The second-generation of the Audi Q7 has just been launched to the South African market and we were in attendance.

The new Audi Q7 has had a particularly long gestation period. It’s been nine years since the original behemoth SUV first went on sale. Audi puts this down to wanting to get this new model absolutely right. “Perfect”, if you will. It’s an all-new platform with a new engine range and some innovative new technologies. We had a chance to test its character on the local launch in Gauteng and Limpopo.

New and improved

The big headline is that Audi has managed to hack 325 kg off of this new model. Most of the weight savings have been made at the front and rear axles and the doors – thanks to aluminium. The styling has obviously changed as well with the Q7 looking slimmer now, but not necessarily in the right places.

The grille up front is huge and imposing and the Matrix LED lights leave you in no doubt that you should move over if you see them in your rear view mirror. As an overall package we’renot sold on the looks, but throw an S-Line body kit package at it and it looks more the part.

Engines

At launch, there is just the one engine and it’s a diesel. A very good diesel mind you. The 3-Litre TDI is superefficient and smooth. It is able to deliver 183 kW and 600 Nm of torque and it’s the perfect companion for the long road. With an eight-speed automatic transmission, it hums along at 120kph at around 1600 rpm – great for fuel economy. It’s a quiet diesel and even in the higher rev range the notorious diesel clatter can’t be heard. Audi claims it will return 5.9L/100km, but if you’re able to maintain around eight or nine to the 100 you should be happy in a house this size.

Big inside

The Q7 is as spacious as you’d expect from a large SUV, you can specify seven seats if you want to as well. You still get a reasonable load bay of 295-litres with all seven seats in operation. With five seats (and it is just five as the rear is made up of three individual seats rather than a bench) you get a massive 890-litres. With all the seats flat in the back it opens up 2075-litres, which is enough for just about anything.

The cockpit

Audi has taken its already class-leading interiors to another level. The Q7 oozes sublime craftsmanship. The Q7 has taken the simplicity of the TT interior and stepped it up to fit the much larger sibling. The virtual cockpit that turns the instrument cluster digital and displays crystal clear navigation and map data is available as an option. The gear shift lever feels like the thruster from a jet and the park button is conveniently placed by your thumb for easy access.

Tech fest

If you want, you can order just about every technology currently available on a Q7. Be ready to do a lot of checking on the option list as there are some seriously cool features available. The basics are all covered from an eight-inch infotainment screen to removable rear Android tablets. They have full internet access if you insert a SIM card, so your rear passengers can Skype as you drive if they wish. The sound systems come in two forms, a standard Bose system or an insanely clear Bang and Olufsen system.

The safety features are endless as well, but probably the most interesting system of all is Traffic Jam Assist. It will take control of the car for you in traffic situations and follow the car in front at anything up to 65kph. Then there’s trailer assist that will automatically reverse your trailer for you, taking all the stress out of getting the boat into the garage or down the jetty.

Watch Audi Trailer Assistant in action:

Smooth ride

The new Q7 has been handed the smoothest of rides. On road it flattens out bumps, keeping it comfortable in the cabin. It doesn’t have much body roll and it’s easy to get used to the size of the vehicle you’re traipsing around in. Off road it does the same thing, ironing out washboard dirt tracks with ease. It may just have the most refined ride and drive in this segment, but we’ll have to test that out more thoroughly when we get the vehicle for a full test soon.

Audi Q7 Pricing

The Q7 hits showroom floors at a base price of R924000 for the 3-Litre TDI. A 2-Litre turbo petrol will be added to the range in January, but pricing for that model has not been released.