The second-gen Q7 is among Audi India’s big launches for this year. Nikhil Bhatia gives you an early drive impression.
To be honest, it’s not the looks but what lies beneath that really defines this generation of the Q7. While this may be the first product to be built on the VW Group’s new MLB or longitudinal platform, what’s of interest to buyers is that this generation of the Q7 weighs a full 300kg less than its predecessor, bringing with it improvements in performance, efficiency and driving dynamics. Equally remarkable is that despite the smaller size, the new Q7 is actually more spacious too. The rear-most row benefits with better access and offers more headroom though it’s still not a space suited for adults. Not that too many Q7 buyers make use of the third row anyway. Middle-row occupants have it better than before with even more head- and legroom and better seat comfort. But to me, the new Q7’s front seats are the best in the house.
Not only do they offer great comfort but also give a clean view of the sleek new dashboard. The dash is low set (great for outside visibility), and looks very high tech. While passengers have an 8.3-inch retractable screen to keep an eye on functions and settings, drivers have the optional digital instrument display to rely on. It’s something we’ve seen on the TT too and displays everything from speedometer and tachometer, to navigation maps and audio player settings in brilliant clarity. In fact, the entire multimedia interface has been completely reworked to offer more functionality than before. Technology aside, Audi has upped the game in quality too. There’s high quality leather, metal and soft-touch plastics throughout the cabin. This is an SUV that can rival the very best luxury sedans in this department.