Audi (AUDVF, Financial) looks eager to create the ultimate difference in the premium sports utility vehicle segment, and that’s pretty apparent through the launch of the Q7 series that’s expected to make the debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 12. In fact, the Q7 should be hitting U.S. dealerships possibly by September 2015. So, what are the remarkable upgrades that this refurbished model has that were not present in its predecessor? And why is it that it’s been said that the Q7 appears to be a reinvention by Audi with the improvement being astounding when compared to its earlier model? Let’s dig deeper into the shared features of 2016 Audi Q7 to get to the final answer.
The improvements are eye-popping
Interestingly, the 2016 Audi Q7 has shed 716.5 pounds. Such a huge weight loss does improve its fuel efficiency by around 26% compared to the outgoing model that went on sale in 2005.
This is a reflection of the re-engineering effort that starts with the underlying structure of the vehicle being made of super thin “ultra-high-strength” steel and aluminium. Since the structure forms the backbone of the vehicle, such composite material reduces the weight by about 156.5 pounds contributing heavily to its weight savings.
Notably, due to the reduction of weight compared to its immediate predecessor, the diesel variant of the to-be-launched Q7 is 23% more fuel-efficient and gets an estimated 37.9-41.3 miles per gallon overall. Anyone who reads about cars or has knowledge of midsize SUVs would agree that this is an impressive number for an SUV in the premium segment.
With regard to its engines, the 2016 Audi Q7 would get two extra engines in addition to the usual six-cylinders. The Q7 2.0 TFSI model will feature a turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder, while the Q7 e-tron Quattro includes a diesel plug-in-hybrid powertrain that can drive around 35 miles on electric power and gets an estimated 138 miles per gallon.
All the Q7 models would feature the new eight-speed Tiptronic transmission and all-wheel drive. Also, the Q7 models would not compromise on comfort, and the interior will be marginally taller, longer and wider giving occupants more head, leg and shoulder room. This way, the new models will be better off from the model already selling in the market which has been criticized for its cramped interiors.
There are a lot of new additional features added to the multi-media interface (MMI) in Q7 with the menus and controls being more intuitive, and a large touchpad and eight programmable buttons added to the central console. All such changes makes it easier for the driver to search for specific song titles, place phone calls and input addresses in the navigation system. This new MMI works with Apple (AAPL, Financial) CarPlay and Google (GOOG, Financial) Android Auto that allows the dashboard screen to mirror smartphone functions like music, streaming and navigation.
It’s laden with the latest crash avoidance systems, has adaptive control improvement and is a step closer to autonomous driving. For the first time, the Audi has been designed in such a manner that it cannot only maintain a predetermined speed and distance from a vehicle but can also completely take over the steering functions as in a driverless car. But this autonomous driving feature works only on “developed highways” at speeds under 65 kph.
In the competitive space
The Audi Q7 has several rivals, eminent ones being the BMW (BMW:GR, Financial) X5 which has shaved 230 pounds with its recent design. Ford (F, Financial) and Land Rover (TTM, Financial) are two others who have cut hundreds of pounds from their heaviest models such as the F-150 and the Range Rover sport, respectively.
Also the upcoming BMW X7 could be included in the list of competitors to Audi’s Q7.
To conclude
Audi describes the upcoming Q7 model to be “masculine and determined” with upgraded features and a price that is likely to be close to that of the current model which starts at $47,700. As Audi fans await the arrival of the Q7 series, let’s stay tuned and keep an eye on how this model is able to create the ultimate niche for Audi in the premium SUV segment in 2015.
