By : RAHUL KAPOOR
NEW DELHI :
Ever since the Indian auto industry switched to BS6 emission norms, Audi’s product line up vanished overnight. Audi has been slowly reintroducing its range of cars and SUVs ever since. It has been nearly two years since the much-loved Audi Q7 has been on sale in the Indian market. But it has finally arrived to take on its long-standing rivals.
In the time that it has been away, the Q7 has received some heavy-duty updates, both, cosmetically and mechanically, with some new tech also being added to the SUV’s package. The new Q7 continues to use the same second-generation platform that first arrived in 2015. However, this is a heavy mid-life cycle facelift. Recently, we drove the new India-spec Q7 to find out what’s new and how it compares to what is already present in the market.
For starters, the old Q7 was not a very exciting SUV to look at. Let’s just say it was quite Audi-nary. The new revised design helps gives it a more muscular and aggressive look. The front grille has been changed and it is now wider and bolder with the signature single-frame hexagonal grille. It is flanked by a pair of new, and sleek LED headlamps with dynamic turn indicators. The front bumper sees quite a dramatic change as well. At the back, the Q7 remains fairly the same. There is a chrome strip that runs the width of the vehicle, and the tail lamps have been revised with Audi’s signature LED lights. The 19-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels do look sharp.
The changes to the interior is in contrast to the outside of the new Q7. The cabin is brand new and uses all the new tech offered by Audi in its latest generation models. The entire dash is new as it features the new large dual-screen setup we first saw in the A8L. In the centre of the dash is the new 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment screen that runs on Audi’s latest electronic architecture and offers the latest Audi MMI Navigation with haptic feedback. Below is another 8.6-inch touchscreen that is reserved for the quad-zone climate control. The MMI dial from the previous generation Audi cars is now gone. Using touchscreens while driving has always been risky, having to take your eyes off the road more often. That easy-to-navigate, dial-operated system was much safer to use, but the new MMI feels and looks nicer and packs in quite a few neat tricks.
The driver gets a new multi-function steering wheel. But it also adds the large fully-digital instrument cluster that Audi and the VW group like to call the “Virtual Cockpit”. The cabin feels quite a special place to be in. The Q7 has always boasted an interior that not only looks but also feels well-built. The brushed aluminium touches and the glossy piano black just look right for a modern luxury vehicle making it in turn look contemporary, sharp and shiny.
The front seats are comfortable as well and you get a great view from the driver’s seat. The middle row has a great amount of space for leg, knee, shoulder, and headroom. While we only had limited time with the vehicle, despite the space, the rear seats do seem like they leave a lot to be desired when it comes to comfort and bolstering support. What is commendable, however, is that the third row in the 7-seat model is quite usable even for adults, but mostly for short journeys. The boot is has ample room (295 Litres with all 7 seats in place and 770 Litres with the third row folded) so storing luggage in the back will not be an issue for most people.
But like they say the proof of the pudding is in the eating and with the Q7 what really matters is how it drives on the road. The new Q7 in India will be offered with a 3.0-litre, turbocharged V6 petrol engine. With 350hp and 500Nm of torque at your disposal, assisted by a mild-hybrid system, the Q7 can be fun. 0-100 km/h is under 6 seconds in this spec of the Q7, and that is saying a lot.
The older Q7 wasn’t bad to drive but the on-road performance of the new updated model takes it a step further. The engine has plenty of grunt and it just loves to rev. Thanks to the 48-V mild-hybrid assistance, it doesn’t feel like a turbocharged engine at all. Additionally, the engine is refined and smooth. While the bottom end isn’t that strong, and the transmission does take a moment to respond to the inputs of your right foot, it feels at home in the mid-range. Sticking the gearbox into ‘Sport’ does help cut that down to some extent, but that only means that it will guzzle more fuel in the process.
The Q7 will now come with adaptive air suspension, Quattro all-wheel-drive, and Audi Drive Select as standard. The SUV rides the bumps very well thanks to its great ride quality. The Q7 maintains its composure thanks to some clever anti-roll bars through the corners. They are designed to disconnect when you’re cruising for an improved ride on the long stretch of road.
Sure the Audi Drive Select helps change the dynamics of the engine, throttle, transmission, suspension and all the modes feel significantly different from the others. The electric power steering in most Audis usually leaves a lot to be desired, but in the new Q7, the story is slightly different. It feels much improved and gives you more confidence behind the wheel.
Some other cool tech the Q7 comes with includes a banging Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System, quad-zone climate control, Park Assist Plus, Panoramic Sunroof, 8 airbags, Lane Departure Warning with Steering Assist, to name a few. All of which work as they’re expected to.
In India, the Q7 has been quite a popular vehicle. It has most features that Indian buyers look for in a luxury SUV, if they are looking for something more subtle, as opposed to “in your face” luxury. The new model will make the same demographic feel familiar, but with all the modern touches. It sure has a lot going for itself, when compared to its rivals.
