EARLY Q7 PROMISE CONFIRMED IN THE LONG RUN

Audi’s first, and still pre-emptive seven-seat SUV, is still doing what a large luxury SUV should do. Now with a new-look exterior, upgraded driving dynamics and all-round digital infotainment for MY2021, the Q7 line-up takes in two TDI drivetrains, available in three model variations – Q7 45 TDI quattro, Q7 50 TDI quattro and Q7 50 TDI quattro S line.

The entry-level Q7 45 TDI quattro is powered by the 3.0-litre TDI V6 engine, producing 170 kW and 500 Nm, enabling it to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds.

The Q7 50 TDI quattro has the 3.0 TDI V6 uprated to 210 kW and 600 Nm and gets to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds.

The Q7 50 TDI quattro S line flagship has a substantial amount of equipment as standard. These include S line visual highlights, Valcona leather upholstery and Bose 3-D sound system with 19 speakers, including subwoofer.

All are offered with the comprehensive Audi service plan package, priced at $2310 for three years or $3190 for five years.

STYLING
The Q7 has been given a more powerful stance than its predecessor, led by a front bumper with its stand-out octagonal single frame, reworked sill trim and new tailgate design. Complementing these are standard matrix LED headlights and 19-inch alloy wheels.

INTERIOR
There’s now more headroom in the front and rear, where occupants can take advantage of three-zone climate control air-conditioning.

There’s generous legroom in the second row of seats, while for seven-seat capacity, at the touch of a button, the third-row seatbacks eerily rise out of the cargo floor like twin Frankenstein monsters coming to life.

Up to 2050 litres of luggage can be accommodated in the cargo area.

INFOTAINMENT
The Audi virtual cockpit layout has two separate screens, a 10.1-inch touch / haptic screen for infotainment and 8.6-inch screen for vehicle functions.

Audi connect plus navigation and infotainment technology come standard, as well as adaptive cruise control with speed limiter.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The Audi Q7 50 TDI quattro is powered by a 3.0-litre TDI turbo-diesel V6 engine, producing 210 kW and peak torque of 600 Nm, capable of launching the vehicle to 100 km/h from rest in 6.5 seconds.

Power delivery and is enhanced with 48-volt mild hybrid technology, reducing fuel consumption by a claimed 0.7 litres per 100 km.

All have an eight-speed tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.

SAFETY
Safety is up there with the best on offer. Included are front and rear parking sensors with 360-degree cameras, lane change warning, rear cross-traffic alert and intersection assist.

DRIVING
Drive select will tailor performance and comfort to occupants’ wishes as adaptive air suspension comes standard. The ability to adjust the height of the Q7 across varying terrains is very handy if you’re planning serious off-road work.

Our test car showed some hesitance answering the accelerator pedal when moving off the mark. Once on the go, the engine responded readily and smoothly to any pedal input.

Audi claims fuel consumption to be 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / highway cycle. The test vehicle recorded 9.7 litres per 100 kilometres around town and 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres on a motorway run.

Much appreciated on test was the power tailgate and load height. A neat touch was the double sunshade, one part of which could be flipped to shade the side window, while its partner took care of the windscreen and beyond.

SUMMARY
Speed, space and something special: the new Audi Q7 50 TDI quattro has got the lot.

AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
Audi Q7 45 TDI quattro $101,900
Audi Q7 50 TDI quattro $112,900
Audi Q7 50 TDI quattro S line $119,900
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Audi dealer for drive-away prices.

SPECIFICATIONS (Audi Q7 50 TDI 3.0L Turbodiesel, 6-cylinder, 8sp tiptronic automatic, quattro AWD SUV)

ENGINE:
Capacity: 2.967 litres
Configuration: Six cylinders in V formation
Maximum Power: 210 kW @ 3500-4000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 600 Nm @ 2250-3250 rpm
Fuel Type: Diesel
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 6.8 L/100km

DRIVELINE: Eight-speed tiptronic automatic, quattro AWD

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 5067 mm
Wheelbase: 2999 mm
Width: 1970 mm
Height: 1781 mm
Turning Circle: 12.4 metres
Kerb Mass: 2240 kg

BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc

STANDARD WARRANTY:
Three years / unlimited kilometres

About Derek Ogden

On graduating with an honours degree in applied science in London, Derek Ogden worked for the BBC in local radio and several British newspapers as a production journalist and writer. Derek moved to Australia in 1975 and worked as a sub-editor with The Courier Mail and Sunday Mail in Brisbane, moving to the Gold Coast Bulletin in 1980 where he continued as a production journalist. He was the paper's motoring editor for more than 20 years, taking the weekly section from a few pages at the back of the book to a full-colour liftout of up to 36 pages. He left the publication in 2009.
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