In the highly competitive premium SUV segment, Audi has launched the facelift Q7 offering more technology and a more versatile interior.
The exterior design might seem minor on paper but in person, they enrich the Q7 with added style and dynamic look. There a new upright Singleframe grille with an octagon design now impresses with vertical inlays. High-intensity LED headlights light up the road as standard; Matrix LED headlights are available as an option. HD Matrix LED headlights with the Audi laser light are also available. They work with 24 LEDs and a high-power laser diode each and are immediately recognizable via a blue ambient light incorporated into the headlights that symbolizes the precision of laser technology. The lower front bumper also gets revised side air intakes design. The top spec SQ7 gets polished black finish for the air intake surrounds and grille.
The rears hets OLED lighting with added visibility. These lights also come with 4 tail light signature dynamic patterns that can be selected by the driver. The rear has been updated thus emphasising the width of the SUV. The new dynamic diffuser design features real tail pipes for a more sonorous exhaust sound. New design alloys range from 21 inch to 22 inch in size. All models get S-Line design treatment with the standard models also getting an option of Platinum Edition, Black Edition. The SQ7 is immediately noticeable with quad exhausts and it also comes standard with 22 inch wheels. The SQ7 comes in standard spec and Black Edition which gets privacy rear glass as standard. For a particularly sporty appearance, the range of metallic finishes now includes Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red.
The seams on the seat trim in the base model now come standard and in a contrasting gray color. There are also nine decorative inlays available to choose from. The digital interior includes 3 digital screens, instrument cluster, infotainment and climate control screens.
Rear seat feature multiple adjustments for added comfort and versatility. 4 Zone climate control settings allow rear passengers to have their own individual temperature.
The 7 seater layout is now standard on all Q7 and SQ7 models sold in Mzansi. These rear seats have their individual ventilation outlets whilst folding the 3rd row seats only requires the push of a button and they fold flat for added luggage space.
All models feature the Audi Quattro all wheel drive system as standard with an 8 speed Tiptronic transmission. The Audi Q7 55 TFSI features a 3.0 V6 that delivers 250 kW/500 Nm for a zero to 100 km/h sprint in 5.6 seconds topping at 250 km/h. The SQ7 TFSI1 now runs on the established 4.0 TFSI with 373 kW/770 Nm with fast-shifting eight-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. With this engine, the SQ7 TFSI accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds, with an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h. With its V8 firing order the 4.0 TFSI provides a distinctive sporty and sonorous sound.
Electronically controlled air suspension with a continuously adaptive damping system – adaptive air suspension or adaptive air suspension sport (standard equipment on the SQ7 TFSI) – are included. This allows the driver to lower (entry mode) or raise (off road) the Q7/SQ7. In addition, all-wheel steering (standard equipment on the SQ7 TFSI) ensures an increased level of safety and comfort. At low speed this system aids parking with a lower turning circle whilst at speed the rear wheels aid agility.
Q7 55 TFSI quattro Tiptronic Platinum Edition: R1,958,000
Q7 55 TFSI quattro Tiptronic Black Edition: R1,987,900
SQ7 TFSI quattro Tiptronic: R2,540,500
SQ7 TFSI quattro Tiptronic Black Edition: R2,574,500
Later this year, Audi South Africa will add a Q7 45 TDI diesel-powered model to the range. Like all other Audi models, the Q7 line-up is sold with a 5-year/100,000km Audi Freeway Plan comprehensive service and maintenance plan as standard.