CAR /
NEWS
August 19, 2020
The new Audi Q7, equipped with a 48V mild hybrid system, makes its debut | Audi
AUDI Q7 | The Audi Q7
Audi Launches New Q7 Equipped with 48V Mild Hybrid System
Audi Japan announced on August 18 that the new, significantly revised premium SUV, the Q7, would go on sale the same day.
Significantly Revised Model of the Second Generation Debuted in 2016
The first-generation Q7 debuted in 2006 with a sporty, stylish design and a 7-seat, 3-row configuration. The new model is a significantly revised version of the second generation, which underwent a full model change in 2016. It boasts all-around advancements, not only in its exterior but also in its interior, powertrain, infotainment system, and advanced safety features.
The powertrain for the 55 TFSI quattro and 55 TFSI quattro S line models combines a 3.0-liter V6 twin-scroll turbo engine with a 48V mild hybrid (MHEV) drive system, producing a maximum output of 250 kW (340 ps) and a peak torque of 500 Nm. An 8-speed tiptronic transmission is employed.
The quattro all-wheel-drive system, featuring a mechanical center differential, typically distributes torque 40:60 between the front and rear axles, achieving a balance of agile handling reminiscent of rear-wheel drive and the stability characteristic of quattro. Depending on road conditions, it can dynamically vary the torque distribution from 70:30 to 15:85 (front:rear), enabling superior traction and dynamic driving.
The suspension features an optional adaptive air suspension system that combines air springs, allowing for four levels of ride height adjustment from a +60 mm lift mode to a -30 mm highway mode, with dampers offering continuously variable damping. The S line models come standard with an adaptive air suspension sport, which lowers the ride height by 15 mm and features sportier tuning, achieving a superior balance of dynamic handling and comfortable ride quality. The standard vehicle is equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, while the S line features 20-inch alloy wheels as standard.
Exterior: More Powerful and Sporty
The exterior exudes power and sportiness, highlighted by the octagonal singleframe grille designed for Q models. The rear design features an impressive aluminum strip connecting the flat taillights on either side, enhancing the horizontal design language with the technical graphic of the taillights.
Inside, the Audi Virtual Cockpit, a 12.3-inch display, replaces analog gauges. It allows for switching between displays, including the speedometer and navigation screen, via controls on the steering wheel.
The center of the instrument panel houses two large touchscreens with haptic feedback. The upper 10.1-inch display controls infotainment and navigation, while the lower 8.6-inch display manages climate control and other functions.
The standard configuration seats five passengers, with an optional 7-seater package offering a third row. The second row features three individual seats with adjustable slide and recline functions, along with power-folding third-row seats.
In the 5-seater configuration, the luggage space is 890 liters under normal conditions, expanding to a generous 2,075 liters when the second-row seats are folded. For the 7-seater configuration, the space is 770 liters with the third-row seats folded, and 1,955 liters when both the second and third rows are folded, offering practicality comparable to minivans.
Limited Edition Model Launched to Commemorate the New Audi Q7
The vehicle is equipped with numerous advanced driver-assistance systems. The Adaptive Driving Assistant (ADA) integrates the functions of adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, and traffic jam assist. Its cruise control with distance maintenance and lane-keeping functions help reduce driver fatigue.
The Emergency Assist monitors the driver for signs of incapacitation. If no response is detected, the system will maintain the lane while gently decelerating and stopping the vehicle.
The Surround View camera system synthesizes images from four cameras mounted on the vehicle, displaying a bird's-eye view on the MMI monitor. This aids in detecting obstacles and pedestrians around the vehicle.
Furthermore, the Curb Stone Assist provides a 3D view of the vehicle's surroundings, including the area around the tires, during parking maneuvers. This helps prevent damage to the wheels from contact with curbs.
To commemorate the launch of the new Audi Q7, a limited edition Q7 45 S line Limited has also been released. This model features a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo engine paired with an 8-speed tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel-drive system. It produces a maximum output of 185 kW (252 ps) and a peak torque of 370 Nm, with a JC08 mode fuel economy of 11.0 km/L.
In addition to the 7-seater package (third-row seats, 4-zone climate control, power-closing doors) and the Premium Package (extended aluminum black/black glass look control panel, privacy glass), it is specially equipped with 21-inch alloy wheels.
Exterior color options include the exclusive color for the limited edition, Baroque Brown Metallic, as well as Glacier White Metallic, Daytona Gray, and Orca Black Metallic, for a total of four colors. Production is limited to 310 units.
Pricing is set at 9.57 million yen for the 55 TFSI quattro, 10.20 million yen for the 55 TFSI quattro S line, and 9.75 million yen for the 45 S line Limited.