Audi introduces Q7 facelift, gets major upgrade

KUALA LUMPUR: The Audi Q7 has been around since 2005 and now the car has received its fair share of revision. With this facelift, the Audi SUV has now come in-line with rest of the Q family both technically and visually.

At the front, the car now features the company’s massive octagon-shaped Singleframe grille with six upright slats. Also, part of the changes is new lighting graphics, two-part side air inlets that look a bit expensive, and HD Matrix LED tech with Audi laser light. The rear now features taillights with new and fairly technical graphics, and one can’t miss the chrome strip bridge.

Pictured in the article is the facelifted Q7 with the optional S Line exterior package. This kit brings along 19-inch wheels, a blade in the front bumper, full paint finish, and accentuated underbody protection at the rear.

Audi claims that the Q7 now comes with enhanced dynamic attributes, the car now gets adjustable stabilisers, optimum roll compensation, and electromechanical active roll stabilisation as optional along with all-wheel steering. Further helping it cruise comfortably is its adaptive air suspension, and Audi select system with seven profiles.

At the time of launch that is scheduled for mid-September in Europe, the SUV will be available in two choices of 3.0-litre diesel mills - one producing 231 hp and other 286 hp. Shortly after, a plug-in hybrid and a 340 hp 3.0-litre V6 TFSI petrol option will follow. All the engines will be coupled to an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox along with a quattro permanent AWD.

The Audi Q7 will be available in both five and seven-seat configuration. Also, according to the company, the car beats its rivals in cabin length along with front and rear head- and elbow-room. In the five-seater version, the boot space varies from 865 to 2050-litre. While an electric tailgate comes as a standard, the foot-activated gesture control is an optional fitment.

The cabin now houses an all-new dashboard with the centre console featuring two large displays. The car’s optional kit includes four-zone auto air control, contour ambient lighting, a Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System, power-assisted door closing, and air quality package with fragrancing and ioniser.