Audi Q7 40TFSI explained in detail

Audi has finally launched the petrol version of the flagship Q7 in India. The petrol engine is the first major addition to the Q7 since its introduction in the country in 2015. Similar to its diesel counterpart, the petrol Q7 is available in two trims –the Premium Plus and the Technology pack.

Under the hood of the 40TFSI Q7 is a turbocharged 2.0-litre gasoline engine. The four-cylinder engine puts out 249bhp of power between 5,000 and 6,000rpm. The torque is rated at 370Nm and is accessible from as low as 1,600–3,450 rpm. The power is sent to the Quattro all-wheel-drive system via an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. The SUV is capable of doing the 0-100kmph sprint in just 6.9 seconds and tops out at 233kmph. 

There are no visual changes on the petrol-powered Q7 when compared to its diesel sibling apart from the badging at the rear where TFSI has been replaced by the TDI badge. Also, you get the usual Matrix-LED headlamps and tail lights beside the imposing chrome-bezel grille, 19-inch alloy wheels, sunroof and quattro embossing on door sills. The seven-seater can be had in five colour options – Carrara white, Floret silver, Graphite grey, Orca black and Ink blue.

On the insides, you get a four-zone climate control, Audi MMI infotainment system, black and beige leather upholstery and the Audi Virtual Cockpit. Its list of features includes the Audi Drive Select, cruise control, auto parking, 360-degree camera, electric seats with memory, 558 Watts Bose sound system, and ambient lighting with 30 combinations. The safety equipment includes eight airbags, TPMS, tilt angle sensors, and Audi Pre-Sense. 

The Q7 50TFSI enters into a direct rivalry against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLS 400 and the BMW X5 xDrive35i. However, the Q7’s 2.0-litre motor is a lot smaller as compared to both the direct rivals. The GLS 400 is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 with power figure of 329bhp/480Nm. Meanwhile, the Bavarian is powered by a 3.0-litre straight-six turbo-petrol producing 306bhp/400Nm.

For the price of the petrol Q7, one can have a look at the alternate SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, Porsche Macan R4, and Land Rover Discovery 3.0 HSE. Other options in the same price range include performance cars like the Porsche 718 Cayman, Mercedes-Benz SLC or the Ford Mustang. There are two other Mercedes-Benz cars that can be had for the price of the Q7 Technology Pack, more or less. And they are the CLS 250CDI and E400 Cabriolet. The former is a gorgeous diesel four-door-coupe while the latter is a stylish drop-top grand tourer.