The second-generation Audi Q7 is all-new for the 2017 model year and debuts Volkswagen Group’s new MLB Evo platform, which features lots of high-strength steel and aluminum body panels to significantly lower overall vehicle weight. Other changes include bolder styling and a more luxurious interior with more available technology.
The Audi Q7 sits at the top of the automaker’s SUV/crossover lineup above the midsize Q5 and compact Q3 models. The full-size crossover is available in two-row five-passenger and three-row seven-passenger configurations.
Performance
The 2017 Audi Q7 comes with two new engines: a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 252 horsepower and a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 333 horsepower. The V6 delivers plenty of power, but it comes with a hefty $6,500 premium above the base price. The base engine is no slouch either when it comes to power, as it outperforms the previous generation's V6 engine.
The new V6 has immediate acceleration when you punch the gas pedal, so you won't have to worry about having enough power to get up to speed or overtake another driver. The standard eight-speed automatic transmission fades into the background because its shifts are so quick and smooth, letting you use the engine's power right when you need it.
Overview
Although the 2017 Audi Q7 will be offered with several powertrains, only one engine will be offered initially: a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 making 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. A Tiptronic eight-speed automatic will send power to all four wheels via the automaker’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. That drivetrain is EPA-rated 19/25 mpg city/highway.
Other engine options will include a turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 rated at 252 hp and 273 lb-ft and a turbodiesel 3.0-liter V-6 making 272 hp and 443 lb-ft. Although not confirmed for the U.S. market, the Q7 e-tron will also sport a turbodiesel 3.0-liter V-6 paired with an electric motor producing a total system output of 373 hp and 516 lb-ft. On-sale date and EPA ratings for these potential drivetrains are forthcoming.
In addition to its all-new, lighter (by around 600 pounds) chassis and chiseled looks, the Q7 is available with lots of high-tech features including LED headlights, Head-Up Display (HUD), Audi virtual cockpit with high-res 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster, MMI navigation plus with voice activation and handwriting recognition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and more.
Safety
Though the redesigned Audi Q7 hasn’t been tested by the NHTSA, it did earn a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS in part for its standard forward collision warning. The system was able to avoid a collision in the low-speed 12-mph autobrake test and reduce vehicle speed by 23 mph in the high-speed 25 mph autobrake test. The forward collision warning is part of the standard Audi pre sense city. Other standard driver assist tech includes Audi pre sense basic and Parking system plus with rearview camera and front and rear sensors. Available tech includes adaptive cruise control with stop & go and traffic jam assist, active lane assist, side assist with pre sense (rear cross traffic alert and vehicle exit assist), pre sense plus (collision avoidance assistant and turn assist), high-beam assist, top view camera system, and more.
Thoughts on Audi Q7
We were impressed with our first drive of a pre-production Audi Q7 through the Namib desert in southwestern Africa on unpaved surfaces. We concluded: “Drives of this nature are useless for assessing things such as wind and road noise or on-road handling, but I can vouch for the Q7’s road isolation and seat comfort… Visibility is great, and the touchpad and rotary-push knob HMI remains wonderful. This will be an easy vehicle to love. It feels far more agile and carlike than before…”
We learned far more about the Q7 in our first test of a U.S.-spec production model. We liked how the crossover performed on the road, and though we experienced some hiccups with the advanced safety systems, we praised the traffic jam assistant feature. In summary, we said, “The Q7 is comfortable, luxurious, quiet, technically compelling, good enough to drive, and, most important, quite an appealing option in a lucrative and growing segment.”
Cool Fact
The MLB Eco platform will also underpin the next-generation Audi A4/A5 and A8 cars and the Volkswagen Touareg, Porsche Cayenne, and Bentley Bentayga SUVs.
How Much Does the Audi Q7 Cost?
Audi Q7 Ex Showroom Price in New Delhi ranges from 64,35,000/- (Q7 35 TDI Quattro Premium) to 79,70,750/- (Q7 35 TDI Quattro Technology Pack) . Audi Q7 has 3 Variants of Diesel versions are available in India. Audi Q7 comes in 3 colours, namely Teak Brown, Orca Black, Ice Silver. Audi Q7 comes with V6-cylinder Diesel Engine With Common Rail Injection System And Turbocharging with 2967 CC Displacement and 6 Cylinders with Maximum Power 245 bhp@2910-4500 rpm and Peak Torque 600 Nm@1500-3000 rpm DRIVE TRAIN AWD and reaches 100 KMPH at 7.1 seconds. Audi Q7 comes with Automatic Transmission with AWD.
Audi Q7 Price in Other Indian Cities:
Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai & Pune