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Audi Q7 facelift has been launched in India at INR 72 Lac and INR 77.5 Lac for Q7 Premium Plus and Q7 Technology respectively. At the launch, two great cricket celebrities, Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri were present who truly endorse the brand. Fanatics in the domestic market were waiting for this hatch since its unveiling in Malaysia 2-3 weeks ago where it is priced INR 91.06 Lac (RM 589900). The car will reach India via CBU route in the beginning and thereafter, it will be manufactured locally by the first half of 2016. Prior to this, the vehicle was showcased at the 2015 NAIAS show in Detroit in December 2014. Let us brief what the German automaker has done up to its looks, size, interiors and power output.
New Audi Q7 incorporates a 3.0 litre TDI engine developing a power output of 264 bhp that is better than the 241.4 bhp from the ex-Q7. At the same time, it reaches a peak torque of 598 Nm that is again better than the previous 550 Nm mark of torque. The motor is further coupled to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive system. Moreover, the vehicle crosses the 0-100 km/h spot in mere 6.5 seconds that again is superior by 1.4 seconds to the old version.
On the dimensional front, up-gradations can be seen. This time, the vehicle is revived for its size, it is 37mm shorter and 15mm less wide in comparison with its old presence. But the plus point is that these measurements also contribute in making this SUV 300 kg lighter along with the adaptation of aluminum-intensive MLB 2 modular platform.
Further, differentiation is found between the senile and neoteric Q7 for their appearance. Reduced visual bulk renders an athletic appeal to the car and compiles clean surface with edgier lines. In the new car, reworked headlamps gather around the bolder grille. At the rear, a sleeker look is supplied by the new and welcoming rectangular LED tail-lamp cluster. Not only this, the vehicle looks more stunning and refreshed at front and back, courtesy of the new bumpers.
Interiors are also done over in the new Audi Q7. Inside this 7-seat luxury SUV, the dashboard is distinctly organized where AC vents are simply masked into the trim. Above this, a standalone MMI is placed. A new media center knob and the gear lever are equipped within the vehicle. Other widgets and gadgets include a new infotainment system connected to a Bose audio system, panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, electrically adjustable leather seats, touchpad, Matrix LED headlamps, four-zone climate control, and Audi’s ‘Virtual Cockpit’ all-digital instrument cluster. On the safety front, the off-road mode raises vehicle’s ground clearance by 60 mm. Also, the assistance system and comfort features enhance its efficiency and dynamics.
Though, the new Audi Q7 is priced a little higher, still with updates and new polishing, the car will seek to displace BMW X5, Volvo XC90, and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
To strengthen its foothold, Audi recently inaugurated a new showroom in Rajkot, Gujarat. This is a 1,00,000 sq. ft. factory store sited at NH 8B, the Ahmedabad Highway. It facilitates the Audi service unit as well, which further is expanded over an area of 11,690 sq. ft. It covers 8 bays and can service 16 cars in a day. With the new opening, it becomes the 4th outlet in Gujarat from the company. Here, a body and paint shop are integrated to the workshop, a merchandise shop and a complete after sales solution for the cars will be provided to the customers.