Audi Q7 Refreshed and Electrified for 2020
Once the four-ring brand’s flagship SUV, the Audi Q7 is getting an all-around update for 2020 that will bring it in line with other members of the Q family, most notably the sporty Q8.
Visually, the refreshed Audi Q7 features a heavily redesigned front fascia that includes a large, octagon-shaped Singleframe grille with six upright slats, more prominent air intakes on each side and sharp-looking headlights with available in HD Matrix LED technology.
In the rear, a striking chrome strip connects the newly styled taillights and combines with other strong horizontal lines to give the Q7 a wider and more robust appearance. The 19-inch wheels in the optional S line exterior are particularly attractive.
While the gain of 11 millimetres in length doesn’t change the interior, Audi still promises more headroom and elbow room in the front and rear than in the Q7’s direct competitors. Storage is improved with a new compartment in the instrument panel, but maximum cargo capacity is down slightly to 2,050 litres.
The highlight inside is the new digital operating concept that incorporates two large touchscreens. They provide haptic and acoustic feedback when clicking on the touch controls. When off, the top display slots almost invisibly into the large, black decorative surface.
Meanwhile, the MMI navigation plus features a Wi-Fi hotspot, natural voice control and the cloud-based Amazon voice service Alexa.
On the Road…
Audi says that an air suspension comes standard on all new Q7 models. For improved ride quality, the vehicle can be equipped with adjustable stabilizers that reduce body movements on uneven roads when driving in a straight line.
All-wheel steering is also available to enhance handling: The rear wheels turn by up to 5 degrees in the opposite direction at low speed, which increases agility. On the highway, they steer slightly in the same direction to promote stability.
The array of advanced safety systems includes a new emergency assist: If the driver is inactive, the system will bring the car to a stop and initiate protective and rescue measures.
As for the engine, the 2020 Q7 offers the choice of a 248-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder and a 355-horsepower turbocharged V6. Both are coupled to an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive system. The V6 also incorporates a new 48-volt mild hybrid technology that helps increase efficiency by more than 0.5 L/100 km through energy recuperation.
If you want to save even more fuel, you’ll have to wait for the plug-in hybrid variant of the Q7, which will follow the Q5 Hybrid.
The 2020 Audi Q7 will be launched in Europe in mid-September. Details for the Canadian market including pricing will be announced later. The outgoing model starts at $66,300.
