The Audi Q7 is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV of the German manufacturer Audi, unveiled in September 2002 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Production of the Q7 began in autumn of 2005 at the Volkswagen Bratislava Plant in Bratislava, Slovakia. It is the first SUV offering from Audi and went on sale in 2003. Later, Audi's second SUV, the Q5, was unveiled as a 2009 model. Audi has since unveiled a third SUV model, the Q3, which went on sale in the 3rd quarter of 2011. The Q7 shares its platform and chassis with the Volkswagen Touareg and the Porsche Cayenne.
First generation (Typ 4L: 2007â€"2015)
Overview
The Q7 (internally designated Typ 4L) utilizes a modified version of the Volkswagen Group PL71 platform. Previewed by the Audi Pikes Peak quattro concept car, the Q7 is designed more for on-road use, and was not meant for serious off-road use where a transfer case is needed. In an off-road test through the Australian outback it fared well for a "soft roader",.
Although it lacks a low-range transfer case, it has quattro permanent four-wheel drive system with a central locking differential, and a self-levelling air suspension with Continuous Damping Control, called Adaptive air suspension, which helps in off-road situations.
Development began in 2002 under the code AU 716, primarily focused on the Pikes Peak Concept. Design work was frozen for the Concept in July 2002, for presentation at the North American International Auto Show in January 2003. Following the introduction of the concept, full-scale development began on Typ 4L of the PL71 platform.
The production design was frozen in late 2003, for a late 2005 start of production. Prototypes went into testing in 2004, with development concluding in the first half of 2005. It introduced the world's only series production passenger car V12 TDI diesel engine. While the Q7 has been the flagship SUV in Audi's product portfolio, a new top-of-the-line model, which is likely to be called the Audi Q8, is on the cards. It debuted in its concept form at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show.
Sales
Features
- Q7 offers an optional feature marketed as Audi Music Interface (AMI), to allow user manipulation of an iPod or similar MP3-style player, which can play through the Multi Media Interface.
- Q7 was the first Audi model to offer Side Assist, a type of blind-spot detection and warning system.
Engines
Source
0â€"100 km/h performance for Q7 3.6 VR6 FSI is 8.5s, 4.2 V8 FSI is 7.4s and for 6.0 V12 TDI is 5.5s.
Safety
Despite its multiple airbags and safety electronics, such as Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), the Q7 scored only four stars out of five () in the Euro NCAP crash test for adult occupant protection. According to Audi, this was caused by a design error, and has since been fixed in cars manufactured after the test which should allegedly lead to five stars. Official tests to prove this remain to be done as of March 2009.
However, in the United States, the Q7 received five out of five stars () from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety test for both front and side impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Q7 its Top Safety Pick 2009, with Good ratings in all 14 measured categories of the front and side impact test.
The 2015 Q7 has a rollover risk of 18.5%.
North American models
It was first released as 2007 model, with Q7 4.2 quattro available at launch.
Q7 hybrid (2005)
The Q7 hybrid was a concept vehicle using the engine from the 4.2 FSI with an electric motor to provide 200 N·m (150 lb·ft) extra torque, and nickel-metal hydride battery. It has 0â€"100 km/h acceleration of 6.8s. The vehicle weighs 2,410 kg (5,310 lb), 140 kg (310 lb) heavier than the petrol counterpart.
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Audi reportedly was going to introduce a hybrid version of the Q7 sometime in the future. However, the low US dollar caused Audi to drop the plans for the US market, but stated limited quantities would be available for the commercial market. Audi's research and development chief, Michael Dick, later announced Q7 hybrid would be produced in limited numbers for test purposes only and that development work would focus on a more advanced lithium-ion battery-based hybrid system for the Q5.
Q7 3.0 TDI clean diesel (2007)
The Q7 3.0 TDI clean diesel is a version of 3.0 V6 TDI with selective catalytic reduction. The engine was later used in the next generation of the Q7 for the European market. The 3.0-litre TDI S line can go from 0â€"60 mph in 8.4 seconds and has a top speed of 134 mph.
US models of the 2009 Audi Q7 TDI Premium went on sale in 2009-04 with a base MSRP of $50,900 (excluding a destination charge of $825, taxes, title or dealer charges).
Q7 4.2 TDI (2007â€"2009)
The vehicle was unveiled in 2007 Geneva Motor Show.
Production version went on sale in early summer 2007.
Q7 V12 TDI (2008â€"2012)
The V12 TDI engine was "based" on the diesel technology from Audi R10 TDI race car, though both engines are completely unrelated: the bore / stroke / angle of the blocks are different and they do not share a single component . The only twelve-cylinder diesel engine used in any passenger car, it was rated at 500 PS (370 kW; 490 hp) and 1,000 N·m (740 lb·ft). This gives the vehicle a 0â€"100 km/h acceleration time of 5.5 seconds. The Q7 V12 TDI is, according to Audi, the best handling Q7 due to a revised suspension, tires and brakes. Audi claims the Q7 V12 TDI can handle a lateral acceleration of over .9 g on a 300-foot (91 m) skid-pad.
