Big, Bold, New Audi Q7 is Unashamedly Diesel Powered
The Audi Q7 has been with us for 20 years in two iterations, and now with this third, the Q7 remains a large, premium SUV for the road-focused drivers, powered exclusively by a diesel engine which is quite the bold statement given the markets shift towards electrification these days.
The 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine produces 299 PS and 630 Nm of torque, but uses mild-hybrid (MHEV) technology that can add up to 24 PS of power via a small powertrain generator. There’s even an electric-powered compressor to deliver a strong starting performance, too. So, it does have a hint of electrification about it, although it hasn’t committed to using a plug just yet.
The new Q7 gets an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox and quattro permanent all-wheel drive with a new limited-slip centre differential with preload, plus standard adaptive air suspension.
Space inside is in abundance - which comes as no surprise given the Q7’s size - but seven seats are standard and all have ISOFIX mountings and are electrically adjustable. Access to the third row is possible without having to remove child seats from the second row, too.
The seven-seater offers 581 litres of luggage space behind the second row and a maximum volume of 1,980 litres behind the first row.
However, only the top spec receives a large, panoramic sunroof, although it does get a clever switchable transparency glass.
There’s digital Matrix LED headlights with built-in micro-LED modules that not only prevents dazzling oncoming traffic and pedestrians, but they can also directly project high-resolution light patterns, too. Audi claims the latter can be used to project directions on the ground, for example.
The Q7 offers up to eight digital light signatures for the rear lights and headlights, whilst Audi have added projection lights to the driver’s door and front passenger side door displaying an unfurling white rhombus to welcome occupants as they approach.
Invariably it will cosett its occupants and ferry the family about in comfort, but it’s surprising that Audi isn’t offering more powertrains, such as plug-in hybrids that could bring higher levels of refinement, be city friendly where metropolitan areas are aggressively tackling emissions. Perhaps this will come later as competition from these powertrains hots up and diesel sales continue to become less desirable.
The all-new diesel-powered Audi Q7 goes on sale in the U.K. in July priced from £82,000.
About the Author
Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more.
You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb
