Audi has something new to celebrate. It is the elegantly designed 2014 Q7.
The German auto firm has deliberately chosen the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show holding next month to unveil the new luxury ride.
The event is coming eight years after the first Audi Q7 was introduced in September 2005 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
The Audi Q7 is a full-size luxury crossover sport utility vehicle. And since its debut eight years ago, it has come to define the German auto maker’s sport utility vehicle offerings. It bears a lot of similarities with its siblings, Q5 and the Q3, which came much later.
An online auto reviewer, Whatcar says, “Its overall design is a big plus, exuding an understated yet sophisticated look that belies its performance credentials. Power options offer plenty of choices but fuel efficiency still leaves a big question. That being said, large SUVs aren’t necessarily lauded for being friendly to Mother Nature.
“If you have your heart set on an Audi Q7, you have plenty of choices to make. Not least the colour – there’s a palette of around eight to choose from, but if none of those tickle your fancy, Audi’s paint shop will recreate any colour you choose, for a price, naturally.”
Exterior
The Audi Q7 has a tasteful look with well proportioned edges; there are no unnecessary protrusions.
Its front end also gives a more pronounced look to the SUV, particularly the enormous front grille that only seems to get bigger with age.
The usual array of LED lights are still present with its sophisticated curves and sweeping roofline, providing the necessary aesthetic appeal that highlights the SUV’s overall sophistication.
Audi offers buyers a choice of different colours, including Night Black, Scuba Metallic and Carrara White.
Interior
It is built with an elegantly styled cabin. Top Speed says it is not surprised about this.
“What did come as a moderate surprise was the cabin’s less cluttered look with all of its buttons and equipment neatly arranged and designed without any excess of style,” it noted.
Other features
The model year design is an answer to the series of criticisms that followed the last model.
The new Q7 came loaded with a number of features such as the power front seats with four-way power lumbar adjustment and adjustable head restraints.
The online auto reviewer lists other features as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System, a four-zone climate control system, and a tilt and telescopic electrically adjustable steering column that comes as standard on Premium Plus models.
“If space was any question, the Q7’s cabin answers it emphatically when the second and third row seats are folded, providing as much as 72.5 cubic feet of cargo space in the process,” it stated.
Engine performance
According to the online reviewer, the 2014 Audi Q7 retains its choice of powertrain options, including the base three-litre supercharged V-6 that develops a stout 280 horsepower, good enough to hit 60 mph in 7.7 seconds.
It is equipped with a three- litre supercharged V-6 engine. Reviewers also note that if this version does not suit one’s taste, one can opt for the S-line version, which carries the same powertrain but has been upgraded to produce 333 horsepower and hit 60 mph in 6.9 seconds.
A diesel Q7 is also offered in the form of a three-litre turbocharged TDI that comes with its own added cost.
The diesel only produces 240 horsepower, but the 407 pound-feet of torque it twists out gives it enough acceleration and pulling power that should not be taken for granted.
All three powertrains come with quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, ensuring that the Q7 is versatile enough to offer a smooth ride.
Suspension
The 2014 Q7 features a standard front double-wishbone independent steel spring suspension and available adaptive air suspension, ably uniting sporty and versatile handling with a high level of ride comfort that is of premium importance to any full-sized luxury SUV.
Price
The price of the 2014 Audi Q7 will depend on the version. For instance, while the Q7 3.0T q Tiptronic will cost between $47,700 and $53,700; Q7 3.0 S line q Tiptronic has a price tag of $60,900; and the Q7 TDI q Tiptronic will go for $52,900, $58,900 or $64,900
Competitors
The new vehicle will compete in the same luxury SUV segment with the BMW X5 and the Mercedes GL-Class.
An online auto reviewer, Top Speed, however, notes that the former “is a new-generation model that wants nothing more than to stake claim in the supremely competitive luxury SUV market. The latter’s got some take in it, too, so you can’t just brush both SUVs aside when you’re thinking about the Q7.
“That being said, Audi appears to be confident in its treatment of the 2014 Q7, including the plethora of exterior and interior upgrades that owners can truly appreciate.”
Although reviewers, including Whatcar.com say the Mercedes GL-Class looks better than the Audi Q7, the latter’s improved look is impressive and therefore cannot be ignored.