The concept vehicle originally appeared at the 2006 Paris Motor Show.
Audi had announced V12 diesel version for the US market using diesel emission treatment technology jointly developed with Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz under the label "BlueTec". Audi cancelled the plan to federalize the Q7 V12 TDI for the US market due in part to the global financial crisis of 2008.
This V12 version is no longer available for the model year 2013 in anticipation of the cosmetic and mechanical update of Q7 for 2014. The auto listing websites, mobile.de and autoscout24.de, have shown the 2012 model year availability of V12 version.
Audi Q7 coastline (2008)
It is a concept version of Q7 V12 TDI with Inuit white interior with wood decoration. The design theme was inspired by luxury yachts.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2008 Geneva Motor Show.
Lawsuit on the use of the letter Q
In early 2005, Nissan North America Inc. filed a lawsuit against Audi over the use of the letter "Q" as a model name.
Audi is using the "Q" for the designation of their quattro four-wheel drive system, used in production cars for over twenty-five years (Audi's quattro trademark is actually an umbrella term for several types of four wheel drive systems developed by Torsen, Haldex Traction AB, and Borg-Warner, the latter being used in the Q7). Nissan's Infiniti marque had been using Q as the name for passenger cars (the Q50) and QX for SUVs (the QX50 and QX70) since 2013.
A settlement between Audi AG and Nissan was reached in late 2006. The agreement stipulates that Audi will only use the Q-prefix for THREE models, the Q3, Q5 and the Q7.
Facelift (2010â€"2015)
The vehicle was unveiled in 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
Exterior changes include new front and rear lights which better incorporate LED lighting with optional LED turn signals and daytime running lights, new wheel designs, chrome accents, four new paint colors, and updated body styling in the front and rear.
A redesigned interior includes a new instrument cluster, new leather seating, ambient door lighting, new interior color choices, new trim, and the third generation MMI control system.
Q7 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro (2009â€"2015)
It is a version of 3.0 TDI with selective catalytic reduction. CO2 emission was reduced to 234 g/km with Euro 6 certification, but the vehicle is 50Â kg (110Â lb) heavier. It's been reported that at 72.5Â mph (116.7Â km/h) the Audi Q7 TDI will get 29+ miles per gallon (diesel).
Q7 2011
A brand new facelift brought optional LED headlights, an 8-speed transmission, start/stop fuel-saving technology, CO2 rating reduced to 195 g/km, and a wraparound tailgate design. Also more flat and metallic colors became available and 21-inch titanium-effect wheels became an optional extra. Certain models now achieved upwards of 37 MPG IMP. New Engines include 2 3.0 supercharged engines. One of the supercharged engines puts out 272 horsepower (203 kW) and 295 lb·ft (400 N·m) of torque. The other engine which is found on the S-line prestige Q7 puts out 333 hp (248 kW) and 325 lb·ft (441 N·m) of torque and is the twin of the engine found in the S4 and S5 cabrios. These engines replaced both the 3.6 and 4.2 L gasoline engines. Both engines have the same fuel economy.
Q7 2012
Audi has added their new Audi Connect to the MMI system, which adds internet-driven POI search, via user input or via the voice control system, as well as access to online services delivering local fuel prices, news, weather and other information. Audi Connect also offers in-car WiFi connectivity for up to 8 devices.
This is the last model year for the V12 version.
US models
The vehicles were introduced in 2009 as 2010 models. Available models include 3.6 FSI quattro, 4.2 FSI quattro, 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro.
Changes include standard LED taillights with available LED turn signals and daytime running lights, SIRIUS traffic system.
Production version went on sale in September 2009.
For 2011 the 3.6 FSI and 4.2 FSI were replaced by two 3.0 L TFSI supercharged engines. The base version develops 272 hp (203 kW) (280 hp (210 kW) for 2012) and 295 lb·ft (400 N·m) while the S-Line has 333 hp (248 kW) and 325 lb·ft (441 N·m).
The V12 Diesel engine is not available in the United States
Engines
Transmission
All models include 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission as standard. No manual transmission is offered. From 2010, 8-speed automatic transmission is standard
Second generation (Typ 4M; 2016â€"present)
The second generation Audi Q7 was unveiled in January 2015 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The diesel- and petrol-powered versions were released for retail sales in 2015, followed shortly by diesel-powered plug-in hybrid variant, which is sold in Europe and will be available in the U.S. but not in Canada.
