Audi’s full-size Q7 has been slogging along since 2005 and getting long in the tooth for at least a couple of years. What took them so long, you might ask?
Well, the new-generation model is all-new underneath and out, although you obviously couldn’t tell just by looking — the car is the epitome of two-box design, with exterior styling highlights relegated to a new shiny grille and… er… let’s move on.
The big changes are actually underneath — Ingolstadt claims the new model is up to 325kg lighter (which still means it’ll nudge at two tonnes) and 26 per cent more efficient, although the models at launch next summer in Europe are exclusively diesels.
Naturally, at a later stage we’ll get Audi’s petrol engines, including the superb supercharged 3.0-litre V6.
Although it’s shorter and narrower than before, the 2015 Q7 boasts a longer cabin and more interior headroom.
To hit the weight targets Audi applied lightweight construction everywhere — the key is the new body, which is 71kg lighter, and other parts like the aluminium doors, which save 24kg alone, plus the wings, bonnet, tailgate and more.
Besides extra space, Audi also promises less noise with improved acoustic insulation and claimed best-in-class quietness and aeroacoustics — that’s less wind noise.
We just wish the boring, slab-sided design made at least a little bit of noise.
This story first appeared on wheels in December 2014
