Audi India reintroduced the updated 2022 Q7 with sharp pricing starting at 79.99 lakh for the base Premium Plus variant. The price range goes up to 88.33 lakh for the Technology variant, ex-showroom, India. While the original Q7 from 2007 was a spectacular sales success, the second generation launched in 2015 could not generate the same hype. However, this time all around the 22’ Q7 gets an exterior makeover, a fully redone interior, and switches to being a petrol-only SUV.
Visuals: This generation of the Q7 debuted globally in 2019, however this update tweaks up the design and brings it up to the current Audi design language. The face gets a larger, octagonal, single-frame grille splitting the refreshed Matrix LED headlamps. The headlamps now have updated integrated DRLs as well. The side profile of the Q7 still retains a tall estate-like look, which in my opinion looks superb. The Q7 does not set out to be butch and go deep in a few feet of mud but instead will ensure it will look like a million bucks cruising down the city roads. The rear of the car features new tail lamps along with a thick chrome band running across the width of the hatch. Both the front and rear bumpers receive sharper creases with the former having larger side air intakes as well. The Q7 has grown as well and looks like it at 5,063mm long.
Interior: While the outside of the Q7 gets tweaks, it is the interior that is the hero here. Audi has replaced the single floating screen with the new twin-touchscreen MMI infotainment system, as seen in the Audi Q8. You can spec your Q7 with Saiga Beige or Okapi Brown leather upholstery. The already minimalistic dash now gets a 10.1-inch touchscreen MMI infotainment system on the top, while an 8.6-inch touchscreen for the climate controls. The third screen sits in place of a traditional instrument cluster in the form of the Virtual Cockpit. As part of the Premium Plus variant, the Q7 gets you a panoramic sunroof, 4-zone climate control, Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, and powered front seats with memory function. It additionally also gets adjustable ambient lighting, electrically foldable third row along with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay.Buyers can additionally spec their Q7’s with the rear-seat entertainment package.
Safety: The Q7 comes standard with 8 airbags, ESC, and Park Assist Plus with a 360 degree 3D surround camera in addition to the basic goodies. It also gets lane keep assist with auto-steering intervention. The spare tire, which used to be secured to one of the seats in the third row, is now gone. RunFlat tires now replace it and ensure all 7 seats are fully usable without compromising.
Engine: The Q7 now loses the frugal 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel and the 2.0L four-cylinder Turbo Petrol as well. The former engines used to make 249hp and 252hp respectively.
The new single-engine however is a 3.0L V6 Turbo Petrol unit which puts out 340hp and 500nm of torque, gaining steeply over the last generation. All this power is delivered to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox with the Audi Quattro AWD system. In addition to the 3.0 V6, the Q7 also has a 48V mild-hybrid system that allows the engine to be turned off for about 40 seconds when it is coasting. The same unit is available on the Q8 and A8 as well. The Q7 does the 0-100kmph sprint in 5.9 seconds and can be maxed out at 250kmph. As standard, the car also gets adaptive air suspension along with Audi Drive Select equipped with seven drive modes available.
Rivals: The Q7 will have to rub shoulders with the Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5, and the Volvo XC90. Apart from the Q7 and Volvo XC90, no SUV of that segment comes with seven seats.
Will the Q7 be able to recreate the magic of the original one?
Written by Aakash Kalro.