Continuing the momentum from their recent introduction, Audi Malaysia today launched the all-new Audi Q7. Also known as the Great quattro®, after the legendary permanent all-wheel drive system that the brand is renowned for, the second generation of the Audi Q7 is set to be the benchmark by which all premium SUVs are measured.
First introduced back in September 2005 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the original Q7 was the pioneering SUV from Audi, laying the groundwork for the marque’s future success in luxury SUVs. It broke new ground with its streamlined body style, capable driving dynamics, luxurious comfort and ergonomic practicality. This winning formula resulted in near-universal acclaim from motoring enthusiasts, design aficionados and everyone in between, also resulting in a dedicated Audi Q range of SUVs including the Q5 and Q3.
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 that 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®”.
Designed for Greatness: Cutting-edge Design and Lightweight Construction
The all-new Audi Q7 represents an interpretation of the refined Audi Q design language, combining tight surfaces and sculpted edges on a powerful and imposing silhouette, resulting in a confident and assured road stance. The trademark Audi Singleframe grille boldly announces the arrival of this impressive SUV, with its LED headlights and signature daytime running lights forming a distinctive double-arrow pattern. A muscular and sculpted shoulder line, pronounced wheel arches and wrap-around tailgate that extends around the D pillar are also carried over as a nod to the first-generation Audi Q7.
In terms of dimensions, the all-new Audi Q7 measures 5.05 metres long, 1.97 metres wide and 1.74 metres tall, resulting in the largest interior space within its segment. However, this large SUV weighs up to 325 kilogrammes less than its predecessor, thanks to Audi’s strict adherence to the principle of lightweight construction including the usage of intelligent design, multi-material assembly and the strategic deployment of aluminium components.
Greatness on the Move: The Sum of Its Parts
The new Audi Q7 SUV comes with the latest generation 3.0 TFSI V6 petrol engine with combined demand-controlled direct injection and manifold injection. An 8-speed tiptronic transmission is standard, and this allows the engine to produce a maximum output of 333 hp and a total of 440 Nm of torque from 2,900 to 5,300 rpm.
Befitting its title as the Great quattro®, the Audi Q7 is also equipped with Audi’s legendary permanent all-wheel drive system and 20” cast aluminium wheels, allowing it to accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds (a full 1.6 seconds faster than its predecessor) and onwards to an electronically-governed top speed of 250 km/h. Despite its exhilarating performance, the new Audi Q7 3.0 quattro® records a combined fuel consumption cycle of 7.9 litres/100 km as well as a CO2 emissions rating of 183 g/km.
The sporty and agile handling dynamics of the new Audi Q7 are also remarkable for a large premium SUV and are a result of superior technical development and the use of the new MLB-Evo platform. It is evident that the all-new Audi Q7’s lightweight construction ethos, powerful drivetrain combination and dynamic chassis setup allow it to showcase its best-in-class acceleration, handling, efficiency and driveability.
Not content with all-round performance, the all-new Audi Q7 is also a cossetting and comfortable experience with adaptive air suspension as standard, uniting air suspension with a continuously variable electronically controlled air spring damper system that ensures comfort, dynamic handling and that the vehicle will always remain level, regardless of the load distribution.
Greatness from Within: Versatile Ergonomics meets High-Tech Comfort
Open the door of the all-new Audi Q7 and you will encounter a luxury class lounge for up to seven people. Featuring electrically adjustable front seats with four-way lumbar support, a generously apportioned second row with ample leg room and a versatile electrically-operated third row of 50:50 split seats that can be folded down to increase the cargo space from an already spacious 770 litres to a cavernous 1955 litres, the new Audi Q7 is the perfect companion for the varied and demanding lifestyles of today.
Building on Audi’s immense experience in crafting the finest interiors, the interior is a clean, crisp and minimalist, springing to life upon the press of the Start button. Immediately, the Audi virtual cockpit, that made its debut with the TT coupé powers up providing the driver with information on demand. An additional 8.3” central screen with high-resolution graphics also rises automatically from the dashboard upon engine ignition, providing the front seat passenger with access to all the features of MMI navigation plus with MMI touch including 3D navigation, infotainment and telephone features. In terms of infotainment, passengers are spoiled for choice with a Bose® 3D sound system featuring a 15-channel amplifier with 19 loudspeakers for a total output of 558 watts.
The new Audi Q7 also features new settings for Audi drive select. In addition to the standard Auto, Dynamic, Efficiency, Comfort and Individual settings, this capable SUV also features an Allroad mode which prepares for a mixed terrain by lifting the ride height by 25 mm and Lift/Offroad mode which prepares the SUV to go far off the beaten track by raising the right height to the maximum of 60 mm. Additionally, the new Audi Q7 also offers a convenient loading mode, which lowers the rear axle by 45 mm in order to increase accessibility to the luggage compartment.
As with all Audi models, the new Audi Q7 comes packed with numerous electronic and mechanical features to ensure an efficient and safe driving experience whether on or off the road, including a 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) and a total of eight airbags.
Greatness Distilled: The All-New Great quattro®
“The Audi Q7 is a game-changer not just for the brand, but for the entire premium SUV segment and I am confident that much like its predecessor, the Great quattro® will be a resounding success for Audi in Malaysia,” added Mr. Buschmann.
The all-new Audi Q7 is offered in ten colour choices: 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. Available for booking at all authorised Audi dealerships from 20 November onwards, the Great quattro® is priced from RM 589,900.
For more information, please visit http://www.audiq7.com.my/ today.
