2020 Audi Q7 Refreshes Design, Adds New Engine and Tech
Audi’s cars can be polarizing at times. Some say they are avant garde in their style, while there are those that can’t stand the over-the-top grille and bodywork in some of their recent releases. The Audi Q7 was the rare offering that didn’t draw that much negative attention in terms of aesthetics. In fact, many naysayers found themselves agreeing with the Q7’s no-frills appearance and packaging. That was four years ago.
With the evolution of Audi’s design, the Q7 has started to look bland, especially when compared to the stylishness of the new A8 or Q8, so to say that the Q7 is badly in need of an update is quite the understatement.
Thankfully, Audi has heeded the call, giving the midsize SUV an all-encompassing update that includes exterior and interior enhancements, more high tech systems, and an all-new 3.0-liter TFSI V6 engine that boasts a twin-scroll turbocharger located directly inside the ‘V.’
The V6 is just one of the engine options, with two 3.0-liter diesels thrown into the mix. The two diesels produce 228 hp and 282 hp, while the V6 delivers a more powerful 335 hp, allowing the car to sprint from 0-100 kph in 5.8 secs. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant will be added to the lineup in the near future.
The new V6 comes paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission, ready to provide its driver with quick and smooth shifts. The Standard Quattro all-wheel drive is ever-present, delivering precise and dynamic handling via active torque distribution to both front and rear axles.
As for the design changes, Audi’s updates to the Q7 gives the car a look that’s more cohesive with their current lineup. The front fascia sees the most drastic reshaping, as the headlights, grille and bumper are all entirely new. The sides see very little difference between predecessor and successor, with the sills—now slimmer and lengthier—being the only noticeable change. At the back, the busy design is replaced by a more streamlined look, accented by a chrome strip that runs the entire width of the center rear. The taillamps and rear bumper also completely new, but the faux exhausts remain, albeit more pronounced than before.
Inside, the new Q7 chases after the cabin of the Q8 with its twin-screen center console equipped with MMI touch response display. An air vent strip runs the length of the dashboard, emphasized by black panel elements and nearly uninterrupted inlays. Other highlights of the redesigned interior include:
- Standard Q-design three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles
- Standard three-zone automatic climate control or available four-zone
- Standard panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade adds light to the cabin
- Available sunshades for rear door side windows and tailgate
- Standard heated eight-way power front seats with four-way power lumbar adjustment
- Split tumble-folding 35/30/35 second row seatbacks with fore/aft position and seatback angle adjustments
- Five LATCH child seat-mounting points (three pairs of anchors and tethers in second row, two pairs in third row)
- Standard power 50/50 split-folding third-row seats with electric fold and return functions
Audi claims that the Q7 is the best in its class when it comes to rear passenger space. The German automaker also mentions a new storage compartment near the instrument panel for added utility.
The 2020 Audi Q7 has now launched in North America, with a starting price of USD 60,800 (approx. PHP 3.08 million).