The plug-in hybrid, called the Q7 e-tron TDI Quattro, is powered by a 3.0 TDI V6 turbodiesel engine mated with an electric motor-generator placed in the 8-speed automatic gearbox to provide a maximum output power of 190 kW (250 hp) and a maximum torque of 600 N·m (440 lbf·ft) four-wheel drive. An electronically controlled clutch can disconnect the V6 engine from the rest of the powertrain. The 94 kW (126 hp) electric motor is powered by a 17.3 kWh lithium-ion battery capable of delivering an all-electric range of 54 to 56 km (34 to 35 mi). The Q7 e-tron produces CO2 emissions between 50 and 48 g/km, and has a fuel consumption of 1.8 to 1.9 l/100 km (160 to 150 mpgâ€'imp; 130 to 120 mpgâ€'US) under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). The Q7 e-tron accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 6.2 seconds in hybrid mode, and zero to 60 km/h (37.3 mph) in 6.5 seconds in all-electric mode. Its top speed in hybrid mode is 230 km/h (140 mph) and 135 km/h (84 mph) in electric mode.
Audi announced a Q7 e-tron TFSI at the 2015 Shanghai Motor Show, developed specially for Asian markets (China, South Korea, Singapore and Japan). Its 2.0 TFSI and electric motor deliver 270 kW (367 hp) and 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft) of system torque â€" enough to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 5.9 seconds and for a top speed of 220 km/h (136.7 mph). The standard consumption of 2.5 liters of fuel (94.1 US mpg) corresponds to CO2 emissions of less than 60 grams per kilometer (96.6 g/mi). All-electric range will be up to 53 km (33 mi).
The Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI (1984 cc, 185Â kW / 252Â hp) is also available in the Russian and Canadian market.
The first units of the diesel-powered Audi Q7 e-tron were registered in Germany in April 2015. Cumulative sales of the plug-in hybrid in Germany totaled 344 units through April 2016.
World first innovations
The Q7 is the first Audi SUV to use very-high-speed FlexRay optical fiber data bus technology, which interconnects all electrical/electronic systems, particularly the latest generation Multi Media Interface, Adaptive Air Suspension, and the multitude of new driver assistance systems, since all these require very high data bit rates. The Q7 features up to 4 Nvidia Tegra processors.
- Predictive Efficiency Assistant uses the route data from the navigation system to alert the driver of situations in which it would make sense to reduce speed, such as before curves, towns or speed limit signs that are not yet visible. In collaboration with adaptive cruise control (ACC) and traffic sign recognition, the system adapts the preselected speed to the route and the speed limits. The predictive efficiency assistant, which can also take over predictive control of the free-wheeling function of the eight-speed tiptronic, has the potential to reduce fuel consumption on interurban roads by as much as ten percent.
- Turning Assistant monitors opposing traffic when turning left at low speeds. In critical situation, it brakes the car.
- Exit Warning System indicates vehicles or cyclists approaching from the rear before the door is opened.
New features for Audi
- Avoidance Assistant intervenes in the steering to help the driver avoid an obstacle.
- adaptive cruise control ACC stop & go now includes a traffic jam assistant, which takes over the steering on developed highways if traffic congested and not moving faster than 65Â km/h (40.4Â mph).
- Multicollision brake assist system uses controlled braking maneuvers during the accident to aid the driver.
- Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB) with NVIDIA T30 processor
- MMI all-in-touch
- Audi tablet with Tegra 4 processor
- All-wheel steering
New features
- Q7 e-tron plug-in-hybrid
- Matrix LED digitally controlled adaptive non-glare highbeam multi-LED headlamps. The highbeam comprises 25 individual light-emitting diodes per unit that can be switched on and off or dimmed individually depending on the situation. This enables the headlight system to react accurately to other vehicles while still brightly illuminating the rest of the road. Additional features of the new headlights are the intelligent cornering light, new-look daytime running lights and dynamic turn signals. The lighting system uses predictive route data from the navigation system to adjust the distribution of light in response to the current driving situation. In combination with the optional Navigation plus with MMI touch, the system recognizes route data contained in the navigation system, such as curves and road classifications.
- cross-traffic assist up to 40Â mph, and radar-assisted cruise control at speeds up to 155.3Â mph
- trailer assistant
- side assist
- Multi-collision brake
- drive select driving dynamics system
- Night Vision Assistant, which uses a passive infrared camera to detect pedestrians and larger wild animals at long distances in the dark and issues appropriate warnings.
- active lane assist uses a camera and small steering interventions to help the driver to stay in a lane.
- Pre sense initiates preventive protective measures for the occupants in instable driving states, such as tightening of the front seat belts. Radar guided Pre sense front warns of an impending rear-end collision with the vehicle ahead, tensions the belts and brakes the car autonomously, if necessary. It does both of these things in multiple stages.
- natural language speech recognition
- Audi virtual cockpit multifunctional fully digital high resolution electronic instrument cluster allowing the driver to select a variety of information with 3D graphics
- Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with 3D sound
- Audi connect Telematics with 4G mobile internet (and online updates for the navigation map).
Safety
Engines
See also
- Audi Duo
- Audi A4
- Multi Media Interface
References
- Juergen Zoellter. "Preview: Audi Q7". Car and Driver (March 2006): 55.Â
External links
- Audi Q7 microsite
- Audi UK Q7 page