Car review (launch report): Audi Q7
“I think this is the greatest car Audi has ever produced.” These are the words of Paul Sanson, the head of Audi South Africa, as he speaks about the new Audi Q7. Having recently driven the Volvo XC90 and with it winning the Women on Wheels Car of the Year awards 2015, I was eager to get in to one of it’s main competitors. So would the new Audi Q7 match up to the Volvo or could it even be better? I headed to the Dinokeng Game Reserve to find out.
Mercedes-Benz has shown the most growth in terms of year on year sales, but like Sanson says, this industry works in cycles and so it will be Audi’s turn again soon. “Audi is breathing down the necks of BMW and Mercedes-Benz,” he adds.
Since 2005 the successful Q7 has seen more than 500 000 units sold internationally. It saw success in South Africa as well selling more than 4 700 since it landed here in 2006. But since it launched, many strong competitors have entered this market and so the new Q7 has its work cut out for it.
However, with the Q7’s success, Sanson remarks that this new Q7 is more of an evolution than a revolution. Why fix something that isn’t broken I suppose. And as he goes on to suggest, Audi is understated in South Africa, the models don’t need to go around shouting how great they are. They are “masters of their own destiny”. I can’t say I fully understand what Sanson is trying to say here, but if I look at Audi from my own (‘professional’) point of view, I would say that Audi is not a flashy car and it doesn’t need to be. Customers know what Audi represents to them personally. It’s quality. And so it was obvious that the new Q7 was going to come out guns blazing.
The new Audi Q7 is slimmer than its predecessor as well as 37 mm shorter, but the height remains the same. The exterior changes are noticeable, including that of the new 3D grille. Put this new Q7 next to the outgoing model and you soon notice just how out-dated the old model is looking. Xenon headlights are offered as standard but full LED headlights and Matrix headlights are available as an option. The Matrix LED headlights divide its high beam in to 15 individual light-emitting diodes paired with three reflectors. A camera on the interior mirror analyses the traffic situation and the diodes are turned on and off or dimmed depending on the situation.
The interior is really, really comfortable and is just perfectly Audi (Audi lovers will understand what I mean). It is spacious, user-friendly and of course comes with an array of features to ensure your money has been well spent. Something really cool is the rear seat 10.1-inch entertainment Audi tablet, which can be removed from the car and used as a normal tablet. It also connects to MMI navigation via WiFi and affords access to the radio, media, navigation and car functions menu. So the rear passengers can send planned routes to the driver and conversely the driver can start a radio or media program for them.
Something for moms and dads to take note of, if you want to have a litter of children, the Audi Q7 is your car. It accommodates FIVE baby seats…five! And of course with this many children, you will more than likely need a trailer for all the baby gear. The new Q7 can haul up to 2.7 tons (on 12% gradient), and 3.5 tons with the adaptive air suspension. Joining the electrically swiveling trailer coupling on board is the trailer maneuver assist system, which aids the driver when driving with a trailer. I know far too many people who need this system!
The new Q7 has been launched with only one engine for now (the 2,0T FSI will be available in South Africa in January.). The 3,0 TDI delivers 183 kW of power and 600 N.m of torque and it accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 6,3 seconds. The claimed fuel consumption is a low 5,7-litres/100 km. This new Q7 has shed 325 kg and it can certainly be felt. The term ‘light on its feet’ seems to come to mind when driving the new Q7. The new eight-speed tiptronic transmission is quick shifting and smooth. Speaking of smooth, the ride is silky smooth and the cabin beautifully quiet. It is such a joy even being a passenger in this new model, you are gently rocked to sleep while listening to just music (hopefully).
The Audi Q7 is of course not your first option for hardcore off-roading but it is certainly sure-footed on gravel, even at high speed. It is 50 millimetres lower than its predecessor and all models are equipped with a driving dynamics system, Audi drive select.
Standard driving assistance systems on the new Q7 include the attention assist system, hold assist, cruise control, adjustable speed limiter, rear parking system, Audi pre-sense basic and Audi pre-sense city. Optional assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, night vision assist, head up display, traffic jam assist, Audi active lane assist, collision avoidance assist, rear cross traffic assist and trailer maneuver assist mentioned earlier. The new Q7 is the only SUV to offer an all-wheel steerng system.
What can your expect as standard?
Audi Q7 3.0 TDI 183 kW quattro tiptronic
- Audi MMI navigation Plus and Touchpad control
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Xenon plus headlights
- Keyless start
- Audi drive select
- Audi music interface with USB
- Bluetooth interface with audio streaming
- Partial leather upholstery
- Electrically operated tailgate
- Front and rear PDC
- Reverse camera
- Leather-trimmed, 4-spoke multi-function steering wheel Plus with shift paddles
- Cruise control system
- Two-zone digital air conditioning
- LED interior lighting
The new Q7 is priced at R924 000 and comes with a 5 year/100 000 km Audi Freeway plan.
I don’t have anything negative to say about this car. I didn’t get to try out the seven seats that are offered and I think this may have been the deal breaker for me when it came to comparing it with the Volvo XC90. It is just too hard to call, so I am not going to. Whether you choose this gorgeous new Audi Q7 or the equally impressive Volvo XC90, I think you would be happy as a clam. Truthfully, when you spending this kind of money on a vehicle, you should expect perfection and the Audi Q7 gets you very close to this!