Audi Q7

The Q7 (internally designated Typ 4L) utilizes a modified version of the Volkswagen Group PL71 platform. Previewed by the Audi Pikes Peak quattro concept car, the Q7 is designed more for on-road use, and was not meant for serious off-road use where a transfer case is needed. In an off-road test through the Australian outback it fared well for a "soft roader".[8]

Although it lacks a low-range transfer case, it has quattro permanent four-wheel drive system with a central locking differential, and a self-levelling air suspension with Continuous Damping Control, called Adaptive air suspension, which helps in off-road situations.

Development began in 2002 under the code AU 716, primarily focused on the Pikes Peak Concept. Design work was frozen for the Concept in July 2002, for presentation at the North American International Auto Show in January 2003. Following the introduction of the concept, full-scale development began on Typ 4L of the PL71 platform.

The production design was frozen in late 2003, for a late 2005 start of production. Prototypes went into testing in 2004, with development concluding in the first half of 2005. It introduced the world's only series production passenger car V12 TDI diesel engine. While the Q7 has been the flagship SUV in Audi's product portfolio, a top-of-the-line coupé model, called the Audi Q8, was released for sale in 2018. It debuted in its concept form at the 2017 Detroit auto show.

• Q7 offers an optional feature marketed as Audi Music Interface (AMI), to allow user manipulation of an iPod or similar MP3-style player, which can play through the Multi Media Interface.
• Q7 was the first Audi model to offer Side Assist, a type of blind-spot detection and warning system.

Source[10]

0–100 km/h performance for Q7 3.6 VR6 FSI is 8.5s, 4.2 V8 FSI is 7.4s and for 6.0 V12 TDI is 5.5s.

Audi Q7 3.0 TDI quattro (Australia; pre-facelift)

Despite its multiple airbags and safety electronics, such as Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), the Q7 scored only four stars out of five () in the Euro NCAP crash test for adult occupant protection.[11] According to Audi, this was caused by a design error, and has since been fixed in cars manufactured after the test which should allegedly lead to five stars. Official tests to prove this remain to be done as of March 2009.

However, in the United States, the Q7 received five out of five stars () from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety test for both front and side impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Q7 its Top Safety Pick 2009, with Good ratings in all 14 measured categories of the front and side impact test.[12]

The 2015 Q7 has a rollover risk of 18.5%.[13]

Euro NCAP test results
Audi Q7, Large Off-Road (2015)[14]
Test	Points	%
Overall:
Adult occupant:	36	94%
Child occupant:	43	88%
Pedestrian:	25	70%
Safety assist:	10	76%

It was first released as 2007 model, with Q7 4.2 quattro available at launch.[16]

The Q7 hybrid is a concept vehicle using the engine from the 4.2 FSI with an electric motor to provide 200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) extra torque, and nickel-metal hydride battery. It has 0–100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 6.8 seconds. The vehicle weighs 2,410 kg (5,313 lb), 140 kg (309 lb) heavier than the petrol counterpart.

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show.[17]

Audi reportedly was going to introduce a hybrid version of the Q7 sometime in the future.[18] However, the low US dollar caused Audi to drop the plans for the US market, but stated limited quantities would be available for the commercial market.[19] Audi's research and development chief, Michael Dick, later announced Q7 hybrid would be produced in limited numbers for test purposes only and that development work would focus on a more advanced lithium-ion battery-based hybrid system for the Q5.[20]

The Q7 3.0 TDI clean diesel is a version of the 3.0 V6 TDI with selective catalytic reduction. The engine was later used in the next generation of the Q7 for the European market. The 3.0-litre TDI S line can accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 8.4 seconds and has a top speed of 134 mph (215.7 km/h).[21]

US models of the 2009 Audi Q7 TDI Premium went on sale in 2009–04 with a base MSRP of $50,900 (excluding a destination charge of $825, taxes, title or dealer charges).[22]

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show.

The production version went on sale in early summer 2007.[23]

Front view of the installed V12 TDI engine in the Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro

Audi Q7 V12 TDI (2008–2012)

Audi Q7 V12 TDI (2008–2012)

The V12 TDI engine was "based" on the diesel technology from Audi R10 TDI race car, though both engines are completely unrelated: the bore / stroke / angle of the blocks are different and they do not share a single component. The only twelve-cylinder diesel engine used in any passenger car, it was rated at 500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp) and 1,000 N⋅m (738 lb⋅ft) of torque. This gives the vehicle a 0–100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 5.5 seconds. The Q7 V12 TDI is, according to Audi, the best handling Q7 due to a revised suspension, tires and brakes. Audi claims the Q7 V12 TDI can handle a lateral acceleration of over .9 g on a 300-foot (91 m) skid-pad.[24]

The concept vehicle originally appeared at the 2006 Paris Motor Show.

Audi had announced V12 diesel version for the US market using diesel emission treatment technology jointly developed with Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz under the label "BlueTec".[25] Audi cancelled the plan to federalize the Q7 V12 TDI for the US market due in part to the global financial crisis of 2008.[26]

This V12 version is no longer available for the model year 2013 in anticipation of the cosmetic and mechanical update of Q7 for 2014. The auto listing websites, mobile.de[27] and autoscout24.de,[28] have shown the 2012 model year availability of V12 version.

