Review
Audi Q7
The latest generation of the Audi Q7 has become more than 325 kg lighter and has new engines that reduce consumption by up to 28% compared to the predecessor. The Q7 has also received a brand new chassis and, as you might expect from Audi, is also packed with new and innovative technology. We were introduced to the Q7 Ultra 3.0 TDI.
Motorizations
The Audi Q7 is available in 3 diesel variants. The 3.0TDI Ultra Quattro tiptronic with 211 hp or 218 hp for 57,615 euros or a 3.0 TDI Quattro tiptronic with 272 hp for 61,105 euros. In addition, the Q7 is also available with a petrol engine, a 3.0 TFSI Quattro tiptronic with 333 hp for a base price of 63,575 euros.
Audi will also soon launch a hybrid version of the Q7, the Q7 e-tron 3.0 TDI Quattro. This diesel plug-in hybrid with four-wheel drive has a system power of over 373 hp and a system torque of over 700 Nm. According to Audi, with a charged battery you have an electric range of 56 km.
Q7 Ultra 3.0 TDI
We went out with the Audi Q7 Ultra 3.0 TDI with a power of 218 hp and a generous torque of 500 Nm. This Q7 is equipped with a turbo V6 diesel engine with a capacity of 2,967 cc. The top speed is about 216 km/h and this luxury SUV sprints from 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. The Q7 has permanent four-wheel drive (Quattro) and an 8-speed automatic transmission with tiptronic function. The Audi Q7 drives refined and quick with this engine, without really feeling sporty. Then you better choose the version with 272 hp. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly and with 8 gears, the Q7 is always in the right gear.
Lighter and shorter
The latest generation of the Audi Q7 has become more than 325 kg lighter compared to the previous generation. The Q7 has also become slightly more compact in length and width, while the height has remained more or less the same. Inside, the Q7 feels generous in terms of space and, especially in height, you have loads of space left, even with a panoramic roof.
Audi virtual cockpit
The new Audi Q7 is packed with technology. For example, you can optionally opt for a virtual cockpit. The driver can choose from two different ways in which information is displayed on the dashboard. In “Infotainment” mode you see the navigation map displayed large in the center of the dashboard, while the speedometer and rev counter are displayed in small format. In the “classic” mode you see the tachometer and speedometer displayed digitally, approximately the same size as if they were an analogue instrument cluster. The image you see in the virtual cockpit is of high quality with very sharp images packed with detail. For example, the image of the needle of the virtual tachometer is recalculated 60 times per second. You can operate various functions of the virtual cockpit via the multifunctional steering wheel.
Head up display
You can also optionally equip the Q7 with a head-up display. With this system, information about speed, speed limits, navigation instructions, etc. is projected in color onto the windshield. In our opinion, the image is sufficiently large, beautifully designed and easy to read from most seating positions. The image of the head-up display appears to be located at a distance of approximately 2.1 meters in front of the windshield. This is in line with the driver’s field of vision, so you can keep your eyes on the road at all times.
Driver assistance systems
The latest generation of the Audi Q7 is equipped with numerous driver assistance systems. A number of these systems are standard, other systems are available individually as an option or via the various packs.
The standard equipment includes “attention assist”. This system analyzes your driving behavior and will warn you when you start to lose concentration. When it detects an unsafe situation, the “Audi pre sense basic system” will take a number of preventive measures to protect the occupants: the front seat belts are electronically tightened, the windows and the panoramic roof are closed and the flashing lights are turned on to warn the driver behind. warn traffic. “Audi pre sense city” goes one step further. This system monitors traffic via a camera in the windshield. This concerns both vehicles and, for example, pedestrians. In case of danger it will first warn the driver and, if necessary, even intervene by braking autonomously. For speeds up to 40 km/h, Audi says it can avoid accidents within the system’s limits. At speeds up to 85 km/h, the system will ensure that the speed of any impact is reduced by helping to brake.
Optionally, you can opt for “adaptive cruise control” (ACC). You can set the distance to the car for you via this system. With the “Stop&Go” function, the Q7 will even brake to a complete stop and then take off again if the driver chooses. Via “Traffic jam assist”, the system will automatically guide the Q7 through a traffic jam at speeds of 0 to 65 km/h. The system will then operate the steering wheel and orient itself based on road markings and other vehicles.
These are just a few examples of the novelties on the new Q7, because we could fill our entire magazine with all the new gadgets.
Conclusion
With the new Q7, Audi is once again raising the bar within the luxury SUV segment. The Q7 has one of the best looking dashboards in terms of design and choice of materials. The Q7 also exceeds expectations in terms of technology with, among other things, the optional virtual cockpit, the beautiful head-up display and numerous driver assistance systems.
Johan De Haes
Test driver
