The Great quattro enters a new generation

In official illustrations, the Audi Q7 looked to be all about its new hexagonal grilles which is all most of us will see when the SUV pulls up behind you, but it’s sleeker and sportier when you’re faced with the car in the metal.

First introduced in 2005, the Q7 was the pioneering SUV from Audi, the beginning of the marque’s revolution in luxury SUVs, hence the nick-name the Great Quattro. The new generation is now 5.05-metres long, 1.97-metres wide and 1.74-metres tall. But despite its size the Q7 weighs up to 325kg less than its predecessor thanks to Audi’s strict adherence to the lightweight principle.

Like all other Audis, the Q7 is also utilises the intelligent design, multi-material assembly and the strategic deployment of aluminium components to contribute to the massive weight reduction.

Under the bonnet lies the latest generation 3.0 TFSI V6 petrol engine with combined demand-controlled direct injection and manifold injection. The engine is mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission to produce a massive output of 333bhp and a total torque of 440Nm from 2900rpm to 5300rpm. Power is delivered to all four 20-inch cast aluminium wheels to accelerate from 0-100kph in just 6.3 seconds. That is a full 1.6 seconds faster than the outgoing model.

Audi has electronically limited the Q7 to a top speed of 250kph and made sure to keep emissions low at a 183g/km and fuel consumption cycle is recorded at 7.9-litres per 100km.

The Q7’s MLB-Evo platform is set atop a set of adaptive air suspension that comes as standard. The suspensions unite the air suspension with a continuously variable electronically controlled air spring damper system that ensures comfort and dynamic handling. Drivers can control the ride height via the Audi drive select by choosing the Allroad option which lifts the SUV up from 25mm all the way to 60mm.

Inside, thanks to the Q7’s large frame, passengers get ample legroom, even the two passengers in the third row seats. Front seats feature four-way lumbar support while the third row seats are electronically operated.

Audi Virtual Cockpit, first introduced to our country in the TT also makes an appearance in the Q7. You get an 8.3-inch central screen with hi-res graphics that dominates the centre console that features MMI navigation plus with MMI touch including 3D navigation. Passengers can enjoy the blast of 19 Bose loudspeakers via the Bose 3D Sound system with a 15-channel amplifier.

You get the usual amount of safety features like tyre pressure loss indicator, hill descent control, Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) which includes Traction Control (ASR), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and a total of eight airbags.

Ten colours are available for your picking namely Carrara White, Glacier White, Floret Silver, Carat Beige, Argus Brown, Ink Blue, Graphite Grey, Night Black, Orca Black and a special Daytona Grey with pearl effect. The Great Quattro will set you back RM589,900.

Jerrica Leong