Audi has taken the wraps off the second-generation Q7 ahead of its world debut next month at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.
Audi has taken the wraps off the second-generation Q7 ahead of its world debut next month at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. Overall the look is not a dramatic departure from the current Q7, but under the skin the 2016 Q7 rides on a new lighter MLB Evo platform.
How much lighter? The 2016 Q7’s weight loss is similar to the 2015 Ford F-150 with a substantial weight drop, which is up to 716 pounds if you choose the 3.0L TDI model. The 2016 Q7 TDI comes in at 4,398 pounds, which makes it one of the lightest seven-passenger luxury SUVs. Part of the weight loss can also be attributed to an exterior that is now smaller. The 2016 Q7 is 1.5 inches shorter and 0.6 inches narrower, but even though its smaller on the outside, it’s bigger on the inside, where it counts. There’s .08 inches more legroom for second row passengers and headroom has also increased up to 1.6 inches.
Under the hood there are some changes that will also make the 2016 Q7 more fuel efficient. The base Q7 in the U.S. will be powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder with 252 horsepower and 272 lb-ft. of torque. There will also be two V6 engines to choose from, a 3.0L TDI diesel engine that generates 272 horsepower and 443 lb-ft. of torque and a 3.0L TFSI engine that has 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft.
A second TDI engine with 218 horsepower will also be available, but not likely in the U.S. The more exciting new model is the Q7 e-tron quattro plug-in hybrid that mates a 3.0L TDI engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 373 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque. Audi estimates that the Q7 e-tron quattro will reach 62 mph in 6.0 seconds with a combined fuel economy rating of 138.4 mpge.
Related: Audi is Developing a Tesla Model S Rival?
Inside the 2016 Q7 gets the virtual cockpit like the 2016 TT and Audi says that the coice recognition system is now simpler to use.
The 2016 Q7 will have its world debut on January 12.
Source: Audi
