Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: Cue updates, cue seven
Audi’s once beloved Q7 SUV is back, with a new design and a trusty engine. But can it accelerate back to the top spot?
The Audi Q7 is the model that catapulted Audi India into the limelight. Bollywood took a shine to the luxury SUV when it was launched in 2006. Over the years, it has been a steadfast choice in a fiercely competitive segment, but it did lose its sheen somewhat, and desperately needed an update. That update is here. The Q7’s facelift includes subtle design tweaks and updated tech. Can it sit at the cool table? Let’s find out.
On the outside is the familiar wide grille and sharp, confident lines. However, the grille now sports vertical chrome accents, giving it a jewel-like sophistication. From the side, the silhouette remains unchanged, but the upsized 20-inch wheels enhance its road presence. At the rear, new detailing on the LED tail lamps, redesigned bumpers, and trapezoidal exhaust tips round off its serious, no-nonsense aesthetic.
Inside, the Q7 shows off its exceptional build quality. Dark, open-pore-wood trims on the dashboard and doors add a modern touch, though the overall layout feels a little dated. The dual-screen infotainment system offers crisp visuals but lacks wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Features like ventilated seats, wireless charging, and a comprehensive ADAS suite are absent. There is, however, lane-keep assist.
And the cabin continues to prioritise comfort. The front seats are plush and supportive. The middle row has ample space for taller passengers and seats that can slide to improve legroom or third-row access. Rear passengers benefit from four-zone climate control, blinds, and a panoramic sunroof. The third row, while spacious enough for children or short adults, lacks AC vents, which can compromise comfort on longer journeys.
Folding the seats down reveals a cavernous boot, ideal for luggage-heavy trips. There is no spare wheel, leaving you with only a puncture repair kit—a risky proposition given the non-run-flat tyres.
Under the hood lies the tried and tested 3.0-litre, 340hp turbo-petrol V6 engine that delivers seamless refinement and strong performance. Despite its size and weight, the Q7 sprints from 0-100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds. The 8-speed automatic gearbox offers quick and fuss-free shifts.
At cruising speeds, the engine hums at just over 1,500 rpm, making highway journeys effortless. The Q7 is a capable mile-muncher, though the adaptive air suspension leans toward a softer setup. In Comfort mode, there is noticeable vertical movement over undulations and some nose-diving under braking. On rough roads, the soft suspension shines, soaking up shocks and maintaining composure.
Priced between ₹88 lakh and ₹97 lakh (ex-showroom,), the updated Q7 squares off against the Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5, both of which offer more advanced tech. However, the Q7’s strengths lie in its plush ride, spacious cabin, and silky smooth V6 engine. It remains a solid choice for buyers seeking a comfortable, understated luxury SUV that excels at chauffeured commutes.
From HT Brunch, January 18, 2025
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