2015 marks the tenth anniversary of the launch of Audi's first SUV offering, the Q7, and whilst the luxury 4WD segment has seen a boom in recent times with several sports car players entering the market, the German marque has continued to innovate and improve on its market-leading model.
The latest version of the Audi Q7 is without a doubt, a statement of intent and an impressive embodiment of the German marque's innovative high-tech capabilities.
Now available at Audi Singapore, we distill the best features of the Q7 that continue to keep the competition playing catch-up.
1. Largest and Lightest in its Class
Measuring 5.05 meters in length, 1.97 meters in width and 1.74 meters in height, the all-new 3.0 TFSI version of the Audi Q7 is not only the largest in its class but also the lightest at 2,030 kg, some 240 kg less than its predecessor model.
Interior-wise, the Singapore edition of the Q7 comes standard with a third row of two single seats, making the 7-seater vehicle a luxurious ride for big families.
The luggage compartment is also expandable from 295 liters to 1,955 liters (with everything folded down).
2. Unmistakably Attractive Design
The Q7's sporty and muscular design continues to cut an elegant yet imposing figure on the roads.
A sculpturally-molded Singleframe grille with a solid frame defines the look from the front, complemented by Matrix LED headlights, alongside daytime running lights that catch the eye with striking double-arrow graphics.
3. Marked Improvement in Fuel Efficiency
Concerns about the environmental impact of driving an SUV are addressed, with a massive 28% reduction in fuel consumption from before, with the Q7 now emitting only 179 grams of CO2 per kilometre.
4. Unmatched Performance and Power
The 3.0 turbo fuel stratified injection (TFSI) engine with 245 kW (333 hp) inside takes the Q7 from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, with 0.2 seconds more for the 7-seater version.
Packing a maximum torque of 440 Nm, the Q7 can reach a top speed of 250 km/h.
5. Superior Handling and Driveability
Audi's industry leading quattro permanent all-wheel drive, a quick- and smooth-shifting eight-speed tiptronic system, along with electromechanical power steering, as well as seven dynamic settings (efficiency, comfort, auto, dynamic, individual, allroad, and lift/offroad) give plenty of options to customise for any driving condition and driver preference.
6. Adaptive Air Suspension
Whether on the expressway or along winding interurban roads, the air suspension with controlled damping that comes as an option, provides for a smooth and comfortable ride.
With this suspension, the Q7 can lower its height by 30mm to grip the road more snugly, or raise itself by 60mm to conquer undulating terrain, or mount a kerb in the city!
7. Latest Onboard Technology
The coup-de-grace of the all-new Q7 offering lies in the new and improved technological features that allow it to stand head and shoulders over the rest.
Driver Assistance, predictive efficiency assistance, night vision assistance, adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assistant, trailer assist and cross-traffic assist in the rear all come standard. No other production car currently offers more in this area of technology.
Connected to the Internet via an LTE/UMTS module, passengers can surf the web via an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot. A Bose sound system comes standard while a 3D version is optional with a Bang & Olufsen upgrade.
With the newly-developed MMI touch found on the center tunnel, both driver and front passenger can write, pinch-to-zoom, or scroll through lists on the system's large haptic-responsive glass surface.
And finally standard for Singapore is the Audi virtual cockpit - first seen in the all-new Audi TT - as well as the Audi MMI monitor: a the 12.3-inch diagonal TFT monitor displays elaborately computed graphics, and is operated at the multifunction steering wheel.
Optional is a head-up display (HUD) on the windshield for a truly futuristic driving experience.
Quite simply, the Q7 is a cut above its peers.
Find out more the all-new Audi Q7 - the Great Quattro here.
