The Audi Q7 was the German carmaker’s very first attempt at producing a mass-market SUV. The first-generation Q7 went on sale in late 2005, and soon enough, became one of Audi’s best-selling models, ever. Essentially, the Audi Q7 is a luxury crossover SUV and traces its underpinnings to the VW Touareg. And up until recently, it was also the flagship model for Audi – a position which is now occupied by the Q8.
The first-gen model went on for almost a decade without any radical changes. The all-new, second-generation Audi Q7 was introduced in 2015, and brought along with it a slew of welcome changes. It rides on the VW Group’s MLB platform, thus losing over 300 kilograms in weight. Also, the new Q7 is in many ways, a far better car than its predecessor. In the UAE, it rivals the Mercedes-Benz GLE, Volvo XC90, and Range Rover Sport.
Exterior
Compared to its previous shape, the new 2019 Audi Q7 is a far sharper looking thing. The above-mentioned weight savings are evident with the new design, and the Q7 now looks like a taut business suit. That said, I personally liked the overall appearance and proportions of its larger, bulkier predecessor.
The front fascia of the 2019 Q7 wears Audi’s familiar, large ‘Singleframe’ grille, stylish LED headlamps with striking LED DRLs, and wide, aggressively-molded bumper. The wagon-like side (and rear) profile of this new model isn’t as imposing or aggressive as before, though the suave 19-inch alloy wheels, flared fenders, and sharp body creases look quite cool. The rear of the new Q7 gets large, ultra-modern LED taillights, sleek roof-mounted spoiler, plus a sporty bumper with twin-exhaust pipes.
As for its size, the new 2019 Audi Q7 measures 5.052 meters in length, 2.212 meters in width, 1.741 meters in height, and has a wheelbase of 2.994 meters. The five-seater Audi Q7 has a humongous total boot capacity of 890 liters.
Interior
Unlike the exterior, I have absolutely no complaints with the interior design of the 2019 Audi Q7. It’s way more modern, contemporary, and sophisticated when compared to its predecessor. Also, the clean lines, minimalistic layout, and a more driver-focused cockpit definitely look and feel classier. The cabin of this new Q7 is a luxurious and comfortable place to spend time in. The seats, too, are really nice and so is the cabin insulation against NVH.
The 2019 Q7’s cabin also scores full points as far as material quality, overall build, and fit and finish are concerned. Its features list is equally as impressive: - there’s Audi’s Virtual Cockpit driver’s display, automatic Matrix LED headlamps, panoramic glass roof, radar cruise control, adaptive suspension, automatic multi-zone climate control, heated and cooler power front seats, power tailgate, an 8.3-inch Audi MMI infotainment display with navigation, and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. The Q7’s standard safety kit includes almost everything that Audi has at their disposal.
Engine and performance
The 2019 Audi Q7 is powered by either a 2.0-liter four-popper or 3.0-liter six-banger petrol engine in the 40 and 45 TFSI guises, respectively. The smaller unit produces 252 hp and 370 Nm, whereas the V6 develops 333 hp and 440 torques. Both engines are married to Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 2019 Q7 (45 TFSI) can hit 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, and is limited to a top speed of 250 km/h. Meanwhile, its fuel economy figure is rated at around 8.0 L/100 km.
Verdict
Prices for the 2019 Audi Q7 range between 268,000 dirhams and 345,000 dirhams. Costs of insurance, depending on the trim level, vary from AED 6,030 to AED 7,763.
