Magazine - 15/09/05

The Q7 is quite simply the manufacturer from Ingolstadt's first off-road leisure vehicle. This tardiness is surprising when you think that Audi was the first marque to offer a four-wheel drive saloon and that this technology went on to dominate in rallies!
 
However, better late than never, so Audi is today revealing its 4x4, based on the imposing streamlined prototype presented at the Detroit Motor Show in 2003 in the shape of the "Pikes Peak" concept car.
 
The name Q7 expresses the idea of continuity that is so dear to Audi, the Q a reference to the Quattro all-wheel drive system (synonymous with exceptional road holding) and 7 being the vehicle's hierarchical position, between the A6 and A8...
 
Externally, the luxurious design devised by Satoshi Wada puts the emphasis on sportiness, sturdiness... and elegance. The Q7 is indeed a car of its time, with a look no doubt more suited to the fashionable districts than to steep hills and muddy roads! The driving position is raised and the broad curve of the roof line makes for a coupé-like silhouette. There are no real innovations as far as style is concerned; instead the Q7 takes up the traditional conventions of the Audi range: single frame radiator grille, incisive arrow-shaped front, taut lines and high shoulder line.

As for cabin space, the Q7, which is 5,086 m long, is very comfortable. It is available in 3 versions: a five- and seven-seat version and a luxury six-seat version. Everything has been thought out with the passengers in mind: the second-row seats can thus slide lengthwise and offer more legroom. The boot capacity, which reaches 775 litres in the 5-seater version, can be increased to 2,035 litres in the 7-seater version by folding down the two rows of back seats.
 
As for engines, this imposing 4x4 will be equipped with powerful 350 hp eight-cylinder 4.2 litre engines, with FSI petrol direct injection. The Q7 will also be available with a 233 hp TDI diesel engine (with torque of 500 Nm) borrowed from the A8. It will be equipped as standard with a catalytic converter with particle filter, thus fully satisfying Euro IV emissions standards requirements. All the engines will be coupled with six-speed Tiptronic gearboxes (manual and automatic) with steering-wheel-based controls, allowing great fluidity. The Q7 will therefore combine maximum drive with driving pleasure!
 
As for the most sporty model, Audi does not yet seem to have decided between the 450 hp 4.2 twin turbo V8 and a totally new 500 hp FSI V 10... We will no doubt know more in March 2006, when the Q7 hits the market in Europe.

Like the A8 and A6, the Q7 will be equipped with the new electronically controlled Adaptive Air Suspension as standard: drivers will thus be able to manually adjust ground clearance depending on the road surface and style of driving. They will equally be able to rely on the automatic mode, which adapts according to the terrain crossed.
 
As for safety, Audi's off-roader boasts some new features. The Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) is set to receive a trailer stabilisation program; it also includes a hill descent assist system and a special off-road mode. The Adaptive Cruise Control has a distance control system that automatically maintains a safe distance behind the vehicle in front. The Q7 also offers a parking system as standard, with acoustic guidance and a rear-view camera.
 
As for prices, Audi is keeping quiet, merely announcing prices in line with those for top-of-the-range SUVs.