A few months ago we brought you a story on the recently launched Audi Q8. When it arrived the Q8 took up station as the brand’s leading Q model. Before that happened, the Audi Q7 was top dog, now a facelifted Audi Q7 joins the ranks.

Click here to read our driving impression on the BMW X5 M50d.

Family face

The large SUV features the new face of the Q family. Key among its updates is the large octagon-shaped singleframe grille. The styled headlamps can be optioned with HD Matrix LED technology with Audi laser light. On the restyled rear, a chrome strip creates a connection between the taillamps.

Changes under the skin

Audi has made a few notable changes to improve the Q7’s dynamic repertoire. Included among these is electromechanical active roll stabilisation and rear-wheel steering, but both are optional. The former system uses adjustable anti-roll bars to reduce the body movements especially while cornering. Rear-wheel steering allows rear wheels turn by up to 5 degrees in the opposite direction to the fronts at low speeds, which increases agility, and in the same direction as the front to promote stability at high speeds. Air suspension comes standard on all seven-seater Q7 models.

The drivetrains

All engines in the Audi Q7 range are coupled with eight-speed automatic transmission and permanent all‑wheel drive. Two diesel engines will be available at the time of launch. These will be followed by a petrol unit. A plug-in hybrid model will also be available overseas.

Mild hybrid technology will be a part of all engines. The belt alternator starter powers a 48-volt main electrical system in which a compact lithium-ion battery stores the energy. During braking, up to 8 kW of power can be captured and feed it back into the battery. If a driver takes their foot off the accelerator at speeds between 55 and 160 km/h, the Audi Q7 recuperates energy, rolls in idle or coasts for up to 40 seconds with the engine switched off.

The interior

Upgrades for the facelifted Audi Q7 include an electric tailgate as standard. The cockpit features Audi’s digital interface, which incorporates two large touchscreens. These provide haptic and acoustic feedback when clicking on the touch controls. When not in use, the top display slots into the facia. Equipment options include four-zone automatic air conditioning, soft close doors, a Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced sound system and the air quality package with fragrancing and ionizer.