Audi has treated its flagship model, the Q7, to numerous upgrades that ensure a clear visual language and even better technology.
Following the launch of the second generation Q7 in 2015 and an initial product upgrade in 2019, the latest round of updates gives the Q7 a robust and elegant design. With an even more minimalist form, clean surfaces and exceptionally large volume, the Q7 represents adaptability in every situation.
A fresh exterior design
A fresh exterior design with new front and rear sections underscores the powerful character of the SUV. HD Matrix LED headlights with laser as an additional high beam option include digital daytime running lights with selectable light signatures. Digital OLED rear lights with four selectable light designs complete the offering.
The overhangs and wheelbase demonstrate powerful and confident proportions that are further emphasised by distinctive exterior colours and wheels. The unmistakable Audi single frame grille with an octagon design now boasts vertical inlays, making it clear that the Q7 is the top of the range model. The latest round of updates includes an interplay between the grille’s contours and the headlights, which are now positioned slightly higher, resulting in a completely new front-end architecture, which also gives the Q7 a wider appearance. This powerful appearance is further accentuated by new prominent, colour-framed air intakes.
The Audi Q7 is now available with the latest in lighting technology. This includes High-intensity Matrix LED headlights or HD Matrix LED headlights with the Audi laser light which are available as an optional extra. The latter work with 24 LEDs and a high-power laser diode each and are immediately recognisable via a blue ambient light incorporated into the headlights which symbolises the precision of the laser technology. The laser light becomes active above 70km/h and significantly increases the high beam range.
This new headlight technology also includes digital daytime running light signatures which give the Q7 a unique characteristic and unmistakable appearance by allowing the user to select one of four light signatures via the MMI. This changes both the range of function and the design of the headlights.
For the first time the Q7 also features digitalised OLED rear lights as an option, which also offer four digital light signatures. The OLED rear lights feature a proximity indication feature that works in conjunction with the assistance systems to automatically activate all the digital OLED segments when other road users approach the stationary Q7 from behind to within two metres in order to alert the driver of the following car. Additional functions include dynamic turn signals as well as various coming home and leaving sequences that match the various digital light signatures.
Suspension that optimises Audi’s DNA
The Audi Q7’s handling is characterised by balance, solidity, control, precision and being effortless. As such the suspension, steering, drive, braking and control systems all play a key role in creating a reliably safe, confident and comfortable driving experience.
Central to these characteristics is electronically controlled air suspension with a continuously adaptive damping system, including adaptive air suspension or adaptive air suspension sport. Taking driver’s preferences and the driving situation into account, ride height can be adjusted by up to 90mm.
All-wheel steering ensures an increased level of safety and comfort. At low speeds, the back wheels turn up to five degrees in the opposite direction to the front wheels, reducing the turning circle by up to one metre. At higher speeds this ensures more comfort and stability when the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels.
Under the bonnet
The Audi Q7 range includes the Q7 55 TFSI, which is fitted with a 3.0-litre petrol engine and direct injection to offer 250kW and 500Nm, allowing it to accelerate from 0 -100km/h in 5.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250km/h.
The Audi SQ7 utilises a four-litre TFSI engine that offers 373kW and 770Nm and is mated to a fast-shifting eight-speed tiptronic transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. This engine facilitates a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4,1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250km/h.
A versatile and spacious interior
Interior updates include decorative inlays and seats with contrast stitching that lend the Q family’s most versatile SUV an even higher level of customisability.
The Audi Q7 is available in five and seven seat configurations, both of which offer generous length, headroom and elbowroom front and back. This is paired with an extremely generous luggage volume which measures 867 litres with the backrests in the upright position and 1 993 litres with the rear seats folded down.
Model range
Audi South Africa will offer the 55 TFSi in Platinum Edition and Black Edition trim lines. The SQ7, meanwhile, can be specified with the Black Edition trim line, which includes a Black styling package, black mirror housings, a single frame surround in black and privacy gazing for the rear windows.
Pricing for the 55 TFSI Quattro starts at R1 958 000 for the Platinum Edition and R1 987 900 for the Black Edition. Pricing of the SQ7 will be announced closer to its local launch date which is scheduled for January 2025. Pricing includes a five-year/100 000km Audi Freeway Plan.