The Audi Q7 coastline is a concept version of the Q7 V12 TDI that features an Inuit white interior with wood decoration. The design theme was inspired by luxury yachts.[29]

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.[30]

In early 2005, Nissan North America Inc. filed a lawsuit against Audi over the use of the letter "Q" as a model name.[31]

Audi is using the "Q" for the designation of their quattro four-wheel drive system, used in production cars for over twenty-five years (Audi's quattro trademark is actually an umbrella term for several types of four wheel drive systems developed by Torsen, Haldex Traction AB, and Borg-Warner, the latter being used in the Q7). Nissan's Infiniti marque had been using Q as the name for passenger cars (the Q50) and QX for SUVs (the QX50 and QX70) since 2013.

A settlement between Audi AG and Nissan was reached in late 2006. The agreement stipulates that Audi will only use the Q-prefix for three models, the Q3, Q5 and the Q7.

Audi Q7 TDI (Australia; facelift)

It is a version of 3.0 TDI with selective catalytic reduction. CO₂ emission was reduced to 234 g/km with Euro 6 certification, but the vehicle is 50 kg (110 lb) heavier.

Per Popular Mechanics 01 Oct. 2009. At 72.5MPH with a RPM of 2,200 - 2,500 (the sweet spot of the top 6th gear), the car achieved a 29.6 MPG of diesel. The 8-speed transmission, available 2011 and later, was 11-14% more fuel efficient than the previous 6-speed transmission (available since 2009-2010 model year) in U.S. models.

A brand new facelift brought optional LED headlights, an 8-speed transmission, start/stop fuel-saving technology, CO₂ rating reduced to 195 g/km, and a wraparound tailgate design. Also more flat and metallic colors became available and 21-inch titanium-effect wheels became an optional extra. Certain models now achieved upwards of 37 MPG ^IMP. New Engines include 2 3.0 supercharged engines. One of the supercharged engines puts out 272 hp (203 kW) and 295 lb⋅ft (400 N⋅m) of torque. The other engine which is found on the S-line prestige Q7 puts out 333 hp (248 kW) and 325 lb⋅ft (441 N⋅m) of torque and is the twin of the engine found in the S4 and S5 cabrios. These engines replaced both the 3.6 and 4.2 L gasoline engines. Both engines have the same fuel economy.

Audi has added their new Audi Connect to the MMI system, which adds internet-driven POI search, via user input or via the voice control system, as well as access to online services delivering local fuel prices, news, weather and other information. Audi Connect also offers in-car WiFi connectivity for up to 8 devices.

2012 was the last model year for the V12 version.

The vehicles were introduced in 2006 as 2007 models. Available models include 3.6 FSI quattro and 4.2 FSI quattro.

Changes include standard LED taillights with available LED turn signals and daytime running lights and SIRIUS traffic system.

The production version went on sale in September 2006.[34]

For 2011, the 3.6 FSI and 4.2 FSI engines were replaced by two 3.0 L TFSI supercharged engines. The base version develops 272 hp (203 kW) (280 hp (209 kW) for 2012) and 295 lb⋅ft (400 N⋅m) of torque, while the S-Line has 333 hp (248 kW) and 325 lb⋅ft (441 N⋅m) of torque.

The V12 Diesel engine is not available in the United States.

All models include 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission as standard. A 6 speed manual transmission was offered only in Europe on the first generation Q7 with the 3.6 liter engine. From 2010 (2011 model year in the U.S.), 8-speed automatic transmission is standard

The second generation of the Q7 will be the first of the Q7 to be sold in Bangladesh.[47] For Marvel Studios' Captain America: Civil War Audi debuted a commercial for the SQ7 directed by the Russo brothers featuring unreleased scenes from the car chase feature in the film as well as providing several SQ7 and other vehicles for the film.[48]

The Q7 was revised for 2019, introducing styling tweaks such as a redesigned grille, front and rear bumpers, new side sills, chrome trim for the tailgate and revised exhaust tips. It comes with two-tone paint as standard, which highlights the front splitter, side skirts, wheelarches and rear diffuser in anthracite., a range of mild-hybrid powertrains and refined chassis.

LED headlights are included as standard, Matrix LEDs or HD Matrix LEDs and Audi Laser Light are offered as additional cost options. The HD Matrix LEDs and Audi Laser Light combines automatic controlled high beam with small laser module in each unit to double the range of the Q7's full beam.

Air suspension as standard. Audi has also expanded the Q7's options list to include a new active roll-stabilisation system. It provide active anti-roll bars, controlled by a 48-volt electric motor that automatically adjust to reflect driving style and road conditions.

Three mild-hybrid 3.0-litre V6 powertrains are available, with the choice of two diesels and one petrol. The entry-level 45 TDI diesel produces 228 bhp and 500Nm of torque with a claimed 0-62 mph time of 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 142 mph. Mid-range 50 TDI models produce 282 bhp and 600Nm of torque, delivering a 0-62 mph of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 150 mph. The 55 TFSI petrol model comes with 335 bhp and 500Nm of torque, with a claimed 6.0 seconds and a 155 mph electronically limited top speed. An eco-focused plug-in hybrid 55 TFSI e version will be introduced few months after initial sales.

Audi also offers a performance-focused SQ7 version, powered by a 429 bhp 4.0-litre V8 turbodiesel with 900Nm of torque; it has a claimed 0-62 mph time of 4.8 seconds and a limited top speed of 155 mph. The US model will use a V8 engine with the same displacement (shared with the US-market SQ8), albeit fueled by gasoline/petrol and producing 500bhp and 770Nm (568 lb-ft) of torque; it will go on sale in late spring 2020.[50]

Sales in the UK will start from September 2019.[51][52]

Sales in the Thailand will start from 2020.