The updated Audi Q7 SUV has been revealed ahead of an Australian launch in the first half of 2020.
Design changes have seen the Q7 grow by 11mm to now measure 5063mm long. The height is 1741mm while the width is 1970mm.
Exterior updates start with a new octagon-shaped Singleframe grille with six upright slats and the option of HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light, that emphasises the width of the Q7 with a light signature.
Down the back, the tail-lights have been redesigned and joined together by a new chrome strip.
Buyers can dress things up further with the optional S line exterior pack which adds a blade in the front bumper, accentuated underbody protection at the front and rear bumpers and 19-inch alloy wheels.
As with the recently revealed SQ8, the Q7 can be optioned with electromechanical active roll stabilisation which uses a compact electric motor between the two halves of the stabiliser on each axle. According to Audi, “when driving straight ahead, they largely act independently of each other, which reduces sprung mass vibrations on uneven roads.”
All-wheel steering is also optionally available, which allows the rear wheels to turn by up to five degrees in the opposite direction at low speed, which increases agility, while on the highway these wheels steer slightly in the same direction to promote stability.
Air suspension comes standard on all seven-seater Q7 models, while the S line exterior includes the slightly firmer adaptive air suspension sport, which lowers the ride height by 15mm compared with the regular air suspension system.
The cabin takes on the same dual-screen MMI Touch infotainment system as the Q8, it integrates Google Earth and Amazon's virtual assistant Alexa.
The navigation system is enhanced by Car-to-X services such as traffic sign and hazard information. Audi is rolling out this feature in selected European cities.
If working correctly “the car receives data from the traffic light central computer, allowing the driver to choose their speed to match the next green light. While waiting at a red light, the Audi virtual cockpit shows the remaining time until the next green light. The system thereby contributes to a predictive and efficient driving style and facilitates a steady flow of traffic.” There’s no word yet on when the tech will reach Oz.
As is the norm in the premium segments, there are a plethora of options including ambient lighting, four-zone automatic air conditioning, a power-assist function to close the doors quietly, a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, along with an air quality package with fragrancing and ionizer.
Buyers can also opt for a variety of customised contour seats with numerous adjustment functions, climate control and a massage feature.
Depending on the position of the rear seat backs the luggage compartment on the five-seater version offers between 865 and 2050 litres of capacity – the latter with a flat load area. An electric tailgate is standard with foot-activated gesture control available as an option.
At launch, Audi will offer two turbo-diesel engines, while a petrol unit and a plug-in hybrid model will join the range later in 2020.
Every variant will be equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and 48V mild-hybrid technology.
The updated Audi Q7 is expected to arrive in Australia in the first half of 2020. Local specifications and pricing will be announced closer to the launch date.
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