higher-end variant.
The variant is powered by a 2.0 litre TFSI four-pot offering 252 hp at 5,000 to 6,000 rpm and 370 Nm between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. An eight-speed Tiptronic transmission transfers the engine’s power to the quattro permanent AWD system, and performance specs include a 0-100 km/h time of 7.1 seconds (0.8 seconds faster than the previous-gen 3.0 TFSI variant) and a 233 km/h top speed.
An Audi Drive Select system is present, offering Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, Efficiency, Allroad (ride height up by 25 mm) as well as Lift/offroad (ride height 60 mm higher, max) modes, and there’s even a loading mode that lowers the rear axle by 45 mm for easier boot access.
Standard kit essentially mirrors that found on the 3.0 litre, and the item list includes adaptive air suspension, LED headlamps and DRLs (with high beam assist and washers), heated and auto anti-glare wing mirrors, powered tailgate and park assist with surround view camera. Also on, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch, complete with an 8.3-inch rising central display.
Some differences inside the cabin; the 2.0 TFSI omits the Audi Virtual Cockpit and comes with a four-spoke steering wheel (three-spoke sports unit on the 3.0 TFSI), without electric steering adjustment.
The audio on it is also pared down – it’s equipped with an Audi sound system featuring a nine-channel amplifier, 10 loudspeakers and a total system output of 180 watts (the 3.0 litre features a Bose 3D Sound System with a 15-channel amp, 19 speakers and 558 watts total output)
Safety kit consists of electronic stabilisation control (ESC) as well as traction control (ASR), EBD and eight airbags. As for exterior colours, there are seven available, and these are Glacier White, Floret Silver, Argus Brown, Ink Blue, Graphite Grey, Orca Black and a special Daytona Grey with pearl effect.
Finally, pricing. The fully-imported Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI quattro is priced at RM524,900, on-the-road without insurance. (the 3.0 litre goes for RM589,900). Buyers can specify an optional S line package for an additional RM15,000; the package includes front/rear bumper dress up bits, 20-inch cast aluminium wheels and S line sports steering wheel, sport seats and special inlays.
Audi Malaysia’s official arrival into the country could not be more marked than with the launch of its flag-bearing SUV, the Audi Q7. Since the principal’s local induction at the end of 2014 to take over the reins from former franchise-holder, Euromobil, we’ve seen it launch the A6 and TT here, as well as introduce the country’s first official S model, the Audi TT S.
The local transition took place around the same time Audi AG was busy marking a rather significant milestone for itself — globally unveiling the second-generation Q7. And, with the first-gen SUV serving a full 10 years as a highly-capable people mover, the new one undoubtedly had some big shoes to fill for the start.
At a glance, the new Q7 is pinned on a new platform, has shed 325 kg and has been treated to the Ingolstadt-based car maker’s latest and greatest tech. It was also given a gleaming makeover, which as you can tell, features a far more chiseled look than its voluptuous old self.
Teased by Audi Malaysia since October, the new Audi Q7 is now officially launched. We have for now a sole variant, the 3.0 TFSI quattro, priced at RM589,900. The second-generation large SUV was first revealed last December, before making its show debut at the season opening 2015 NAIAS show in Detroit.
The Typ 4M replaces the original Q7 that had a fruitful 10-year lifespan. The old car’s substantial size stood out, and this one is no less imposing; although at 5,050mm long and 1,970 mm wide, it’s slightly shorter (37 mm) and narrower (15 mm) than the SUV it replaces. The 2,990 mm wheelbase is also marginally (12 mm) shorter than before.
Despite the slightly smaller footprint, Audi claims a longest in class and more headroom thanks to better packaging. The seven-seater’s boot volume is 770 litres, expandable to 1,955 litres with seats folded.
The big news here isn’t the new Q7’s size, but its successful diet programme that has yielded a substantial weight loss of 325 kg; think four regular sized adults, three big guys or a concert grand piano. From a heavyweight, the Q7 is now the lightest SUV in its class, which includes the likes of BMW’s X5 and the new Volvo XC90. Our well-equipped 3.0 TFSI tips the scales at 2,030 kg.
Key is the body structure, where a new multimaterial design reduces weight by 71 kg. Ultra-high-strength parts made of hot-shaped steel form the backbone of the occupant cell. Aluminium castings, extruded sections and panels are used in the front and rear ends as well as the superstructure. They account for 41% of the structure. Other parts made entirely of aluminium are the doors (which shave 24 kg), front fenders, hood and rear hatch.
The Q7 sits on the VW Group’s scalable MLBevo platform, which also underpins the B9 Audi A4 and the Bentley Bentayga SUV. The Q7 recently scored the full five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test with an adult occupant score of 94%, bagging the “Euro NCAP Advanced” award in the process.
The 3.0 TFSI’s supercharged V6 engine produces 333 hp and 440 Nm of torque from 2,900 to 5,300 rpm, accelerating the big SUV from 0-100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds on its way to a electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. That’s a full 1.6 seconds faster than its predecessor.
