Since the Audi Q7 arrived in showrooms in 2006, it has always been one of the frontrunners in the luxury SUV sector.
Now in its second-generation, the model continues to lead on the technology and spaciousness front. However, it’s recently been updated with a series of enhancements to ensure the Q7 remains competitive against fresher-faced rivals – notably the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE.
With the refreshed model comes a new twin touchscreen infotainment system (as seen in the A8 and Q8), along with mild-hybrid technology that aims to reduce fuel consumption. The Q7 now also boasts a more imposing design – highlighted by the larger Singleframe grille at the front, which gives the new car an impressive amount of presence on the road.
Here’s five reasons why we think the facelifted Audi Q7 is now even better than ever.
More standard equipment
While Audi might not traditionally be known for its generosity when it comes to standard equipment, the level of kit that come with the Q7 is not to be sniffed at.
Alongside the standard equipment offered before – heated leather seats, an electric tailgate and a fully digital Virtual Cockpit – Audi has introduced kit onto the model that was once a pricey optional extra, or reserved for range-topping models. Just a few highlights include the excellent adaptive air suspension and Matrix LED headlights to offer unrivaled comfort and vision at night.
Bolder styling
SUV buyers rarely want to blend in, rather it’s imposing styling that often sells. Pre facelift, the Q7 was somewhat bland to look at, but the updated car takes advantage of styling cues from the flagship Q8.
These include a new Singleframe aluminium grille, which makes the model look bolder than ever. Two-tone lower areas of the car also emphasise the car’s ground clearance, too. This will be a detail many buyers will appreciate.
Seven seats as standard
Unlike rivals from BMW and Mercedes, the Q7 now comes as standard in a practical seven-seat configuration. This will not only make the Q7 more useful throughout your ownership, but could also increase resale values when you sell it, too.
And while the rear-most seats are not class-leading, there’s still space for seven adults to travel in relative comfort – a big asset of the Q7.
New touchscreens make a big difference
One of the few areas where the Q7 was starting to fall behind on the old car was in the cabin – particularly the infotainment.
However, with this new update the Q7 gains the same twin touchscreen layout that you find on the Q8, A6, A7, A8 and R8 – essentially all of Audi’s more luxurious cars. A top 10.1-inch touchscreen takes care of the satellite navigation, phone connection etc, while the lower 8.6-inch unit controls the climate control. It’s a fantastic addition to the cabin, and gives the interior a modern and upmarket feel.
The ride remains as comfortable as ever
The Q7 has always excelled when it comes to its comfortable ride, and thankfully this update has nothing to detract from that. Leaving the adaptive suspension in its ‘Comfort’ setting gives the model one of the most comfortable rides of any car, as well as an impressive ability to soak up potholes, with minimal impact felt in the interior.
Further functions such as ‘Dynamic’ and ‘Off-Road’ can also be rather useful, depending on your driving needs.
