The Q7 has always been a ‘magical car’ for Audi India; it
single-handedly gave a chance for a brand that was devoid of fortunes almost a
decade back. Its size, beefy-yet-elegant stance, comfy feel and phenomenal road
presence made Q7 a pet among the posh urban folks. In fact, the out-going model
still garners enough takers not just in India but across the globe. And now, we
have got the new second-generation Q7 that was first revealed at the Detroit
motor show last January. It has got a hell lot of attention - mostly of the
positive kind - for its design and styling. Of course, the new Q7 is exciting
for a lot more reasons as well.
However, we still have to start our narrative with its
styling only, as the car has undergone significant face-lift and body grooming.
Apparently, the Q7 has lost its bulky appeal and gets tighter lines instead.
The sharp shoulder line creases are typical to Audi's new design theme. The new
arrow-shaped day-time running lights in headlamps and tail lights, combined
with single-frame grille with chamfered edges, is definitely attractive. But
this combo, along with subtle wheel arches, makes the Q7 look more like a
taller station wagon based on the A6 line, than a stout SUV. The more chiselled
lines make it appear like an A7 Allroad. The eased-off curves and edgy shapes
effectively hides the mammoth shape and size of the car.
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| 2016 Audi Q7 has been transformed from a beefy-looking SUV to a modern, sleek all-roader |
Indeed, the 'wagoneering' effect creeps inside the cabin as
well. The seating position is notably lower than before, and the new Q7's drive
is said to be more car-like than an SUV. Yet, the cabin has grown bigger inside
and has better headroom, knee room and leg space. The dashboard is wrapped in
darkbrown leather, with aluminium and wood trim accents. The
steering-wheel and switch-gear are new, although familiar. The light beige
interior is airy and well conceived, and the layouts are uncluttered. The full-LCD
instrumentation and pop-out infotainment screen are other newbies, along with
MMI (Multi-Media Interface) based infotainment system that supports Apple
CarPlay and Android Auto. The 770 litres cargo space, however, is now less by
40 litres, and the full-size spare wheel takes up hell lot of boot space.
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| 2016 Audi Q7: Spacious cabin, impeccable build quality, and equipment levels are its goodies! |
In terms of engine, the new Audi Q7 gets the updated
3.0-litre V6 TDI unit pumping out 272 PS and 600 Nm. The injection pressure has
been hiked to 2,000 bar and the peak power band is now from 3,250 to 4,250 rpm,
with torque peaking from 1,500 rpm. This means that the gravelly note is
audible only beyond 3,000rpm. A ZF-made 8-speed DSG automatic drives the
Quattro AWD system. No other engine or transmission options are available in
the Indian-spec Q7.
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| The design and layout of dash is uncluttered and supports high-tech utility |
Lightweight construction is the next big change, apart from
the design. The flagship SUV stands on the second-gen MLB platform, which uses
high-strength steel and aluminium, making the car 325 kgs lighter than the
out-going model. Audi says that the car takes just 7.1 seconds to clock 100
kmph from idle, and has achieved a whopping 22 percent improvements in fuel
efficiency.
To reduce understeering, Audi has introduced a four-wheel
steering system in the new Q7. When steering, the rear wheels also get up to 5
degrees of steering input. At slower speeds, they point in a direction opposite
to the front wheels to match the effect of a smaller turning radius while at
higher speeds the rear wheels point in the same direction as the front to make
the car more agile. Further, Audi’s drive select offers five modes to choose
from - Comfort, Dynamic, Individual, Allroad, and Offroad Lift.
Audi Q7 is already a big hit with A-listers in India, no
doubt. When it was first launched in the country, this SUV took the market by
storm. The new Q7 has been transformed from a beefy-looking SUV to a more
modern, sleek and even more capable all-roader.
Despite the relative lack of road presence, the ease of driving and the
sense of lightness work in its favour. It certainly redefines luxury mobility
in the opulent seven-seaters segment that includes its close rivals such as the
Volvo XC90, BMW X5, Mercedes GL (the upcoming GLS) and the Land Rover
Discovery.
Initially, the Q7 will be sold in India as CBU, while local
assembly may start at the company's Aurangabad plant later next year.
Also Read: Audi E-Tron Quattro Concept Is An Onslaught On Tesla's Electric Conquest
Photo Credits: Motortrend, Forbes.com
Photo Credits: Motortrend, Forbes.com
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