Q.Finally, an all-new Audi Q7

German car maker Audi has finally launched the 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] generation Audi Q7, its flagship SUV, globally and it is ready to be launched in India by early 2016. The Q7 was the car which established Audi as the maker of luxury SUVs globally. The Q7 is an extremely popular model in global markets, with Audi selling more than five lakh units since its launch. It really stood out for its size and indulged in several red-carpet appearances, as it was the choice of vehicle for film stars and industrialists alike. As the standards shot through the roof in the segment, the Q7 was feeling its age in the extremely competitive premium SUV segment. The 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] generation Q7 faces severe challenges ahead with recent launches such as the new GLS from Merc, XC90 from Volvo and the already acclaimed X5 from BMW along with the Range Rover Sport and the Porsche Cayenne. That is some stiff competition and it is as serious as it gets. [CENTER] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n1056[/ATTACH] [/CENTER] The Q7 is is not a half-hearted effort. A lot of work has gone into its engineering and design. It has shed 325kg compared to the outgoing model which is definite advantage, especially for a full-sized SUV. [CENTER] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n1057[/ATTACH] [/CENTER] The Q7 is still distinctly Audi in its features, with that prominent single piece front grill with a more angular form and sleeker LED headlights.The upcoming model is a full 370mm shorter in length than the earlier version, but the height more or less remains the same. Angular cues dominate the entire styling, and the front end looks strikingly athletic. [CENTER][IMG]http://www.zigcdn.com/media/content/2015/Jun/2016-audi-q7-review-arablau-blue-m9_720x540.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Side profiles are neat with subtle lines, sharper new design cues and improvements to under-body design that manages to channelize air more effectively making the Q7 more aerodynamic. There is nothing extraordinary about the back except crisp clean lines. But in all, the Q7 has lost that imposing look and the flash value that came in with the old one, it looks like a grown up station-wagon rather than an SUV now. [CENTER][IMG]http://www.zigcdn.com/media/content/2015/Jun/2016-audi-q7-review-arablau-blue-m8_720x540.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] The new interiors have taken years off its predecessor. It has arguably got the best design now among its rivals. The new dashboard is low set and makes the cabin look quite sporty as well. Everything falls to hand readily and the quality is top notch. A well proportioned use of high quality leather, metal and soft touch plastic throughout the cabin turn it into a proper luxury vehicle. [CENTER][IMG]http://www.zigcdn.com/media/content/2015/Jun/2016-audi-q7-review-arablau-blue-m6_720x540.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] The new Audi Q7 gets an all digital 12-inch driver display with some sharp graphics in addition to the central 8-inch pop up unit for the occupants. The driver display can also be adjusted to show you navigation and the infotainment readouts, providing the car with a futuristic edge. The throne-like seats in the front are extremely generous and supportive. The second row is very spacious with much more legroom and the third row doesn't disappoint you on short journeys. The car is wider and feels more airy due to the large windows. The Q7 for India will come powered with a 3-litre V6 turbo diesel engine, producing 268PS and 61.8kgm of torque, which will come mated with an 8-speed gearbox with paddle shifters as standard. Power is channeled through Audi's trademark Quattro all-wheel drive system. The Zigwheels team drove the car in Sweden and was fairly impressed with it. According to their test drive, Q7 was a lot easier to drive within the city and the transmission was quick to help the diesel Q7 overcome its initial lag. The massive torque helped it sprint to 150kmph quickly. [CENTER][IMG]http://www.zigcdn.com/media/content/2015/Jun/2016-audi-q7-review-arablau-blue-m16_720x540.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] But it’s the refinement of the 2nd generation Q7 3.0 TDI, which is unparalleled to any other diesel powered SUV in its segment. The motor is hardly audible in the cabin, and also the more aerodynamic exterior design ensures that wind noise is much lower than the outgoing model. With a faint growl, the 3.0-litre TDI lunges from 0-100 kmph in just over 6 seconds and goes on to its limited top speed of 230kmph. [CENTER][IMG]http://www.zigcdn.com/media/content/2015/Jun/2016-audi-q7-review-arablau-blue-m14_720x540.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] The biggest USP is that an SUV of this size and proportion is quite agile and sporty to manoeuvre. The 2016 Audi Q7 comes equipped with adaptive suspension, which doesn’t just make the ride quite plush while driving at lower speeds, but also gives the luxury SUV impressive driving dynamics. To top that, the new Q7 can also do a fair bit of off-roading as the quattro permanent all-wheel drive not only helps while carving corners, but can also tow one out of tricky road conditions. Moreover, the new Audi Q7 can be raised up to 9.7-inches if the road conditions are not that favourable. Looks like Audi's efforts have paid off. The Q7 has improved in every aspect. It is lighter, has better features along with being comfortable and sporty. The motor is refined like no other diesel motor in the segment and is efficient too. Expect it to reach showrooms in India by February, with a price tag of around Rs 75 lakh. Will this be the king of luxury SUVs in India? Tough call.