Audi has updated the Q7 for 2024. This is the second major update for Audi’s flagship three-row SUV and it gets new exterior and interior design elements as well as some features. The biggest change on the outside is a new face. Audi has ditched the chrome slats of the previous iterations in favour of bolder chrome links like vertical design which gives the car a bolder(er) appearance.
In profile, Audi has updated the alloy wheels but it is still a conservative design but does tie well into the car’s overall appearance. The layout and elements at the rear are unchanged, except for the design of the elements in the tail lamps. Overall Audi has done enough to give the car’s appearance a much-needed boost and this should keep the Q7 going strong till the next-gen car comes along within the next two years.
Like the exterior design, the cabin of this 2024 Q7 has got some minor updates but overall retains the same layout and elements as the car that came to India in 2021. Upfront and dominating the dashboard, you still have the three-screen layout with the central one being the interface for the climate control system.
The displays are nice to use with a high level of brightness, good graphics and generally quick pathways to where you need to get into the Ui. What’s more, Audi has also included physical buttons for most of the significant controls giving a decent mix of buttons and functions built into the display itself. However, while the interface is nice to use, it is missing wireless phone connectivity. It has provided a wireless charger and the USB ports for Android Auto/Apple CarPlay are located right in front of the wireless charging pad minimising some of the clutter caused by the phone wire usually hanging out. Everything looks nice to touch and feel with a lot of gloss black plastics which makes everything look premium but is a dust and fingerprint magnet.
The dimensions haven’t changed which means that it is still a very spacious car for the front occupants with more than enough headroom, legroom and knee room. Adding to this is the large panoramic sunroof and cedar brown upholstery that Audi has fitted to our media car.
The second row is equally spacious with more than enough headroom, knee room and shoulder room for three occupants to experience long journeys. As a part of this 2024 update, Audi has added a fourth climate zone to the mix which now brings it on par with its segment rivals. Some of the other major highlights include 1.0-litre bottle holders in both the doors, seat back pockets and a large centre
armrest with dual cup holders. The second-row seat backs can be split into multiple configurations and fold flat for a large cargo space. While very practical and spacious, the second row does feel a bit dull as it is missing some of the major elements that one would want when catering to the chauffeur-driven segment. This list includes powered seats, boss function, massagers, ventilated seats as well as MMi linked seatback screens.
Jump into row three and like the pre-facelift model it continues to stand as a contrast to the well-packaged and spacious first and second row. The seat base is low offering little to no under-thigh support and knee room almost non-existent due to the way you have to sit. The third row is best suited to kids or short journeys and can be folded down electrically if you need additional cargo space. In fact, with the third and second rows folded down, the cargo space is massive, easy to access and high enough that you can easily play luggage Tetris in terms of height and length.
This Audi Q7 continues with its 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine producing 335bhp/500Nm and is offered with an eight-speed AT and Quattro AWD technology as standard across both trim levels. Audi has been out of the diesel market for a while and also does not have a full-hybrid option for the Q7.
The Q7 drives exactly like it looks, Large and in great strides. The 500Nm of torque is available as low as 1400rpm allowing you to get off the line and get moving easily. The gearing is sorted at low speeds and you have to put in very little effort to move the car around. However, pick up the pace and you do feel like the eight-speed box is having to do a lot more work than required to continue building up the car’s speed and get you into the three-digit range. However, once there, its ability to cruise is very impressive and combined with a massive 85-litre fuel tank you can do long distances without missing a beat.
As with the previous car, you get multiple drive modes which alter the way the throttle responds with full ‘beast’ being unleashed in the sport mode. The throttle is very sensitive in this mode and can be surprisingly addictive to use despite the car’s size.
The steering is still light and easy to use masking the size of the car especially when you have to make u-turns or parallel park the vehicle. It lacks the feel one would expect from a vehicle at this price point but does weigh up nicely as you gather speed. One of the places where the Q7 shines is in the ride quality department and in this case, the magic comes from an air suspension that manages to give suppleness to the ride allowing you to glide over whatever our roads throw up. With enough ground clearance, you don’t have to slow down for the big stuff and when going over them you don’t feel much either.
