New design, clear SUV characteristics
All-wheel steering, off-road capabilities
Refreshed cabin, full suite of connect services
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Audi’s Q7 has had an all-round visual and technical overhaul which, the automaker says, has adopted a new design, superb dynamics, and comfort, and superior space.
The automaker, with the new models already in showrooms, sees the updated digital interior and comprehensive connection services as just a couple of the highlights.
External highlights, the company says, include the large octagonal radiator grille and the gaping two-part side air inlets, and sills which underscore the large wagon’s ground clearance.
”The headlights, optionally with Matrix LED technology,, Audi adds, ”emphasise with their contour and light signature the width of the full-size model.
TECH GRAPHICS
”At the restyled rear, a striking chromed strip creates the visual connection between the flat rear lights with their technical-looking graphics and carries forward the horizontal body line.”
The Q7 S-line units, its maker says, are even more striking with enhanced exterior accents, such as a blade in the front bumper, black-and-silver radiator grille, high gloss finish, aluminium roof rails and standard 20” wheel rims.
All‑wheel steering can angle the rear wheels by as much as five degrees opposite to the same side’s front package so the 2020 Audi Q7 will be as precise in urban traffic and through sharp bends.
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”This the latest Q7,” Audi adds, ”is a very comfortable touring SUV with excellent ride comfort on freeways – particularly so if the self-adaptive air suspension is added. It also has variable ground clearance and all-wheel drive for off-road terrain.
”The relevant off-road mode can be selected from seven profiles of the standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system.”
There’s one diesel engine in the SA model range and it spins an eight-speed autobox and permanent all‑wheel drive. It’s the Audi Q7 45 TDI quattro tiptronic and it’s moved by 183kW/600Nm which can take the large SUV from standstill to 100km/h in 6.9secs and haul on to 225km/h.
”Whether with five or seven seats the Audi Q7 combines prestige with practical everyday qualities. It’s only 11mm longer than its predecessor at 5.06m long, 1.97m wide and 1.74m tall (aerial included.
VARIABLE CARGO SPACE
All of which also makes the latest Q7 internally more spacious than direct competitors. Many storage compartments and exceptional cargo space bring great load capacity.
Depending on the position of the rear seat-backs the cargo volume can grow from 865 to 2050 litres – the latter with a flat load area.
A power tail door is standard (foot-activated gesture control included) and the rear bench and all three rear seats can be moved individually fore/aft and the backrest angles adjusted.
That’s upgradable to a third seat-row with two electric seats that makes the Q7 a comfortable seven-seater.
The cockpit architecture harmonizes perfectly with the new, digital operating concept, which incorporates two large touchscreens. They provide haptic and acoustic feedback when clicking on the touch controls.
When off, the top display slots almost invisibly into the large black decorative surface. All elements refer logically to one another, from the flat air vent strip to the wide console on the centre tunnel.
The optional contour ambient lighting package illuminates the interior and options include four-zone auto air con (standard), a power-assist function to close the doors quietly and a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system.
HIGH-END CONNECTIVITY
The standard MMI navigation is said to deliver delivers excellent connectivity through an embedded SIM, as a wifi hotspot, voice control and an extensive Audi Connect portfolio.
Connect offers traffic information, point-of-interest search, navigation, and weather updates. Audi Connect, the automaker says, includes Car2X services safety and service features to handle damage, breakdown, or minor accidents operated by an emergency button in the vehicle’s ceiling module.
It will call for Audi support after any event.
”Additional functionality,,” the automaker says, ”is accessible through the MyAudi application, includes remote functions that network the new Audi Q7 with the driver’s smartphone. This includes car finder, remote lock/unlocking and speed and theft alerts.
”The all-digital standard Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus and an optional head-up display offer an enhanced digital cabin environment.”
GO CHECK THE SHOWROOMS – THE CARS ARE THERE
Optional packages include Comfort, Black styling, and an S line cabin. Within each package are a options suited to a particular proposition. The Audi website will give more detail.
The Audi Q7 is already in Audi showrooms across South Africa.
…AND SO TO THE PRICES
Audi Q7 45 TDI quattro tiptronic – R1 328 500
Audi Q7 45 TDI quattro S line tiptronic R1 388 500
Each will be delivered with a five-year or 100 000km Audi Freeway plan.
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