Audi announces significant Q7 facelift
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 26th Jun 2019
AUDI has ripped the covers off its facelifted Q7 large SUV, which brings refreshed styling and updated powertrains ahead of an Australian arrival in the first half of 2020.
Designers have given the Q7 a significant facelift with new styling that brings it in line with models such as the A6 and upcoming Q3, including new, more angular headlights and a Singleframe grille with vertical louvres.
Bumper designs have also been revised, while at the rear, new tail-lights reminiscent of the Q5 feature, underscored by a chrome strip that runs across the length of the tailgate.
The Q7 rides on 19-inch hoops as standard, while high-tech HD Matrix LED headlights are available as an option.
As a result of the update, the Q7 is now 11mm longer, at 5063mm, while checking in at 1970mm wide and 1741mm tall.
All powertrain variants have been updated with the inclusion of a 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system that can reduce fuel consumption by up to 0.7 litres per 100km.
The system can recuperate up to 8kW of power back to the battery and can assist with coasting and increasing speeds.
At launch, two turbo-diesel engines will be available – likely the 160kW/500Nm and 200kW/600Nm versions found in the existing line-up, supplemented by the mild-hybrid technology – while turbo-petrol and plug-in hybrid versions will also be available further down the line.
The 320kW/900Nm twin-turbo-diesel V8 SQ7 range-topper can also be expected to return at some point.
The Q7 is available in five- or seven-seat configurations, with the latter coming as standard with air suspension, while examples equipped with the S line exterior package score adaptive air suspension which lowers ride height by 15mm over the standard air system.
Other options include electromechanical active roll stabilisation which helps keep the car planted around corners, and all-wheel steering which helps increase agility at low speeds and stability at high speeds.
The increased dimensions help to add extra space inside, with new storage compartments and what Audi claims is superior headroom and elbow room compared to its competitors.
Two 10.1-inch screens are used for the infotainment and climate-control systems, while Audi’s 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster also features.
Interior options include contour ambient lighting, four-zone automatic climate control and a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system.
Active safety systems include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, active lane assist, and emergency assist.
Through the first five months of 2019, Audi has sold just 114 examples of the Q7, down a massive 84.5 per cent over the same period in 2018.
Further local details including the range line-up pricing and specification will be released closer to its debut in the first half of 2020.
