If it feels like the Audi Q7 has been around for a very long time, that’s because it has. First revealed to the world at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in September 2005, the Q7 broke new ground with its streamlined body style, driving dynamics, luxurious comfort and ergonomic practicality. Audi had in their hands a winning formula, one that paved the way for later Q models, the Q5 and Q3, respectively.
On Friday, Audi Malaysia introduced the second generation Audi Q7. Also known as the Great quattro®, after their legendary permanent all-wheel drive system that the brand is renowned for.
Introducing the all-new Audi Q7, Immo Buschmann, Managing Director of Audi Malaysia shares, “The original Audi Q7 was the living embodiment of Audi’s quattro® philosophy, combining the capability of an off-roader with comfort and utility of a family vehicle as well as the prestige and presence of a business sedan. In much the same way its predecessor was a pioneer by defining all the characteristics of a luxury SUV back then, the all-new Audi Q7 blazes ahead today with the very latest advances in lightweight design, drivetrain technology and class-leading innovation for a luxury SUV simply known as the Great quattro®”.
At 5.05 meters long, 1.97 meters wide and 1.74 meters tall, the all-new Audi Q7 stands slightly shorter and narrower than its predecessor. Despite that, there is actually more interior space in the cabin; resulting in the largest interior space within its segment. The new car has also been through a strict Audi diet and thanks in part of extensive use of lightweight materials in its construction, now weighs a whopping 325 kgs less than its predecessor!
Powering the new car is Audi’s latest generation 3.0 TFSI V6 petrol engine, mated to an 8-speed tiptronic transmission. There’s a healthy 333hp and 440Nm, improvements over the previous generation, with a zerotohundred sprint of 6.3 seconds, besting the older car by 1.6 seconds and on to an electronically-governed top speed of 250km/h. Despite the leap in performance, the new Audi Q7 records a combined fuel consumption cycle of 7.9 litres/100km and lower CO2 emissions rating of 183 g/km.
When asked if other engine variants, either petrol or diesel, would later be introduced to the Malaysian market, Audi Malaysia responded that while the 3.0 TFSI was seen as the perfect fit, there is always a possibility of a wider choice of powerplants.
There’s plenty of Audi technology stuffed into the new Q7: adaptive air suspension, continuously variable electronically controlled air spring damper system, Audi drive select, Audi virtual cockpit (which made its debut first in the Audi TT), a massive 8.3″ central screen which features MMI navigation plus and MMI touch, and a Bose® 3D sound system, featuring 15-channel amplifier with 19 loudspeakers.
Of course, there is the usual list of safety features as well: start/stop system with energy recovery, tyre pressure loss indicator, hill descent control, Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) which includes Traction Control (ASR), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), along with a total of eight airbags.
Priced at RM589,900, the all-new Audi Q7 is now available across all 20 Audi dealerships nationwide. An additional RM13k adds S-line kit, which includes a slew of exterior and interior styling kit, although the gorgeous Matrix LEDs remain as another option. Potential buyers have a choice of ten colours – Carrara White, Glacier White, Floret Silver, Carat Beige, Argus Brown, Ink Blue, Graphite Grey, Night Black, Orca Black and a special Daytona Grey with pearl effect.
For more information, visit Audi’s Q7 minisite here.