What you do have to be cautious about though are the 20-inch wheels which are diamond cut and can be scuffed easily if you get carried away. Finally, one of the big improvements is the NVH insulation. The outgoing model was already pretty good and this one continues to impress with the package it offers.
The Audi Q7 presents a very clear case for why it should be on your radar/off your radar if you are looking for a large full-size luxury SUV offering three rows of seating. It’s spacious, good looking, rides very nicely and is quiet and refined as one would expect from the Q7 for nearly two decades now. However, on the flip side, it lacks certain segment-expected features, has a barely useable third row and only comes with one petrol powertrain option.
It’s this last one that plays up into a surprise positive for the car. It is the lowest priced among the full European clan in terms of petrol SUVs with a sub-Rs. 1 crore price tag even for this top-spec Technology variant that we have driven in our review.
Photography: Kapil Angane
Engine & Transmission
Time the car takes to reach 100kmph from a standstill
Timely services will keep a motor efficient and in top shape.
The official title given by the manufacturer in terms of the name of the engine, the displacement and the number of cylinders.
A bigger displacement and more than four-cylinders generally indicate a performance-oriented engine.
All cars in India either run on petrol, diesel, CNG, LPG or electric power.
Gives a good idea of the performance of the vehicle under full thrust. A higher figure here usually means a higher top speed as well.
Higher the power, the peppier the engine but it can also affect fuel economy.
Relates to in-gear acceleration. A higher figure here means better roll-on acceleration, fewer gear shifts, and possibly better fuel efficiency.
The more torque at low RPM range makes the engine feel more responsive. It also allows the engine to run smoothly without too many gear changes.
Cars come with different drivetrain configurations depending on the segment.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is most common in mainstream cars while expensive cars or SUVs come with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
Type of transmission used to transfer power from the engine to the wheels
A manually operated transmission is the most popular type, thanks to its simplicity and low cost. Varied types of automatic transmissions are also available.
Set by the Indian Government, this governs the amount of air pollutants released by cars to make the atmosphere safer for humans.
Manufacturers today offer turbochargers to boost engine power without affecting its fuel economy. Superchargers are found in more expensive cars but on the downside, they are not very efficient.
Turbochargers are more effective but require plenty of heat management. Superchargers, meanwhile, offer linear bump in power but they are comparatively more complex.
Keeping the battery terminals free of corrosion prevents starting trouble
Tests reveal that electric cars are substantially more efficient than internal combustion engines.
Dimensions & Weight
The length of the car decides its segment. In India, cars that are less than 4 metres in length enjoy reduced excise duties.
Longer length results in more cabin space. It also adds to straight line stability.
A car's width is defined as its widest point without its mirrors.
Although more width gives you more lateral space inside the cabin, it makes the car more difficult to park in narrow spots.
The height of the car denotes the highest point of the vehicle from the ground.
Taller the car, the more headroom there is on offer inside the cabin. However, a tall boy stance also affect the car’s centre of gravity which can cause more body roll.
The space between the center of the front and rear wheels.
The longer the wheelbase, the more space there is inside the cabin.
Capacity
The number of doors define the category of car. For example – four door means sedan, two-door means coupe while five-doors usually refer to a hatchback, MPV or an SUV.
The number of people that can be seated comfortably in the car, which has also been mandated by the car manufacturer.
Smaller cars usually have two rows which can seat five, but some SUVs and MPVs have three rows and can seat around 7-8 passengers.
The official volume of the fuel tank of a car, usually denoted in litres.
If a car has a large fuel tank, it can cover long distances without refuelling.
Suspensions, Brakes, Steering & Tyres
Almost all cars in India use an independent front suspension which is usually the MacPherson Strut type.
The rear suspension can either be non-independent or independent.
Most of the budget cars have non-independent suspension while the more expensive ones get independent rear suspension which offers better bump absorption.
Most of the vehicles sold in India get ventilated or non-ventilated disc brakes upfront.
- The ventilated discs are more popular thanks to them providing better stopping power and it also works well in hot conditions.
In affordable cars, drums brakes are fitted at the rear as they are cost effective.
Disc setup at the rear is now getting more popular as cars are getting faster in the real world.
Almost all steering systems in cars today have an assist to help park them better at low speeds - these can be hydraulic, electro-hydraulic or electric.
