Audi Q7 facelift with mild-hybrid tech revealed

Audi has updated the Q7 SUV with cosmetic changes, new features and mild-hybrid powertrains. It is likely to go on sale in Europe in September 2019. The SUV is longer by 11 mm and now measures 5,063 mm in length, 1,970 mm in width and 1,741 mm in height. It is available as a 5-seater or a 7-seater. The boot space for the 5-seater version varies between 865 litres and 2,050 litres.

The updated Q7 gets an octagonal grille with a chrome border and six vertical slats finished in chrome. The grille is flanked by new headlights with new DRLs and optional laser lights. The new dual-tone front bumper comes with air inlets on either side. It also gets a grey skid plate at the front along with a grey bar that runs the width of the car. The side profile features 19-inch alloy wheels, grey cladding on the doors and on the wheel arches. At the rear, the SUV gets new tail lights, a chrome bar running the width of the car and a new dual-tone rear bumper which comes with a grey bar running the width of the car, silver skid plate and two exhaust vents with chrome surround on either sides.

On the inside, the SUV gets a flat-bottom steering wheel and two touchscreens on the center console. Optional equipment includes four-zone automatic climate air conditioning, power-assist doors, Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System and an air quality package. The seats are available with climate control and massage functions.

The MMI system comes with LTE Advanced and Wi-Fi connectivity and navigation with Google Earth. Amazon voice service Alexa is also offered as well as Car-to-X service, which will be rolled out in stages in select European cities. It is a traffic information system which recommends a speed to the driver so that the car arrives at a set of traffic lights when it is green. The Q7 also comes with adaptive speed assist, traffic jam assist, active lane assist and emergency assist.

The updated Audi Q7 comes with 48V mild-hybrid powertrains as standard. Two diesel engines will be offered at launch, followed by a petrol engine and a plug-in hybrid variant. All engines will be paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox and will come with permanent all-wheel drive. Air suspension is offered as standard on 7-seater models of the Q7. The SUV also comes with optional active roll stabilization and optional all-wheel steering.