Audi Q7 Review

Designing a car is so easy! First you need to make a design, then modify it to make it appealing like your boss wants. Then redesign some elements to make it flexible to meet the crash norms. Then decide the materials that need to be used on it. Then there will be issues for performance, fuel-efficiency, ride quality, handling. If that is not enough, different governments will only hound you to lower the fuel emissions. Thats very simple. Now, its time to get a bit serious.

 One such vehicle is the new-generation Audi Q7. After tasting success for the first generation, Audi got the second-gen Q7 that is a lot more sporty, stylish and contemporary. Now before the governments of the world could step in and ask about the CO2 emissions, for India now it seems engine size only matters not what it emits.

Audi Q7 Design

The new Q7 looks stylish and contemporary. The new front grille is broad and wide, with rectangular headlamps, sometime similar to what the Q3 facelift possesses. Leaving numbers aside, this one seems to have lessen height when compared to the previous-gen.

The tail lamps are again Audi-ish and retains the Ingolstadt-based automakers styling. The connect between the two generations can be seen. The new Q7 has shed a weight of 325 kilograms as compared to its predecessor. That is the weight of almost five people. Impressive! Maybe one of them could come and set-up a weight loss clinic in India against the likes of Dr Batras and friends! The only problem will be the pronunciation of the name. And if its something like Dr Wasserburger, my fear is if someone thinks of it as a competition to McDonalds.

Also Read: Jeep Grand Cherokee Review

Audi Q7 Interior

The interiors of the new-gen Q7 are a big step forward and a major change in design from other Audis. The AC vents run across from the centre console to the left side end. The large AC vent has diffused air and it doesn’t focus into your face. The large Audi MMI screen pops up on press of a button. this doesn’t have a touchscreen but has a high definition display. After being so used to the similar Audi interior this is a welcome change. The brown leather wrapper steering wheel with even the dashboard gets this rich leather. The instrument binnacle is made of a LED screen with two small dials on both the sides for temperature and fuel gauge.

The gear lever is also wrapped in this leather. The lever is thick and it can shift modes with a glide from your palm. The MMI has a large touchpad as well. The rotor doesn’t get the four buttons, rather two that slide forth and back. With regards to space, this gen is a more spacious than the outgoing one. The second row of seats can slide back and forth to adjust the knee room for the third row. Our press demonstrator came with a spare tyre that was attached in the boot. This means only one seat in the third row. The all round visibility of the Q7 and the panoramic sunroof makes it great to drive in city.

Audi Q7 Engine

The 3.0-litre V6 engine is still offered on the Q7. with 325 kilograms lighter, the performance is enhanced. The 249 horses produce a torque of 600Nm. This doesn’t sound terrific for a vehicle of this size, but the diet makes the Q7 do a 100km/hr in 7.1 seconds. That is quick for a vehicle of this size and an engine this small. The eight-speed self shifting transmission adds more flare, be it performance or even mileage. Fuel efficiency? Thats like buying white shoes and getting worried about walking on a muddy track. But, what if these shoes don’t get dirty so easily. The Audi Q7 returns a fuel efficiency of 10-12km/l.

Audi Q7 Driving Dynamics

The ride of the Q7 is plaint. It glides over potholes with ease and without filtering any of the road shocks into the vehicle. It feels a bit unsettled on bad roads at high speeds, and now I’m knit-picking. The handling is good, despite its dimensions. It is easy to drive but you do feel the size when driving in the city.

Now, to buy or not? The Q7 looks fresh, stylish and we loved the way it drives, and even the space it offers. The Q7 is certainly a lot better than the previous gen and certainly worth procuring. One of the best in ride and handling and features too. Audi has worked on the Q7, but the new generation feels more like a station wagon than an SUV/crossover. The dimensions haven’t shrunk, it is more of the design. But in terms of technology, this one has improved by miles. The new Q7 does stand out and it feels a lot more stylish too.