1 Sep 2015
For Audi's second-generation Q7, the German car-maker chopped three variants from the range, launching just one 3.0 TDI Quattro in place of three diesels and a petrol.
The 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine had undergone a significant tune-up, taking power up to 200kw and torque to 600Nm, but despite the boost to performance, fuel consumption fell by a remarkable 3.3-litres per 100km to just 5.9L/100km.
Zero to 100km/h acceleration was sliced from a sedate 8.5 seconds to an almost sportscar-like 6.5 seconds, while the interior and exterior aesthetics were updated to align with the rest of the Audi range.
In addition to the engine update, fuel consumption was also reduced by a significant reduction of 240kg compared with the first-generation model thanks to lightweight materials used in body, transmission and suspension construction.
Extra driver-assistance and safety technology was added both as standard and optionally, such as autonomous city braking, lane-keep assistance and rear-axle steering.
Following the introduction of the 160kW and 200kW six-cylinder diesel Q7 variants, Audi added a third seven-seat version that was powered by a 4.0-litre V8 diesel and gained the coveted S badge.
The SQ7 brought a massive 900Nm and 320kW thanks to a pair of turbochargers plus a revolutionary 48-volt electrically-driven compressor for immediate boost at lower engine speeds.
Customers who went for the Q7 flagship also had the option of four-wheel steering, a Quattro Sport differential and an Active Roll Stabilisation that also used the 48-volt system.
Zero to 100km/h acceleration took just 4.9 seconds unless the third row of seating was deleted – a no cost option – in which case the SQ7 would get to 100km/h a tenth quicker.
