When we think about full-size luxury SUVs, we think of brands like Range Rover and BMW X7. However, there is one name that has been lacking for quite some time: the Audi Q7. Bollywood celebs and industry heavyweights have flocked to the Audi Q7. While the Range Rover was a more prominent status symbol, the Q7 was a special buy because of its exceptional on-road manners and car-like driving dynamics. Furthermore, the Audi has consistently outperformed the Rangey in terms of dependability and price. However, when the higher BS6 emission standards went into effect, Audi recalled several of its already on the market. Thankfully, the Audi Q7's 2021 incarnation isn't far away, with a launch date set for the coming months.
The Audi Q7 sat towards the top of its line-up when it first sold in the mid-2000s. This was before the arrival of the R8 supercar, and the A8 was Audi's only other flagship new car. The Q7 was built at Audi's plant in Aurangabad to ensure it remained affordable even to India's wealthy. Soon after, demand for this enormous luxury SUV peaked, and a Q7 could be found in nearly every affluent district. Unlike many cars, which undergo at least one central generation update every 5 to 6 years, the first model Q7 was still on the market in 2015. Audi did give it a few cosmetic and mechanical tweaks along the road, but that was all of it. The second-generation model was introduced, and it was significantly more modern and sophisticated than its aged predecessor.
It was built on the MLB platform, which is still in use by the Q7 today. The new Audi Q7 SUV shares its underpinnings with significantly more opulent vehicles such as the Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, and Porsche Cayenne. When Audi revealed the Q8, it unveiled a brand-new design language applied to all future Audi models. So, in 2020, the facelifted Q7, which will be sold in India, was finally introduced. The most noticeable improvements to the exterior of the 2021 Audi Q7 can be observed upfront and in the back. The LED headlights are all-new, and the Single frame grill has grown in both size and intimidating ness.
The new Audi Q7 SUV also updated the front and back bumpers, added wider side skirts, and added sophisticated LED taillights and gleaming chrome trim to the tailgate. While the side profile remains unchanged, the other changes are significant enough to compensate. The Q7 facelift measures 5,063mm in length, which is 11mm longer than the previous generation.
The wheelbase, however, has not been enlarged and remains at 2,994mm. The cabin has received one of the most essential and long-overdue improvements as part of its overhaul. The previous model's minimalistic but outdated interior has been replaced by a completely new design - similar to that seen in other recent Audi cars. The entire dashboard and center console have been overhauled, focusing on digital displays and gleaming trim. The facelifted Q7 is all about savoring technology, which this vehicle has plenty of. A digital driver's display, an infotainment unit, and a lower climate control panel are the three screens in total.
The 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit system is the best of the bunch. The panel is not only beautiful and high-definition, but it also displays all necessary info in one spot. Then there's the center console's 10.1-inch top and 8.6-inch lower touchscreens, which are both similarly high-resolution.
You can use this assistant to handle the climate control system, navigation system and even make phone calls on the Q7. Other features include LED mood lighting, a panoramic sunroof, cooled and heated seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and an electronic tailgate. Of course, there are a plethora of optional extras available. Quad-zone climate control with built-in scent, soft-closing doors, massaging seats, and a head-up display are just a few of the features available.
The 55 TFSI version of the new Audi Q7 facelift will most likely be available in India in 2021. This means a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 petrol engine with 335 hp and 500 Nm of torque resides beneath the hood. It works nicely with the Q7's mild hybrid system, which recovers energy and improves fuel efficiency.
The Audi Q7's six-cylinder engine comes standard with an 8-speed automated transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive system. This large SUV can reach a high speed of 250 kmph in 5.9 seconds and has an electronically regulated top speed of 5.9 seconds. Furthermore, the permanent Quattro AWD system ensures that traction is maintained even on less-than-ideal surfaces.
The system can send up to 85% of the engine's power to the rear wheels and up to 70% of the engine's power to the front wheels. Typically, the Quattro system will split this ratio 40:60 between the front and rear axles under usual driving conditions.
