Motoring

Review: Audi Q7 55 TFSI Black Edition

The latest update to the second generation Q7 is designed to keep this decade-old large SUV modern and competitive amid Audi's rapidly evolving line-up.

Audi’s updated Q7 range is now available in South Africa. Ian McLaren reports after spending extended time behind the wheel of the new 55 TFSI Black Edition.

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Audi Q7 55 TFSI Black Edition fast facts

  • Powertrain: 3l, V6 turbopetrol
  • Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
  • Power: 250kW @5 000r/min
  • Torque: 500N.m @1 370r/min
  • Driven wheels: all
  • Claimed fuel consumption: 9.3l/100km
  • Emissions: 210g/km
  • 0-100km/h: 5.6 sec
  • Top speed: 250km/h

What are we driving and why is it significant?

A second update to the second-generation Q7 aims to keep this decade-old large SUV fresh and relevant within Audi’s fast-evolving product portfolio.

Introduced in 2015 on Volkswagen Group’s box-fresh MLB Evo architecture, the second-generation Audi Q7 distinguished itself from an extended family that included everything from an ‘entry-level’ VW Touareg to the high-performance Lamborghini Urus via a suitably sophisticated interior and a generously proportioned cabin capable of seating seven.

Sold exclusively as a seven-seater, this Audi’s 5 072mm profile allows for usable packing space behind a 50:50-split third row. Luggage space with these items stowed is claimed to be 780l.

Image: Supplied

What’s new on the updated Audi Q7? 

A campaign of mild cosmetic enhancements broadly shared with this car’s sleek Q8 sibling, the modern Q7 gains a revised grille and headlamp treatment – including the option to include HD Matrix LED with laser lighting up front and OLED tail lamps – and is available in either Platinum or Black Edition. While a modern RS Q8 will eventually top its respective family tree, the altogether more conservative Q7 will remain bookmarked by an SQ7 derivative.

Black Edition on the updated Q7 introduces darkened 22-inch alloy wheels with a black grille, mirror housings, roof rails and door sills. The Platinum Edition rides on 21-inch wheels. A new colour palette includes Sakhir Gold and Ascari Blue (pictured), and a panoramic sunroof is included throughout the range.

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Until the 373kW/770 N.m SQ7 is officially introduced, the Q7 is sold with the brand’s turbocharged 3l V6 petrol engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. Capable of sprinting from a standstill to 100km/h in under six seconds, of arguably more use to the average premium family SUV owner, is the 500N.m of torque available from just 1 370r/min; ideal for making light work of overtaking manoeuvres – and towing.

Image: Supplied

What does the updated Audi Q7 cost?

  • Audi Q7 55 TFSI Platinum Edition – R1 958 000
  • Audi Q7 55 TFSI Black Edition – R1 987 900

Pricing includes a five-year/100 000km maintenance plan.

What are the updated Audi Q7’s rivals?

While the Q7 remains a rival to the likes of the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE, in terms of fellow seven-seat options, cars like the Volvo XC90 (an updated version of which is due in SA imminently) and the Jeep Grand Cherokee come into play.

Image: Supplied

What is the updated Audi Q7 like to drive?

Within a spacious cabin where noteworthy build quality was already a talking/selling point, I would suggest Audi has raised its lofty standards higher with the updated Q7. While I hope this same attention to detail and material choice has been transferred to the modern Q8, the Q7 has never come closer to mimicking the level of sophistication offered by its more glamorous (and expensive) Bentley Bentayga cousin.

That said, with the dual front drink holders occupied and the inclusion of a wireless mobile phone charger in the centre console, there’s little remaining storage space up front in this otherwise capacious Audi.

The standard fitment of electronically controlled air suspension with continuously adaptive damping is a game-changer for the modern Audi Q7. Able to lower by up to 30mm at cruising speeds, this system can also raise the car’s ride height by up to 60mm above its default position, which, together with a dedicated off-road driving mode, introduces more than a hint of rugged all-terrain ability. Of course, the everyday benefit of air suspension is an impressive default ride quality, even with the Black Edition’s low-profile tyres.

Despite defaulting to efficiency mode for the duration of my extended test drive – and the presence of 48 V mild-hybrid technology within this powertrain – my average fuel consumption settled at 12.6l/100km. Thankfully, this Audi is fitted with an 85l fuel tank.

Image: Supplied

Verdict

The first product to be built on this iteration of the MQB Evo architecture, whether for its versatile, station wagon-inspired styling or simply while struggling for attention alongside the likes of its Q8, Cayenne, Urus and Bentayga relations, the modern Q7 has the potential to be overlooked in this segment. The updates to this otherwise impressively comfortable, spacious and now notably capable product certainly move it to the front row of its latest family portrait.

If you don’t require the additional seating, the Audi’s equally impressive modern Volkswagen Touareg cousin, available in our market with the brand’s proven 3.0 TDI powertrain, is also a solid option.

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The post Review: Audi Q7 55 TFSI Black Edition appeared first on CAR Magazine.

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