New Audi Q7 sheds 325 kg, adds diesel plug-in variant

Audi's new Q7 will make its debut on January 12, 2015, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This three-row full size SUV has dropped 325kg thanks to slight reduction in size, while the body is made of high-strength steel and aluminum. Audi also plans to offer a Q7 plug-in diesel hybrid version after launch of the petrol and diesel models.

The Q7 will be available with a 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol and a 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged diesel. According to Audi, the Q7’s fuel economy will improve by 26 per cent. All variants will be mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission. With a kerb weight of 1,995 kg (as 3.0 TDI), the new Audi Q7 is the lightest in its class. Audi engineers have reduced the fuel consumption of the Q7 TDI by as much as 23 percent. The new Q7's low centre of mass makes it extremely agile, but at the same time, it is the most spacious car in its segment.

The Q7 also sets new standards when it comes to infotainment, connectivity and driver assistance systems. The second-generation modular infotainment platform is on board, as is the Audi virtual cockpit. The new MMI all-in-touch control unit with large touchpad makes operation easy and simple. For rear passengers, there is the Audi tablet and there are also two sound systems with 3D audio. Smartphone integration with Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is also available. The new Audi Q7 is one of the first cars worldwide to offer these functions.

One key feature is the comprehensive portfolio of new driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assistant. No other production vehicle in the world currently offers more.

The Audi Q7 e-tron quattro, which will be launched soon after its conventionally powered counterparts, is the first plug in hybrid from Audi with a diesel engine. It will have a total output 373PS and a system torque of 700 Nm. It is also the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid with quattro all-wheel drive in the premium SUV segment. A full battery charge is sufficient for a distance of just under 55 km.

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Audi Board Member for Technical Development, “The new Audi Q7 is a statement of our competence. Weighing 325 kilograms less, it sets the benchmark in its class. It is around 26 per cent more fuel efficient and is equipped with the latest assistance systems, infotainment modules and connect features.”