Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 marks a superlative development in the sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment. It ingeniously combines sportiness and versatility; sophisticated technology meets the luxury of the premium class. On the road the performance SUV from Audi excels with the driving performance and dynamism of a sports car; off-road it redefines the possibilities of its genre.

Concept and design
The Audi Q7 sets new trends through its design alone. Typical Audi features pertaining to dynamics are the gentle curve of the roofline and the particular relationship between the high panel surfaces and the low-slung row of windows. The pronounced tapering of the front section and the powerful rear end with its sharply sloping D-posts fashion a coupé-like silhouette. The shoulder line and the dynamic line define the side sections. The paintwork option of two contrasting body colours creates a distinctive look.

Measuring 5.09 metres in length and with a wheelbase of 3.00 metres, the Audi Q7 outscores its competitors in the SUV category. Maximum passive safety in the interior is a matter of honour: the sideguard head airbag system covers the side window area up to the third seat row; side airbags are also available for the outer seats of the second row. Passengers benefit from incomparable spaciousness and a new dimension in versatility – 28 seating and loading configurations are possible.

The customer generally has the choice of three seating configurations and can order the performance SUV as a five-seater or optionally as a seven-seater or six-seater model. As an option, the seats in the second row can be adjusted for fore/aft movement; providing the longest legroom in this class. As a six-seater the Audi Q7 is fitted with two luxurious individual seats. The two rear seat rows can be folded flat to create a load capacity of 2,035 litres.

The load-area width in the luggage compartment measures an impressive 1.16 m. Equipment provided as standard by the Audi Q7 includes a luggage cover, load guard, lashing points and a dirt-resistant tray.

For customers who are particularly active, Audi offers a selection of tailor-made options, including a rail system with adjustable lashing points, telescopic bars and straps as well as a cycle rack for up to two bicycles. An optional power-operated luggage compartment lid can be ordered. An electrically folding trailer hitch is available on request, which enables the Audi Q7 to tow a weight of 3.5 tonnes braked.

The interior architecture reveals the Audi Q7’s kinship with the Audi A6 and A8 saloons. The MMI operating system is ideally situated on the high and wide centre tunnel and impresses with its intuitive operating logic. It can be extended in two stages to include a variety of additional functions. Numerous storage compartments enhance travelling convenience.

Drive train and chassis
Audi Q7 customers have a choice of three powerful units. The entry-level petrol engine is now a V6 with a displacement of 3.6 litres. It is unusually compact with a cylinder angle of only 10.6 degrees. The V6 also operates with FSI petrol direct injection developed by Audi. With a power output of 206 kW (280 bhp) at 6,200 rpm it propels the performance SUV with magnificent effect, its 360 Nm of torque being available between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm.

The 4.2-litre V8 delivers 257 kW (350 bhp) and develops a maximum torque of 440 Nm. With FSI petrol direct injection, four continuously adjustable camshafts and variable intake manifold it has all the attributes of a high-performance engine. The 4.2 FSI accelerates the Audi Q7 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and gives it a top speed of 244 km/h.

The 3.0 TDI six-cylinder engine uses a latest-generation common rail injection system with piezo inline injectors. This combines its high performance of 171 kW (233 bhp) and massive torque of 500 Nm (between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm) with a high level of refinement and excellent fuel economy: it uses an average of 10.5 litres of fuel per  100 km. As with all TDI engines from Audi, the particulate filter comes as standard.


Power in all three engine versions is transmitted via a six-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent four-wheel drive. The latest-generation self-locking centre differential, featured on the Audi Q7, has a standard torque split of 40 : 60 (front : rear). The  driver – also thanks to virtually balanced axle load distribution – benefits from even better agility and steering precision that remains practically free of torque steer.

The chassis
The suspension of the Audi Q7 is a sophisticated independent suspension with double wishbones at the front and rear; most components are made of aluminium. On and off-road the performance SUV excels with its all-round qualities; its suspension is designed for sporty handling and superior comfort. Standard on all Audi Q7 versions is speed-dependent servotronic steering. 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted at the factory; all versions are also available with 19-inch, 20-inch or 21-inch wheels and there is also the option of a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Available as an option is adaptive air suspension. The combination of air suspension and an electronically controlled damping system produces the perfect synthesis of sporty handling and supreme ride comfort. Ground clearance can be varied in five stages from 150 to 240 mm; at the lowest level for motorway driving, the top speed of the Audi Q7 is around five km more per hour than with a steel suspension. Another convenient feature is the loading sill, which can be lowered to allow heavy objects to be loaded with ease.

The ESP stabilisation system incorporates functions such as hill-start and hill descent assist and an off-road mode that optimises braking performance and traction on loose ground. The trailer stabilisation system prevents the trailer from fishtailing. The brake system delivers a strong performance. Its four discs are ventilated and generous in size – at the front they are 350 millimetres in diameter. The front brake callipers feature six pistons.


Equipment
The Audi Q7 comes from the factory with all features that are standard for a high-end vehicle. Its electrically adjustable, folding and heated outside mirrors with LED indicators create a distinctive look. The acoustic parking aid Audi parking system makes parking easier. Entry lights and footwell lights at the front illuminate the entrance.

Inside, the performance SUV offers deluxe automatic air conditioning, which can be adjusted separately for the left and right-hand side; a centre air outlet grille ensures pleasant indirect ventilation. The MMI system incorporates an audio system with eight speakers and a CD drive. The Audi Q7 4.2 FSI additionally features a driver information system, cruise control and a multifunction steering wheel.

A number of optional innovative driver assistance systems are being introduced on the Audi Q7. A new stage in the development of the radar-based cruise control system including automatic distance control is called adaptive cruise control. In hazardous situations, e.g. if the car in front suddenly slams on the brakes, it intervenes by way of a new technology – braking guard – and alerts the driver in two stages.

Audi side assist, utilising intelligent radar technology, is specifically designed to support lane-changing manoeuvres. Two sensors in the rear bumper monitor the area next to and behind the Audi Q7. If another vehicle approaches, a yellow LED in the exterior mirror housing comes on. Also new – and extremely convenient – is the Audi parking system advanced, which operates with a rear-view camera.

The particularly attractive extras for the Audi Q7 include a surround sound system from Bose, two navigation units, four-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning, independent heating and the panoramic glass sunroof known as open sky system. Xenon plus headlights and the cornering light system adaptive light ensure good visibility at night.


The Audi Q7 series at a glance
Audi A6 3.6 FSI:
Engine: displacement 3,597 cc, power output 206 kW (280 bhp) at 6,200 rpm, maximum torque 360 Nm between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm. Performance and consumption: 0 – 100 km/h in 8.5 s, top speed 225 km/h (with adaptive air suspension 230 km/h), consumption (combined) 12.7 litres of Premium fuel per 100 km.

Audi Q7 4.2 FSI:
Engine: displacement 4,163 cc, power output 257 kW (350 bhp) at 6,800 rpm, maximum torque 440 Nm at 3,500 rpm. Performance and consumption: 0 – 100 km/h in 7.4 s, top speed 244 km/h (248 km/h), consumption (combined) 13.6 litres of Super Plus per 100 km.

Audi Q7 3.0 TDI:
Engine: displacement 2,967 cc, power output 171 kW (233 bhp) at 4,000 rpm, maximum torque 500 Nm between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm. Performance and consumption: 0 – 100 km/h in 9.1 s, top speed 210 km/h (216 km/h), consumption (combined) 10.5 litres of diesel per 100 km.

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