The 2016 Audi Q7 loses a whopping 325 kgs, while the styling is far more angular and sharper over the outgoing model. The global premiere is scheduled for next month at the 2015 Detroit Motor Show.
Ahead of its world premiere at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Audi has revealed the 2016 Q7 luxury SUV to the world. Heading on to its second generation, the new Audi Q7 witnesses a massive weight reduction of 325 kgs that has also made it more agile and efficient, while the styling has been refined with the curves ironed out in favour of aggressive lines. The SUV however retains the silhouette from the current model, which makes it easily recognisable.
Starting with the dimensions, the 2016 Audi Q7 is now slightly shorter and narrower over the outgoing version. The SUV measures 5050 mm in length, 1970 mm in width and 1740 mm in height, while the wheelbase is longer at 2990 mm. Despite the reduction in size, Audi states that cabin space has increased over the predecessor and comes with 21 mm additional room between the front and second row seats, while the headroom has increased by 41 mm at the front row and 23 mm at the second row respectively.
In terms of styling though, the 2016 Audi Q7 is distinctively different from the current version losing out on all the curves as well as the bulk. The front fascia is graced by a single frame 3D grille, while the lines are sharper and get aggressive as they move towards the rear. At the rear, the new Q7 gets sleek and sharp tail lights and twin exhausts. With the shortened height, the Q7 does give an estate-like impression and looks like a bigger Q3.
Based on Audi’s MLB platform, the 2016 Audi Q7 gets extensive weight savings of 325 kgs, which comes courtesy of the use of aluminium for body panels, bumpers and parts of the chassis. The company states to have saved 100 kgs off the chassis alone. On the inside, the smartly laden dashboard is visually pleasing with its clutter free design and gets a pop-up heads-up display. The SUV comes equipped with the new 12.3-inch all-digital TFT instrument cluster, new 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel and a knob shifter that replaces the gear stick shifter.
Loaded with features, the new Q7 gets kick motion tailgate opener, Audi MMI, Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System, smartphone connectivity along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well as Audi-branded tablets for rear passengers. Safety systems on the other hand include rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, cruise control, adjustable speed limiter as well as Audi pre-sense city.
Coming to the powertrain, the 2016 Audi Q7 is equipped with a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine producing 272 PS and 600 Nm of torque and does 0-100 km/hr in 6.3 seconds. There is also a 3.0-litre V6 Supercharged petrol mill producing 333 PS and 440 Nm of torque and does 0-100 km/hr in 6.1 seconds. Both the engines are paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Audi will also be offering the Q7 with a new 2.0-litre TFSI 4-cylinder petrol motor producing 252 PS and 370 Nm of torque in select Asian markets and the US. In addition, a Q7 e-tron plug-in hybrid motor will also join the lineup with the 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel paired to an electric motor churning out 373 PS and 700 Nm of torque.
The second generation Audi Q7 is 26 percent more fuel efficient over the outgoing model, while CO2 emissions also see a major reduction. The hybrid version will be the most efficient of the lot with a combined fuel efficiency of 58.82 km/l and CO2 emissions of under 50 g/km. Audi’s flagship SUV has always been a popular model in India and will make it to our shores in the second half of 2015. The Ingolstadt based automaker will continue to bring the model as a CKD in the country with prices expected to see a marginal increase. More details on the SUV are expected at the world premiere next month.
