Audi Q7 45 TFSI Quattro: Confident, comfortable and controlled

By Ghaith Madadha - Jan 21,2016 - Last updated at Jan 22,2016

Photo courtesy of AUDI

Driving the Audi Q7 as a last-minute replacement for a planned outing with the Ingolstadt-based brand’s beguiling signature RS6 super estate brute, Audi’s large 7-seat SUV may not have delivered the same high performance 552BHP thrills, but certainly no disappointment. In fact, it proved a rare — and happy — occasion of an otherwise understated car so thoroughly and comprehensively exceeding expectations.

Replacing a slightly larger predecessor, the reason the still sizeable second generation Audi Q7 so impressed is it handles, performs, feels and drinks like a smaller car but with large SUV convenience and comfort. Well-rounded, easy to drive, practical and luxurious, it also features an exhaustive, advanced and convenient suite of high-tech driving aids and infotainment systems.

Lower and lighter

Lower, slightly shorter, with massive and aggressive hexagonal grille, more assertive headlights and chiselled, ridged and sculpted bodywork, the new Q7 looks both more deliberate yet less overtly large. Appearing more like an estate-like crossover SUV, Its dynamics and efficiency improvements come courtesy of an extensive weight loss regime for numerous components and intelligent use of frame, body and chassis materials.

With extensive use of lightweight aluminium, the new Q7 sheds up to 325kg off its predecessor’s weight, and includes lower unsprung weight for improver handling and comfort. Stiffer for improved dynamic precision and ride refinement from noise, harshness and vibrations, the new Q7, and efficient CD0.31aerodynamics and a stop/start system also contribute to up to 27 per cent fuel efficiency improvement.

Fitted with large glitzy alloys shod with firm low profile 285/40R21 tyres, the Q7’s ride didn’t suffer from the low profile tyres, with an optional air damped suspension instead providing a generally supple, smooth and stable ride on Dubai streets. A full width clamshell tailgate reveals a wide loading bay, which with optional air suspension, can be lowered for a more convenient loading height.

Effective and efficient

Slung low and just ahead of the front axle for good traction, the Q7 45 TFSI is powered by a 3-litre supercharged V6 engine developing a prodigious 328BHP throughout a broad 5500-6500rpm plateau and 325lb/ft torque peaking at a wide and effortlessly accessible 2900-5300rpm. Mechanically supercharged with no lag associated with a turbo and with tenacious four-wheel drive off-the-line traction, the Q7 sprints through the 0-100km/h benchmark in 6.3 seconds.

As fast as a large SUV reasonably needs to be, the Q7 45 TFSI is smooth, responsive and consistent in delivery from tick-over to redline. With power build-up underwritten by a rich mid-range torque band, the Q7’s versatility and flexibility is enhanced by a slick, succinct and smooth 8-speed gearbox with a broad range of ratios to exploit is output for both brisk performance and frugal fuel efficiency.

Designed to optimise responsiveness, refinement, performance and efficiency, the Q7 45 TFSI utilises both direct and more traditional indirect fuel injection. Located between the cylinder banks for short tubing and quick compression and near-instant boost response, the Q7 45 TFSI’s twin intercooled 0.8-bar supercharger uses an electromagnetic clutch to automatically de-couples and re-engage as required for performance and fuel efficiency, which is rated at 7.9l/100km on combined cycle.

Dynamic duality

Featuring a 100kg lighter design to reduce un-sprung weight, the Q7’s all-round five-link suspension allows for better fine-tuning and versatility of purpose. Processing forces with supple comfort vertically and stiff and sportily horizontally, the Q7 delivers a smooth and forgiving ride, while simultaneously feels tidy, direct, poised and well-controlled through corners — Automatically adaptive air dampers additionally enhance this duality of character.

Stable and relaxed at speed, comfortable over imperfections, settled on rebound and tidily controlled into and through corners with lowered centre of gravity, the Q7 hides its 2030kg mass well, with only faint dive on heavy braking in comfort mode suggesting otherwise. Its most unexpected and welcome surprise is, however, its size and weight belying agility and manoeuvrability, especially as driven with optional all-wheel steering.

Operating with small degrees of rear-wheel steering in the same direction as the front wheels at speed, the Q7 changes direction and turns in with tidy un-dramatic body weight transfer control and agile eager responsiveness. Between 5-15kmh, the rear wheels instead turn slightly in the opposite direction for a pronounced degree of manoeuvrability when parking or negotiating narrow confines, and a London black cab-like tight 11.4-metre turning circle.

Classy and confident

With traditional Quattro four-wheel drive all-weather confidence and control, the Q7’s 60 per cent rear biased power split lends a more balanced, agile and sporty drive. Automatically redistributing up to 70 per cent power frontwards and 85 per cent rearwards in low traction situations through a self-locking differential for enhanced and adaptive vice-like grip and agility, the Q7 is tight and tidy into a corner, with resolute road-holding throughout and tenacious traction as it digs in and powers out.

Classy and comfortable inside, the Q7 features rich materials and textures, and a clean, uncluttered design. Cabin access, space and versatility is generous, supportive and well accommodating large occupants, particularly in front and middle rows. Versatile and spacious with sliding and reclining middle row and decent sized flat folding third row seats, the Q7 is also a voluminous cargo carrier, accommodating between 295 to 1995kg, depending on seat configuration.

Thoroughly well-equipped, the Q7’s sophisticated semi-autonomous systems include night vision, rear cross-traffic, parking and lane change assistance which can nudge the Q7’s electric steering into lane. Adaptive cruise control and traffic jam assistance systems work together to anticipate, and prevent or mitigate collisions, and includes limited self-steering ability. The Q7’s features Audi’s configurable Virtual Cockpit instrumentation, and an extensively capable smartphone integrated infotainment system with voice recognition, touchpad and rear passenger tablets.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 3-litre, supercharged, in-line V6 cylinders

Bore x stroke: 84.5 x 89mm

Compression ratio: 10.8:1

Boost pressure: 0.8-bar

Valve-train: 24-valve, DOHC, direct injection

Gearbox: 8-speed automatic, four-wheel drive, self-locking centre differential

Power distribution, F/R, default (maximum): 40/60 per cent (70/85 per cent)

Power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 328 (333) [245] @5500-6500rpm

Specific power: 109.5BHP/litre

Power-to-weight: 161.5BHP/tonne

Torque, lb/ft (Nm): 325 (440) @2900-5300rpm