The supercharger (Audi prefers the term “mechanical charging module”) is deactivated when operating at part load, contributing to the decent fuel consumption of 7.9 litres per 100 km in the NEDC. There’s auto start-stop, too.
A new eight-speed tiptronic transfers the engine’s power to the quattro permanent AWD system. The torque converter automatic transmission offers a free-wheeling function when the driver steps off the gas, while a new vaporisation system enables the engine to run at extremely slow speeds below 1,000 rpm. Gears can be swapped manually by steering paddles or the lever, with commands transmitted by wire.
The Audi Drive Select system provides seven modes here, more than the sedans – Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, Efficiency, Allroad (ride height up by 25 mm), Lift/offroad (ride height 60 mm higher, max) and the customisable Individual. There’s even a loading mode that lowers the rear axle by 45 mm for easier boot access.
The pretty extensive standard kit for Malaysia includes adaptive air suspension, LED headlamps and DRLs (with high beam assist and washers), 20-inch 10-spoke rims, heated and auto anti-glare wing mirrors, powered tailgate and park assist with surround view camera.
Inside, the Q7’s dashboard looks like a scaled up version of the B9 A4’s (it’s the other way around, actually), which we really like. One gets the Audi Virtual Cockpit as seen on the TT, a three-spoke sports steering with paddles and buttons, four-zone auto air con, electric front seats with four-way lumbar and memory for the driver, ambient lighting and manual blinds for the rear windows. Comfort key (keyless, push start) is also in.
For infotainment, the Q7 gets MMI navigation plus with MMI touch (navi makes full use of the Virtual Cockpit). The system includes an 8.3-inch rising central display, 3D map display of POIs and city models, a touch sensitive panel with handwriting recognition and 10 GB flash memory for music and Bluetooth (calls and music streaming), among other things.
Sound comes from a Bose 3D Sound System with a 15-channel amp, 19 speakers and 558 watts total output. For trim, we get upper inlays in brushed aluminium and lower inlays in an anodised finish. The door sills get aluminium inlays, too. In the safety department, you’ll find eight airbags, a tyre pressure loss indicator, Isofix mounts (on all second- and third-row seats; five in total) and hill descent control, in addition to the usual ESC, ASR, EDL, ABS and EBD.
Once again, the new Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI quattro is priced at RM589,900 on-the-road without insurance. An S line package is available for RM13k, and it brings sportier exterior styling, twin five-spoke wheels, S line seats, gear knob, steering wheel, door sills and black headlining. Note that the white S line show car at the event (gallery below) does not have the exterior styling, but customer cars will. The show car’s Matrix LED headlamps and glass roof are not part of the S line package.
Audi Malaysia’s usual four-year or 120,000 km factory warranty applies.
And here it is, the new Audi Q7. It’s transformed from one of the heaviest cars in the segment to one of the lightest, at just 1,995 kg for the 3.0 TDI variant, compared to well over 2,000 kg for comparable rivals like the X5, Cayenne and Touareg.
The new Q7 is 5,050mm long, 1,970mm wide and 1,740mm tall with a 2,990mm wheelbase. That’s a longer wheelbase than the Touareg or the Cayenne but shorter than the first generation Q7. Although the new Q7 is 37mm shorter and 15mm narrower than the model it replaces, but Audi claims more interior space thanks to better packaging.
Various engine options are available – a 272 hp 600 Nm 3.0 TDI V6, a 333 hp 440 Nm 3.0 TFSI V6, and a plug-in diesel hybrid called the Q7 e-tron quattro that combines a 258 hp 3.0 TDI V6 with a 126 hp electric motor for a combined system output of 373 hp and 700 Nm. A full battery charge takes it up to 56 km. Two other engines will be launched later – a 218 hp 500 Nm 3.0 TDI V6 and a 252 hp 370 Nm 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder for the US and Asia market.
All engine variants are mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox with coasting support and a new vaporization system which enables the engine to run at extremely slow speeds below 1,000 rpm. Audi’s quattro system will allow power distribution between the front and rear axle in a 40:60 ratio under normal conditions, but if the wheels of one axle lose grip, it can extremely quickly transfer as much as 70 percent of the power to the front and a maximum of 85 percent to the rear. There’s also a torque vectoring feature implemented by selective braking.
The significant weight savings of up to 325 kg allows the new Q7 to better the previous model’s fuel consumption by as much as 28% for petrol TFSI engines and up to 23% for diesel TDI engines. This is thanks to an all new chassis with a new multi-material body – for example, the doors are made out of aluminium.
You can have the Q7 either with a conventional steel suspension or an optional air suspension which also has the ability to raise and lower the body according to the driver’s needs.
Compared to the exterior which has a pretty familiar side profile when you compare it to the outgoing car, the interior is completely revamped. There’s a central 7 inch MMI monitor that can be upgraded to a 8.3 inch monitor with the optional MMI navigation plus option. The optional MMI navigation plus upgrades the instrument cluster to a huge 12.3 inch 1,440×540 TFT display. Graphics are powered by Nvidia’s T30 processor. The Q7’s infotainment system supports both Apple CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto.
