Audi officially unveiled the second generation Q7 today, following this morning’s leak.
Audi officially unveiled the second generation Q7 today, following this morning’s leak.
The Audi Q7 is the lightest model in its category, weighing 1,995 kg (4.398 lbs) and powered by the 3.0 TDI engine. It is 325 kg (716.5 pounds) lighter than its predecessor, and 26 percent more efficient. A lightweight chassis made of high-strength metal and aluminum has allowed for a massive weight loss. It is now more than 100kg (220.5 lbs). The multi-material body design, which included fully aluminum doors (24 kg lighter), front fenders, rear hatch and hood, resulted in a diet of 71 kilograms (156.5 lbs).
Customers can choose between xenon, matrix, or LED headlights. All models will include double-arrow LED daytime running lamps. The higher-spec models will also have dynamic turn signals in their tails.
It has a drag coefficient 0.32. This model is 37mm shorter, 15mm wider and about the same height as its predecessor. The all-new Audi Q7 has a slightly larger interior, with 21mm more space between the first and second rows and 41mm front and 23mm back of headroom.
The cabin features the Audi virtual cockpit, which was seen on the third-gen model TT. There’s also the most recent implementation of MMI infotainment with a larger touchpad. The new hardware layout has removed some buttons and knobs, allowing for a more cluttered dashboard layout. Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support are also available. The SUV’s flagship model will come with either a Bose sound system that includes 3D sound or a Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System that features 23 speakers and 1,920 watts.
A rear seat entertainment system is also available with either one or two optional 10.1 inch tablets powered by Nvidia Tegra 4 processors. It features a full HD camera and 32GB internal storage, as well as Bluetooth and NFC connectivity.
We now turn our attention to engines. The 3.0 TDI is rated at 272 HP (200 kW) & 600 Nm (4422.5 lb-ft). This allows for a 0-62 mph (0-10 km/h), run of 6.3 seconds, and then a top speed of 145.4 mph (234 km/h). The Q7’s fuel consumption is just 5.7 liters/100 km (41.3 mpg US) with 149 g/km CO2 emissions.
A 3.0 TDI will also be available with 218 HP (160 kW), and 500 Nm (368.8 lb.ft). However, this will not be available until a later date.
Audi offers a 3.0 TFSI engine with 333 HP (245kW), 440 Nm (324 lb-ft), which can sprint in 6.1 seconds and reach 155 mph (250 km/h). It consumes 7.7 Liters/100 km (30.5 MPG US), and emits 179g/km CO2.
The 2015 Q7 will also receive a 2.0 TFSI, primarily in Asian markets. It will produce 252 HP (185kW) and 370Nm (2272.9 lb-ft).
The most significant novelty is the addition an etron quattro hybrid plug-in model. It has a combined output power of 373 HP (295 kW) and 700 Nm (513.3 lb-ft). This is Audi’s first plug-in diesel engine. It consumes just 1.7 liters/100 km (138.4 MPG US), and emits 50 g/km CO2.
Audi Q7 etron features a 3.0 TDI engine with 258 HP (190 kW), and a 94 kW motor integrated into the 8-speed tiptronic transmission gearbox. It takes 6 seconds to sprint in hybrid mode, and 6.1 seconds to go 0-60 km/h (0-37 mph) on electric power. The top speed is 139.8mph (225 km/h). It will be available soon after the regular model’s debut. It will also get standard quattro-AWD.
The 2015 Audi Q7 is available for purchase at home in Germany starting in spring, starting at EUR61,000 and ending in summer.