New Delhi: The first generation Q7 was an instant hit and changed Audi to a major SUV player along with also giving it leadership in the luxury SUV space.


Being Audi's first full-size SUV, the Q7 packed in looks, comfort and a line-up of capable engines.


However, times have moved on and now the luxury SUV segment is filled with capable contenders from just about every premium car-maker.


The Q7 is also now back in the Audi range but this time as an all-new model. This is the facelifted Q7 and follows from the new Q5 launch.




This is also not some 'small' facelift as the new Q7 does look a lot more aggressive over the earlier one.


Up-front there is a huge new grille which does give the SUV a lot more presence while the new Matrix LED Headlamps adds to the premium look with even the bumper getting a new design. 


These new Matrix LEDs also come with dynamic turn indicators in them. Move to the side and there are 19-inch alloys now which do look a touch sportier than the earlier ones.




The rear gets a set of new tail lamps with dynamic turn indicators while added chrome goes further in making it shout that it is a full-size luxury SUV from Audi.


Owners want SUVs at this price to be big and also have a presence- compared to the earlier one, the new Q7 is a lot more appealing now with more aggression.


Also, with its new design, the SUV has now grown eleven millimetres (0.4 in) to 5,063 millimetres (16.6 ft) long.




However, the all-new interior is what makes the Q7 an almost 'new' car rather than just a facelift. Gloss black trim, dual screens and a new look change the cabin altogether from the earlier one.


The steering wheel is sportier now while there is plenty of chrome, metal and gloss black trim which dominates the dashboard.


It is a lot more modern now while still keeping the luxury feel intact- something expected from an SUV at this segment.




The dual-screen set-up is similar to the A8 sedan or the A6 with the climate control functions put in the lower touchscreen with the rest of the major functions above.


The large touch screens do make using them on the go a lot easier. The other bit we liked is the running air vent design which goes along the entire dashboard.


The new leather upholstery blends in well with gloss black while the top of the dash gets hard but high-quality plastics. It feels well built, in other words.




A lot needs to be talked about on the technology front with the digital instrument cluster having separate views while the two screens as mentioned earlier have a crisp touch response with haptic feedback.


There are plenty in terms of features including 4-zone climate control, powered seats with driver-side memory function, 360-degree camera, panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, 3D Bang & Olufsen audio system, air ionization and aromatization etc.




Safety-wise, there are 8 airbags plus adaptive windshield wipers, lane departure warning with steering assist and more.


Space has been a Q7 plus point and here too, the rear seat offers really good comfort in terms of legroom or even seat comfort.


That said, the central tunnel makes it a more comfortable 4-seater at the back.


Unlike the earlier Q7, the new one is now petrol only but it gets a powerful engine in form of a V6 with 340ps and 500Nm of torque.


Crucially, the standard is air suspension plus Quattro all-wheel-drive of course. An 8-speed automatic is also standard.




Petrol surely adds to the luxury experience since it brings smoothness and is more refined than the best of diesel.


First impressions say that the new Q7 feels very light to drive in traffic and has nice steering which makes using it easy.


From behind the wheel, you do not feel the size. In comfort mode, the suspension also felt smooth while overall noise levels were nearly zero with a silent cabin.


It is only the sharpest of the potholes that somewhat lead to the impact filtering through.


Else, it feels effortless, smooth and silent. What is surprising is the engine and how fast it is.


For a big SUV, the V6 makes the Q7 feel very quick and it feels surprisingly sporty. I did not expect the Q7 to be so quick and overtaking is very easy.


In the dynamic mode, the Q7 also feels athletic and has a controlled body roll. For being driven around, the rest seat passengers will like the lack of roll or not being tossed around while the suspension is silent too.


The new Q7 is a better luxury SUV as its smooth new petrol makes a better choice now.


Yes, the petrol V6 cannot match the diesel in terms of FE, but at this price, owners will like the refinement plus the power of that engine.


The sharper looks and the new feature-packed interior further makes this one of the most appealing luxury SUVs right now.


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