For audiophiles, there’s a Bose sound system with 3D sound, upgradable to a Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with an incredible speaker count of 23 including subwoofers, driven by 1,920 watts of amplifier power.
Rear seat entertainment is served by one or optionally two 10.1 inch Audi tablets powered by Nvidia Tegra 4 processors using the Android operating system. There’s Google Play Store support too. It’s no regular tablet – they are engineered for automotive use, so they’re temperature-resistant and offer the necessary crash safety lacking in conventional end user tablets.
The tablets hook up to the MMI navigation plus via WiFi, thus gaining access to the radio, media, navigation and car functions of the Audi Q7. You can remove it from the mount and use it like a normal tablet outside your car – it features a full HD camera and 32GB of internal storage. Other than Wifi connectivity, it also has Bluetooth and NFC support.
Like the previous model, the Q7 can be had as a 7-seater, although a 5-seater is also available. The third row of seats are rated Group 3 child seats, and they can be folded down into the cargo floor. Audi says the third row has 24 mm more headroom and 20 mm more shoulder room than before.
The second row has three individually adjustable seats that can slide up to 110 mm in range. For access to the third row, the second row seats can be folded down and tipped up on an edge as a compact package, providing a 376 mm wide entry width. All the five seats in the second and third row have Isofix points, and so does the front passenger seat, so you can fit up to six Isofix child seats in the Q7 if you ever have a need to.
With all seven seats up, luggage space is 295 litres. Fold down the third row and you’ll get 770 litres, extendable to 2,075 litres if you fold the second row seat backs down as well. The loading lip is 46 mm lower than the outgoing Q7 to make loading easier. A powered rear hatch is standard, and can be activated by a kicking motion in the centre below the rear hatch. The same kicking motion can be used to close the hatch.
Driver aid systems include parking aids, adaptive cruise control with stop and go support in traffic jams, collision warning and mitigation, cross traffic alerts, active lane assist, automatic reverse and perpendicular parking, and a surround view camera. Optional is all wheel steering, which improves both low speed manoeuvrability as well as high speed stability. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn the opposite direction of the front wheels while at higher speeds, they follow the movement of the front wheels.
The Q7 will debut at next year’s Geneva Motor Show, after of which it will be launched in Germany from spring 2015. The starting price tag will be 61,000 euros, but as you know starting prices are relatively bare and adding on options to the kind of levels we’re used to seeing in Malaysia will raise the price considerably.
Innenraum Verbrauchsangaben Audi Q7:Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert in l/100 km: 8,3 – 5,7;CO2-Emission kombiniert in g/km: 193 – 149
Gepaeckraum Verbrauchsangaben Audi Q7:Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert in l/100 km: 8,3 – 5,7;CO2-Emission kombiniert in g/km: 193 – 149
Gepaeckraum Verbrauchsangaben Audi Q7:Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert in l/100 km: 8,3 – 5,7;CO2-Emission kombiniert in g/km: 193 – 149
Gepaeckraum Verbrauchsangaben Audi Q7:Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert in l/100 km: 8,3 – 5,7;CO2-Emission kombiniert in g/km: 193 – 149
Gepaeckraum Verbrauchsangaben Audi Q7:Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert in l/100 km: 8,3 – 5,7;CO2-Emission kombiniert in g/km: 193 – 149
Innenraum Verbrauchsangaben Audi Q7:Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert in l/100 km: 8,3 – 5,7;CO2-Emission kombiniert in g/km: 193 – 149
Detail Verbrauchsangaben Audi Q7:Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert in l/100 km: 8,3 – 5,7;CO2-Emission kombiniert in g/km: 193 – 149
Detail Verbrauchsangaben Audi Q7:Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert in l/100 km: 8,3 – 5,7;CO2-Emission kombiniert in g/km: 193 – 149
Detail Verbrauchsangaben Audi Q7:Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert in l/100 km: 8,3 – 5,7;CO2-Emission kombiniert in g/km: 193 – 149
Standaufnahme Farbe: Arablau Kristalleffekt Verbrauchsangaben Audi Q7:Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert in l/100 km: 8,3 – 5,7;CO2-Emission kombiniert in g/km: 193 – 149
Standaufnahme Farbe: Arablau Kristalleffekt Verbrauchsangaben Audi Q7:Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert in l/100 km: 8,3 – 5,7;CO2-Emission kombiniert in g/km: 193 – 149
Standaufnahme Farbe: Arablau Kristalleffekt Verbrauchsangaben Audi Q7:Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert in l/100 km: 8,3 – 5,7;CO2-Emission kombiniert in g/km: 193 – 149
Standaufnahme Farbe: Arablau Kristalleffekt Verbrauchsangaben Audi Q7:Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert in l/100 km: 8,3 – 5,7;CO2-Emission kombiniert in g/km: 193 – 149
