Audi Q7 review, first drive
Audi is coming back with the Audi Q7 in India. The SUV now comes with a host of changes including a new engine which is BS 6 complaint. So how is the new Q7 to drive? We find out.
In Short
- The new Audi Q7 comes with Matrix LED headlamps and dynamic turn signals.
- Interiors have been upgraded too with a host of features.
- Under the bonnet there is a new V6 petrol engine. No diesel option this time.
The Audi Q7 was Audi’s flagship SUV at one point of time, and we must say that Indians loved the big SUV quite a bit. However, with the advent of BS 6 regulation, the company discontinued the Q7. Now though it is bringing the SUV back in the country in an all-new avatar. So what are the changes, and how does it impact the buyer? Let’s find out.
Audi Q7: Exterior design, features
Let’s begin by saying that the overall design of the Audi Q7 mimics the brand’s global design philosophy. So one look at it is enough to identify it as an Audi SUV. However, the Q7 now gets the brilliant Matrix LED headlamps complete with dynamic turn signals. The front bumper and grille have been tweaked as well, but things are not radical at all. In profile one can check out the new 19in alloy wheels and the fact that the Q7 is a mega-sized SUV benefits of which are reaped once inside the cabin. Claimed ground clearance of the Audi Q7 currently stands at 172mm. At the back, Audi has added LED tail lights and a chrome strip to spruce up things. Other additional convenience features include the adaptive windshield wipers and a rather excellent 360-degree camera which comes as a boon while parking this SUV.
Audi Q7: Interior details and features
The Q7 now comes with a new dash with chrome and piano black treatment. While it looks rather good, the piano black surfaces are a ‘fingerprint magnet’. The new MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch response system is a rather good feature to have. The system is operable via twin displays on the center console and the graphics are rich and the ‘buttons’ are easy to use. The system not just controls the new Bang & Olufsen audio system, but also all other functions including drive modes and climate control among others. While the old school knobs and buttons have reduced considerably, few of them have been left behind like the audio volume control. This makes it easy for the passenger and the driver to use while on the move.
The instrument panel now comes in form of the Audi Virtual Cockpit. This all digital unit is just brilliant and can be tailored to the requirements of the driver. Needless to say, the steering wheel gets a plethora of buttons to control a host of functions. The front seats are also very comfortable and ventilated as well apart from being electrically adjustable. Step into the second row and the Q7 feels luxurious with ample room all around. The rear seat passengers can also have dual screens for entertainment. Then there is the climate control system which is dual zone at the back and this means setting can be individually chosen. The third row though usable is not the best place to be in the Q7.
Audi Q7: Third row usage and boot
The older Q7 though large had a rather odd feature. The massive spare tyre was positioned in the boot vertically and as a result one seat of the third row was permanently out of action unless one decided to leave the spare at home. Now though there is no spare to worry about and this means both seats on the third row can be deployed electrically. With the third row folded, the boot offers a cavernous amount of space. Another new feature is the gesture control operation of the tailgate. With the key fob in one’s pocket, a foot swipe under the rear bumper activates the system and opens the tail gate. This sure comes handy.
Audi Q7: Engine details and tech features
The new Audi Q7 comes with a BS6 complaint 2,995cc engine which churns out 340bhp and a rather interesting 500Nm of torque. Audi claims that the new Q7 can zip to 100kmph in just 5.9 seconds and can keep going until it hits 250kmph. Now don’t forget that this is a big burly SUV no less! Other features include Audi Drive Select tech and also the famed quattro all-wheel-drive system. The new Q7 also gets adaptive suspension which allows the driver to raise and lower the SUV as and when needed.
Audi Q7: How is it to drive
Let’s begin by saying that the 6-cylinder engine is buttery smooth at start up and remains so. There is no way the passengers within the vehicle will be bothered by it. The motor offers a lot of grunt too and as a result zipping past traffic is no big deal. Just a little tap on the accelerator is enough to complete the overtaking maneuver. It is also immensely capable while on the cruise. The SUV wafts along like a luxury yacht and keeps passengers within happy. But the most interesting thing is that the new engine offers ample zest to turn the driver into a hooligan and that too without making it very evident. This can be further aggravated by selecting the Dynamic mode on the Drive Select module. Of course in this mode, the Q7 lowers the suspension to be as aerodynamic as possible and this helps it to chase the horizon. The revs are held on longer and acceleration is best called fast.
What we liked even more is the ride quality. The suspension absorbs every form of undulation with ease and this ensures that passengers within remain comfortable. The additional bonus comes in form of the height adjustability which the Q7 offers. Now even the biggest speed hump cannot scrape the underbody of the Q7. Last but not the least, the steering has been tuned to be light but offers ample feedback to the driver. However, in all honesty I personally have always been a fan of Audi steering set-ups as they are neither to heavy nor overtly assisted. Just perfect!
Overall then the new Audi Q7 is sure to be a proper contender in this class of vehicle.
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