The wheels used on cars are either steel rims with plastic wheel cover hub or alloy wheels on higher spec models or expensive cars.
Razor cut, or diamond cut alloy wheel design are not getting more popular. Manufacturers usually offer these in top-end trim of their car models.
Important in a country with varying quality of roads, spare wheels ensure one doesn’t get stranded when one of the main tyres gets damaged.
Select premium car models feature space savers (smaller than the stock wheels) to save on boot space.
The profile/dimension of rubber tyre that fits on the front wheels.
The profile/dimension of rubber tyre that fits on the rear wheels.
Exterior
Ensure the sunroof is closed before exiting the vehicle to prevent dirt/rain from entering the cabin
The compactness of the roof-mounted antenna prevents its damage in certain situations
Having parking sensors will save your bumper paint if it brushes by obstacles
Functional or purely aesthetic parts added to the car's body such as side skirts and roof/bonnet scoops
A strip of rubber fitted to the sides of the car's doors or bumpers to prevent dents and dings
Opt for quality strips because the cheaper ones tend to come off too soon/look shabby.
Braking & Traction
An electronic system that prevents the tyres from locking and skidding in emergency braking situations by pulsing the brakes (quickly releasing and reapplying the brakes)
ABS is a great accident prevention technology, allowing drivers to steer while braking hard
An electronic system that redirects braking forces among the four brakes to stop the car as quickly and stably as possible
A system that increases brake pressure to help the car stop quicker
Even when emergency braking, it is observed that drivers don’t apply maximum brake pressure through the pedal, the BA system provides additional pressure to help stop the car quicker
System designed to improve car stability and control, especially when the car is accelerating.
ESP or ESC cannot increase traction but rather improve control or help regain control in slippery conditions.
A system that sends the car's power to all the four wheels at the same time
A feature that prevents the car from rolling backwards when stopped on a slope
This system cuts power to those wheels that are spinning without grip/traction
Given the option, keep traction control on all the time.
A feature that allows the user to alter the ride height of the car
Be it driving over tall obstacles or unloading heavy baggage from the boot; a helpful feature indeed
A feature that limits the car's speed without any driver input while traversing down descents
Locking differentials split power/torque evenly among both tyres on an axle.
In off-road vehicles, locking differentials allows for better traction when one of the wheels is in the air, in FWD/AWD cars allows for better corner traction and in RWD sports cars allows for drifting around corners.
Safety
Mandatory safety system for cars sold in India, a single beep is emitted after 80kmph and continuous ones after 120kmph
This function detects when the car is drifting out of its lane and cautions the driver through audio/visual alerts
The brake lights flash in a quick intermittent fashion to indicate to the following vehicles to slow down quicker than usual
These enable users to repair a puncture effortlessly, saving the time/effort involved in replacing it with the spare wheel
Avoid driving on a flat/deflated wheel too long as it can cause expensive repairs
This feature spots oncoming vehicles at night to shift the headlight between high and low beam
The official crash test safety rating given to a car by one of the many testing agencies around the world
Blind Spot Detection systems use sensors to detect and alert the driver of any sudden movements in his/her blind spot
Safer three-point seatbelts for passengers seated in the middle of the second row of seats.
Budget cars are usually fitted with more economical lap belts for the middle-occupant.
A headrest for the middle occupant of the second-row of seats.
Budget cars are usually not offered with headrests for the middle occupant of the second-row to save on costs. Headrests are instrumental in reducing whiplash injuries in case of an accident
A digital gauge that provides the live status of the air pressure in every tyre of a car.
For accurate readings, ensure that the sensors on the rim are not tampered with during any wheel/tyre repairs
Anchor points or strap systems built into car seats to keep child seats in place, especially during a crash
ISOFIX is an international standard for child seat anchor points, but not all car manufacturers follow this standard
Mandatory fitment in cars sold in India, emits loud beeps when it detects that occupants are not wearing their seatbelts.
Seat belt warning is mandatory for front-seat occupants, but it is recommended that all occupants wear seat belts.
Comfort & Convenience
The different types of air-conditioning systems used to cool the cabin
Maintaining the lowest temperature and first blower speed offers the best results.
