New spy shots of the Audi Q7 are doing the rounds of the Internet. The updated premium SUV from Audi is due to launch next year and will be seen at the Paris Auto Show. There are talks that Audi is working on the expansion of the Q-family of SUVs and we believe they will commence the product offensive with this new Q7.
Audi is very positive about the growing demand for SUVs across the European markets as well as in developing markets like China, Russia and also India and therefore the interest in this venture. The work on the Q7 is a bit surprising to the industry as the Q7 has been selling well and so have some of the other members of the Q family.
However, the Audi Q7 will only be on sale some time towards the end of 2014. One reason for the late launch is that it will be based on the Volkswagen Group’s third-generation SUV platform. The platform, derived from the MLB architecture, will spawn both the 2015 Q7 and a Bentley SUV due in 2016. It is also expected to be lighter by 350 kg.
Some of the other details that are available are about the engines. The engine line-up includes a 3.0-litre, a 4.0-litre TFSI and a 3.0-litre TDI. A plug-in hybrid model is also due, as confirmed previously by Audi CEO Rupert Stadler. Two versions of the plug-in hybrid Q7 may be launched, one incorporating the 3.0-litre TFSI mill and the other the 3.0-litre TDI. Both should feature e-tron badging and an all-electric range of about 18 miles. Audi has announced that the e-tron variant will be introduced to the current Q7, before the launch of the new model in 2015, they have remained tight-lipped about its technicalities.
More details on the car are awaited. However, were the car to be launched globally, it would definitely make its way to India, as the Q7 is pretty much in demand here. In fact, the Q7 along with its sibling, the Q3 were some of the major drivers of Audi sales this year.
Source: Autoexpress
Picture source: Automedia
