By Otsile Kadiege

Audi has once again given its flagship Q7 SUV a refresh. The current second-generation model was launched in 2015 followed by a model update in 2019. In a bid to stay relevant in a competitive segment, the second Q7 facelift introduces an updated exterior and interior styling including new wheels, body paints and new interior materials. The updated model also features new and upgraded technologies.

Updated exterior looks

The facelifted Q7 sports a bunch of noticeable exterior styling updates like newly designed high intensity LED headlights as standard. Customers can opt for Matrix LED headlights or HD Matrix LED headlights with the Audi laser light technology with customisable digital daytime running light signatures. Audi also redesigned the lower portion of the front bumper and the signature Singleframe grille, which now features an octagon design with vertical inlays. They feature a teardrop shape in the base exterior and come in the shape of an L in the S line exterior, as well as for the SQ7.

The wheel range offers a choice of five new 20- to 22-inch wheel designs (19-inches come standard). Black Metallic, Gray Silk Matte with glossy black inlays or diamond-cut Black Metallic are available for 21-inch wheels and larger. At the rear, for the first time, the Q7 features largely digitalized OLED rear lights (OLED = organic light emitting diode) as an optional extra, which also feature four digital light signatures.

The optionally available Black and Black Plus optics packages set striking accents in the exterior around the Audi Singleframe grille, the trim on the side windows, and the front and rear bumpers. Audi also added three new metallic paint finishes to the Q7 palette, namely Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red.

Updated interior

Inside, Audi has once again refined the equipment range for the facelifted Q7. The seams on the seat trim in the base model now come standard and in a contrasting gray color. There are also nine decorative inlays available to choose from. New in the equipment range include Natural Elm Burl Silver for the base model, Matte Carbon Twill, and Matte Brushed Aluminum with linear embossing in silver for the Q7 with the S line sport package, as well as for the SQ7.

On the tech side of things, Audi is also expanding the range of apps on their MIB 3 infotainment system. For the first time, passengers can directly use popular apps from third-party providers for example Spotify or Amazon music. In terms of driver assistance systems, the surroundings display in particular is receiving an upgrade. Among other things, the Audi virtual cockpit displays a lane change warning, other road users (trucks, cars, and motorcycles), distance warning, intersection assist, and traffic light info online in full HD quality.

Performance

The range opens with the 45 TDI quattro, a three-liter diesel engine that has 170 kW of power and delivers 500 Nm of torque, which extends over a plateau between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. From a standing start, Audi claims the Q7 45 TDI will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.1 seconds. It has a top speed of 226 km/h.

This engine is followed by the 50 TDI quattro, a more powerful version with 210 kW and 600 Nm. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 241 km/h.

The Q7 55 TFSI features a six-cylinder gasoline engine with three liters of displacement and direct fuel injection that delivers 250 kW. It delivers a maximum torque of 500 Nm in a broad rev range from 1,370 to 4,500 rpm. With its turbocharged gasoline engine, the Audi Q7 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in a claimed 5.6 seconds. It reaches its electronically governed top speed at 250 km/h.

As part of the product upgrade, the Audi SQ7 TFSI now runs on the established 4.0 TFSI with 373 kW and 770 Nm of torque with fast-shifting eight-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. With this engine, the SQ7 TFSI accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds, with an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h. 

Electronically controlled air suspension with a continuously adaptive damping system – adaptive air suspension or adaptive air suspension sport (standard equipment on the SQ7 TFSI) – are available as optional equipment. Depending on the driver’s preferences and the driving situation, the suspension adjusts the ride height by up to 90 millimeters while also offering level control. On the highway, the suspension lowers automatically by up to 30 millimeters, depending on the current speed, and by 15 millimeters with adaptive air suspension sport. During off-road driving, the “Lift” function in Audi drive select can be used to increase the ground clearance by up to 60 millimeters at low speeds. For an improved turning radius, customers can opt for the optional all-wheel steering.

Availability

Audi South Africa is yet to announce local availability and pricing.