This feature allows warm air to pass through the air-con vents for heating the cabin
Compact mirrors fitted to the inside of the sunvisor
The option of being able to access the boot space while sitting inside the car
These mirrors negate the glare from headlight beams of cars behind you
Since a large chunk of people love driving around in their high beam, these mirrors come in handy
A feature that aids drivers park with ease and greater precision using sensors/cameras
It comes as a boon for drivers who are not used to parking in tight spots
A system that automatically controls the speed of the car
An alert that warns one from leaving the car with the headlight and ignition switched on
When fitted, this system allows the car to be switched on without removing the key from the driver’s pocket or vicinity.
Keyless entry and start/stop (KESS) systems in some cars also include operation via a smartphone.
A function where the steering wheel moves up/down, in/out as per the driver's requirement
When both rake and reach adjustments are incorporated, it makes for a tailormade driving position
This socket provides current to a cigarette lighter style 12 volt plug
It helps charge smartphones, tablets, laptops, rechargeable batteries and other USB chargers. It also powers a compressor that inflates tyres and the humble cigarette lighter!
Lighting
Such headlights automatically switch on and off when they sense bright or dark driving conditions
Keeping them switched on at all times gives the user the best results
The headlamps remain lit for sometime when the car is locked/unlocked to aid user visibility in dark surroundings
Inspect tail lamp bulbs at periodic intervals for optimum safety.
Lights that automatically switch on during the day for increased visibility
A type of lamp that improves driver visibility while driving through fog
The yellow/amber fog lights are preferable as they are warm to the eyes and do not reflect from the fog.
Additional lighting apart from the roof-mounted courtesy/map lamps. These are added for a sense of style and luxury rather than utility.
Incorporated into the bottom section of a car's door mirrors, they light up the ground underneath the front door when the door is unlocked
A lamp that's located around the vanity mirror behind the sun visor
Allows adjustment to the height of the headlight beams via a switch on the dashboard
Locks & Security
A security device that prevents the engine from being started unless the key is present
This feature let's one unlock all the doors remotely or with a key
This feature automatically locks the car's doors when it reaches a preset speed
A convenient feature for those who can't remember to lock the doors
Such locks are built into the rear doors to prevent rear seat occupants from opening the doors
Doors, Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
Mirrors that are placed on the car's exterior, around the door, to aid the driver see behind the vehicle
Placing/sticking wide-angle mirrors on the ORVMs can enhance the rear view tremendously.
This is fitted where the door meets the frame to protect it from scratches and dust
Not using scuff plates may result in the door sill giving away prematurely.
When the car's windows can be raised/lowered by pressing a button/switch
In emergencies where the power window electronics have jammed, exit the vehicle by kicking out the windscreen
This feature allows a user to roll down the windows with a single press of a button
This feature reduces the time your hand is away from the steering wheel
This feature allows a user to roll up the windows with a single press of a button
This feature reduces the time your hand is away from the steering wheel
Different ways of adjusting the door mirror to suit the driver's requirement
Tremendously aids driving judgement in a variety of tight situations.
Turn indicators are fitted to the door mirrors for improved visibility
A feature that removes condensed water droplets from the rear windscreen to improve visibility
Turning air recirculation off helps gain faster results.
Although a seemingly minuscule feature, it negates the hatchback's/SUV's inherent ability to retain dirt/water on the rear windscreen.
When the system detects water droplets on the windshield, it activates the wipers to improve driver visibility
This feature can be intrusive especially while you are negotiating a tricky bend at a higher speed
These protective shields keep the sun's rays from affecting the occupants
With restrictions on darker sun films, these blinds are a huge relief on sunny days.
The various methods of opening the boot lid
A manually/electrically operated, usually translucent, screen designed to reduce the sunlight filtering into the cabin through the rear windshield to improve rear-cabin comfort and privacy
Entertainment, Information & Communication
An Android feature that allows car infotainment displays to mirror parts of the phone screen to ease touch operations while driving.
An Apple (iOS) feature that allows car infotainment displays to mirror parts of the iPhone screen to ease touch operations while driving.
