Audi is unveiling a vehicle that marks a superlative new development in the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment. The Audi Q7 ingeniously combines sportiness and versatility, sophisticated technology and the luxury of a premium-class vehicle. On the road it excels with the performance and driving dynamics of a sports car; off-road it redefines the benchmark in its category. A vehicle that outwardly makes no secret of its qualities and whose technology delivers on its promise – on any road and in all conditions. The Audi Q7 – the performance SUV from the maker of quattro.

The Audi Q7 sets new trends through its design alone. Characteristic Audi dynamism is reflected in the broad curve of the roof line and the distinctive high body surface in relation to the flat window area. The dynamic sweep of the front section and the powerful rear end with its sharply sloping D-pillars fashion an impressive silhouette. Equally typical of the current Audi formal idiom are the shoulder line and dynamic line, which define the side section. The paintwork option of two contrasting body colours creates a particularly striking look. Eleven basic colours are available, three of which are reserved exclusively for the Q7.

With a length of 5,086 millimetres and a wheelbase of exactly 3,002 millimetres (width: 1,983 mm / height 1,737 mm), the Q7 takes the lead in the SUV contest. Its occupants benefit from the comfort of incomparable spaciousness and a new dimension in versatility: no less than 28 seating and loading configurations are possible in the Q7.

Up to seven occupants can be accommodated in three rows of seats. The seats in the second row are individually adjustable for fore/aft movement; in addition to this, passengers can enjoy the largest legroom in this class. Both rear seat rows can be folded flat to provide a load area of 2,035 litres if required, without the seats having to be removed.

If used as a 5-seater the Q7 boasts a load capacity of 775 litres – the best in its class!

When the series is launched, Audi Q7 customers will have the choice of two powerful engines: the new 4.2-litre V8 with FSI petrol direct injection develops 257 kW (350 bhp) and achieves a maximum torque of 440 Newton-metres.

The 3.0 TDI six-cylinder engine features a latest-generation common rail injection system that uses piezo inline injectors, thus combining the high performance of 171 kW (233 bhp) and substantial torque of 500 Nm with exceptional refinement and excellent economy.

Power transmission for both engine versions comes from the 6-speed tiptronic.

The Audi Q7 is naturally equipped as standard with quattro permanent four-wheel drive. Its Torsen centre differential conveys power to all four wheels, on-road and off-road, achieving maximum traction and lateral stability – the prerequisites for optimum driving dynamics and safety. This drive concept has become firmly established over the past 25 years, featuring both in more than two million series-production Audi models and in countless victories on the racetrack and in rallies.

Like the Audi RS 4, the Audi Q7 features the latest-generation Torsen differential, with a standard torque split of 40 : 60 (front / rear). The driver benefits – also thanks to virtually balanced axle load distribution – from even better agility and steering precision that remains practically free of torque steer.

The chassis of the Audi Q7 comprising numerous aluminium components – independent wheel suspension with double wishbones at the front and rear – also excels with its all-round qualities. Steel-spring suspension and twin-tube shock absorbers are designed for sporty driving and superior comfort, even off-road.

The tilted position of the rear spring and shock absorber unit reduces overall height and provides more room at the rear.

The 18-inch light alloy wheels with 235/60 tyres (eight-cylinder: 255/55) are fitted as standard. All Q7 versions can be fitted optionally with 19-inch or 20-inch wheels.

Also available on request: adaptive air suspension. The combination of air suspension and an electronically controlled damping system represents the perfect synthesis of decidedly sporty handling and supreme ride comfort. The standard dynamic roll stabilisation system reduces body movements about the longitudinal axis to a minimum.

Variable ground clearance – starting at 180 millimetres and extending to 240 mm in lift mode – means that even challenging terrain can be negotiated. The off-road mode, with 205 mm ground clearance and adapted damper control, allows cross-country driving. The loading sill has a particularly convenient feature: it can be lowered to enable heavy objects to be loaded effortlessly into the luggage area.

Yet high-tech dominates not only the dynamic aspects of the Audi Q7. The Q7 is equipped as standard with the innovative MMI operating concept – much praised on the A8 and A6 – which can be extended in two stages to include a variety of additional functions.

On board the performance SUV, a number of innovative driver assistance systems, introduced for the first time in standard production, are available on request: e.g. Audi side assist with radar technology for lane-changing manoeuvres and the advanced parking system with optical/acoustic guidance and rear-view camera.

The ESP includes numerous new functions such as hill descent assist. A special off-road mode optimises brake performance and traction on loose surfaces. The trailer stabilisation system reduces the risk of fishtailing by means of targeted brake intervention.

European deliveries will begin in the first quarter of 2006. Australian availability and specifications will be announced at a later time.

2006 Audi Q7

Some previous Audi articles:

Audi Q7 Undergoes Exhaustive Testing 9th August, 2005 “We’re putting the Q7 through just about every horror imaginable to a car driver.” This is the rather vivid description offered by Martin Brand, Head of Durability Testing at AUDI AG ..... more

Audi Gives Go-Ahead For New Allroad Quattro 29th July, 2005 As the Audi allroad quattro nears the end of its production life, the second generation of this successful model, is due to be launched in mid-2006 ..... more

Audi A8L W12 Launched in Australia 28th July, 2005 Audi's ultimate long-wheelbase luxury limousine, the Audi A8L W12, has been launched in Australia ..... more

Audi A8 Forges Ahead with a Fresh New Face 27th July, 2005 Audi will release its new A8 model range to the market in August with the striking trapezoidal 'single frame' grille spearheading the model range's fresh new face in Australia ..... more

New Audi A6 Avant 26th July, 2005 Audi has launched its elegant and versatile new A6 Avant in Australia. With countless innovations, a high standard of comfort and luxurious equipment, the Audi A6 Avant cements the claim that ‘beautiful estate cars are called Avant’ ..... more

ROAD TEST Audi A6 3.0 19th May, 2005 We drive the inaugural "World Car of the Year"! ..... more