New Audi Q7: Quality leap in technology and light weight

Audi has introduced the second generation of its full size SUV, the Q7, in order to keep up its competitive edge in a hotly-contested segment that includes BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne and Volvo XC90.

The new Q7 is significantly lighter, considerably more efficient, and more technologically accomplished.
Weighing up to an astonishing 325kg less than its predecessor, the Q7 is cheaper to run and better to drive than ever before.
It’s the most technologically advanced Audi ever, and is able to brake, accelerate and steer itself.
The promise of even greater things in the successor to the model which has sold over 510,000 cars worldwide since its 2006 launch begins at surface level.
Ten paint colors are available, including five new ones as standard in addition to the option to customize.
The large 3D hexagonal single frame grille dominating the front of the car is flanked by arrow design Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights. The latter are also complemented by a high beam assist function and dynamic rear indicators, which sweep sequentially from the inside out for better visibility when turning.
New design alloy wheels with a 19-inch diameter are standard, while S line versions upgrade to a 20-inch wheel and 21-inch wheel is also available as an option. Powered tailgate operation is also standard.
Inside the cabin, which is now the most spacious in the premium segment, there are three rows of seats upholstered in supple leather. Headroom has increased for both front and second row passengers.
The second seating row benefits from a tilt and fold function, and when the two seats in the third row aren’t being used, they can now be more easily folded away to make room for luggage thanks to a new powered folding mechanism.
A total of 770 liters of luggage space is available when seven passengers are on board, or up to 1,955 liters if only the front seats are occupied.
Up in the front row the latest MMI navigation plus with MMI touch — based on the second generation modular infotainment platform — brings a wealth of media within easily accessible reach helped by its MMI allintouch control unit with large touchpad and ultra-clear 8.3-inch electrically retractable monitor.
he system provides access to the smartphone voice control, displays e-mails from the cell phone and reads them aloud.
It cooperates closely with many assistance and safety systems in the new Audi Q7.
On request, Audi supplies a DVD changer as well as two tuners for digital radio and digital television.
The Audi phone box — another option — utilizes near-field coupling to link smartphones wirelessly to the vehicle’s antenna and enables charging via a USB port. The Audi phone box is integrated in the center armrest. Other features of the new Audi Q7 include the standard Bluetooth interface and the digital radio and TV tuner.
The Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System and the Bose sound system present the outstanding new technology of 3D sound.
Electrically operated front seats with four-way electric lumbar support, cruise control, light and rain sensors, the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system, the Audi parking system plus with front and rear visual and acoustic guidance, hill descent control and keyless go round off the range of comfort and convenience features. 
In addition to larger wheels, LED headlights and exclusive sports body styling, S line models also upgrade with features such as front sports seats upholstered with perforated Alcantara/leather and flanked with contrasting stitching and privacy glass. A four-zone deluxe air conditioning system, with the temperature displays integrated in the rotary controls is standard.
Virtual cockpit
The list of attractive technology options for the new Q7 will include the Audi virtual cockpit, which replaces the analogue dials in the binnacle with a 12.3-inch TFT display that presents tack-sharp, rendered graphics.
As in the new Audi TT, the Q7 customer can switch between a classic view with high-quality rendered dial instruments and an infotainment view with an extended display area for lists and the map — all conveniently from the steering wheel.
Two high quality audio systems from Bose and Bang & Olufsen will also be available, both delivering remarkable 3D sound through the use of additional speakers in the A-pillars which provide the spatial dimension of height so that the music appears to be coming from a large virtual stage.
The Bang & Olufsen system drives 23 speakers including subwoofers with 1,920 watts of amplifier power.
In the Middle East Q7 will be powered by a 45 TFSI, six cylinder direct injection engine rated at 333 bhp.
With this engine the Q7 can reach 100kph in 6.3 seconds and up to a 250kph electronically limited maximum speed. The Q7 has an automatic eight-speed tiptronic shifter with a permanent quattro all-wheel drive.
Another highlight is the extremely broad and graduated range of new driver assistance systems — including adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist and the cross-traffic assist in the rear