This function bumps up the safety quotient since the use of a smartphone while driving can be hazardous
A touchscreen or display that acts as a user's interface to the various functions of the car
The ability to recognise and interpret specific movements of the occupant to perform functions without any direct contact with any of the car's switches or buttons
A touchscreen or display that acts as a user's interface to the various functions of the car
The music player that comes factory fitted
Number of speaker units as part of a car’s surround-sound system
The widely-used controls are placed on the steering wheel to ease driver usage
When the car's system responds to the occupant's voice to perform certain features
A system that uses satellite signals to help the driver with directions to reach a destination
Allows devices with bluetooth functionality connect wirelessly to the car's infotainment system
Using Bluetooth functionality offers a cable-free experience
Is the music system's capability of playing broadcasted radio channels
If radio signals are weak, one can stream music
When tracks can be played from a USB/pen drive
These pads can charge equipped smartphones without using a cable
Given the option, opt for fast wireless charging.
The size of the music system fitted to a car. Traditionally 1-DIN or 2-DIN, are being replaced by touchscreen units of varying sizes.
Storage
The storage space within the armrest that's located between the front passengers
A feature where cool air from the air-conditioner is diverted to the glovebox
Seats & Upholstery
Rear seat adjustments make for an enlarged luggage space when there's lots of baggage to haul.
In addition to aiding passenger comfort, these also boost the practicality that arises from extended boot space
When it's time to replace, use a fabric that grips and are inherently cool to the touch
Leather not only grips your palms well, but it also offers a premium feel
The armrest located between the front passengers which helps comfort the driver's arm while driving
This row could either be a bench or a pair of jump/captain seats
When the need arises, the last row can double up as space for luggage.
Depicts if the cabin comes with a single or dual-tone colour scheme
The various color shades used within the cabin
Some rear seats have the option to be be folded to offer more practicality
Sections of the rear seat are capable of being folded down separately
This function bumps up practicality as the boot space increases when required.
Sections of the third-row seat are capable of being folded down separately
The pockets behind the front seats which help rear seat occupants store their stuff
The portion extending from or fixed to the seat that supports the head
Instrumentation
It indicates how much fuel is being used that very instant your car is moving
A screen situated mostly behind the steering wheel displaying information and warning lights regarding the car's various vitals
The amount of fuel consumed by the engine (kmpl) is displayed on the instrument cluster in real time
A glance will help you maintain better fuel efficiency and save money
The total distance traveled divided by the time taken to cover that distance
The higher the average speed, the quicker you were on that journey/trip
The approximate distance a car will run with the amount of fuel remaining in the tank
This alert should be taken as a final warning to head straight to the fuel pump
A warning light that pops up on the instrument cluster when the doors are not shut properly
The brightness of the instrument cluster can be adjusted via controls
It comes in handy to improve instrumentation visibility between day and night by toggling brightness.
It notifies the driver about which gear the car is being driven in and can also suggest down- or upshifting to improve efficiency
Notifies the driver about the optimum instances to shift gears
It comes in handy to derive the best fuel efficiency and engine component longevity
An instrument that measures engine speed in revolutions-per-minute (rpm)
Ideally, the tachometer helps a driver know when to shift gears in a manual gearbox.
Manufacturer Warranty
The number of years the EV battery is covered under the manufacturer's warranty
More the years, the better
The automaker can void the vehicle's warranty if the owner has fitted aftermarket components.
Variants | Price | Specifications | |
---|---|---|---|
Rs. 1.11 Crore | Petrol, Automatic (TC), 335 bhp | View Price BreakupGet Offers | |
Rs. 1.23 Crore | 7 Person, AWD, 500 Nm, 8 Gears, 3.0 TFSI V6 + 48V Mild-Hybrid System, Panoramic, 85 litres, No, Front, Second & Third, 5.6 seconds, 250 kmph, 5 Star (Euro NCAP), 5072 mm, 1970 mm, 1705 mm, 3000 mm, 500 Nm @ 1370-4500 rpm, 335 bhp @ 5200-6400 rpm, Keyless, Yes (Automatic Four Zone), Front & Rear, 1, 360 Degree Camera, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Full-time, 8 Airbags (Driver, Front Passenger, 2 Curtain, Driver Side, Front Passenger Side, 2 Rear Passenger Side), Yes, 1, BS6 Phase 2, 5 Doors, Petrol, Automatic (TC), 335 bhp | View Price BreakupGet Offers |
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