Audi Q7 4.2 TDI in Depth

Press Release

Suspension

The Audi Q7 4.2 TDI features a dynamic suspension that is equal to the magnificent performance of the engine in every situation. Off the beaten track it offers outstanding off-road capabilities, on the motorway precise directional stability and supreme control. And on winding country lanes the large SUV from Audi impresses with safe, precise and agile handling characteristics that set new standards. The most powerful diesel SUV in the world runs on 18-inch forged alloy wheels with sporty 255/55 tyres. Most of its suspension components are made of aluminium. All four wheels are mounted on double wishbones that in turn are attached to subframes. The servotronic steering conveys a feeling of excellent road contact thanks to its remarkably direct and precise response. Two high-tech solutions work together here: power assistance is reduced as the vehicle speed increases and the ratio varies between around 10.0:1 and 16.5:1, depending on steering angle. When steering out of the straight-ahead position the response is more indirect, which guards against any nervous reactions at high speeds; with wider steering angles the response is more direct to convey an active driving feel. The Audi Q7 4.2 TDI illustrates Audi’s claim to always offer the optimum technical solution. It comes as standard with adaptive air suspension. This combines air suspension with an electronically controlled damping system incorporating dynamic roll stabilisation. In this way it unites dynamic, sporty handling with supreme ride comfort. The driver can select any of three settings for the adaptive air suspension via the operating system MMI basic – namely dynamic, automatic and comfort – from very sporty to extremely comfortable. The control unit varies the characteristic curves of the shock absorbers and air springs accordingly; the bellows of the latter are made from a specially structured multi-ply material for a sensitive response. The road speed is also incorporated in the control strategy. At the same time, the system allows ground clearance to be adjusted from the normal level of 180 mm to an additional four positions. On the motorway, the body is automatically lowered to 165 mm from a road speed of 120 km/h – maintained constantly for more than 30 seconds – and to only 150 mm from 160 km/h (more than 20 seconds). This increases stability while reducing aerodynamic drag – maximum speed is higher and fuel consumption is lower. On country lanes, handling benefits from the dynamic roll stabilisation function. This responds to steering input and body roll and counteracts the rolling motion by deliberately increasing the damping forces. In off-road mode, which can be used up to 100 km/h, ground clearance is 205 mm. In lift mode (240 mm) the Audi Q7 can negotiate more significant obstacles at moderate speeds. When the vehicle is stationary, the loading sill can be lowered to 71 mm via a button in the luggage compartment for easy loading. The adaptive air suspension also functions as a self-levelling suspension – it keeps the body at the ideal height in every situation, regardless of load. The sensitive response of the ESP stabilisation program on the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI ensures maximum safety. It features special functions for off-road and downhill driving; in addition, it stabilises a towed trailer at risk of fishtailing by applying targeted braking impulses. The four discs in the hydraulic brake system are internally ventilated and of optimum size; the front brake callipers feature six-piston technology, as found on a sports car. A tyre pressure monitoring system, which sends a warning message to the display in the central instrument cluster in the event of pressure loss, is available as an option.

Body

The powerful, elongated design with its sculptured, curved surfaces epitomises the independent character of the Audi Q7. The flowing, wide sweep of the roof line and the striking contrast between the very high lateral body surfaces and the flat window area give a clear indication of the sporty nature of the performance SUV. The front section is sharply tapered; at the rear, steeply angled D-pillars convey an impression of extreme dynamism and encase a coupé-like silhouette. The shoulder line and dynamic line, which define the side sections, are further classic elements of Audi’s formal idiom. The tailpipes, arranged symmetrically, are 100 mm in diameter. Below the right tail light, a badge identifies the most powerful diesel engine ever produced by the Audi brand. For an even sportier appearance, two packages are available – the S line exterior package and the S line sports package plus; aluminium wheels of up to 21 inches in diameter are also available. Those who prefer a more rugged look can choose between three off-road style packages. Here Audi offers the option of 235 R 18 off-road tyres and running boards in stainless steel. Xenon plus headlights, dynamic cornering light and daytime running lights are combined in the high-tech extra adaptive light. The Audi Q7 4.2 TDI, with a wheelbase measuring 3,002 millimetres, is 5,086 mm in length, 1,983 mm wide and 1,737 millimetres high. These dimensions put the Audi Q7 ahead of the competition in its category. With a lightweight steel construction using high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels and aluminium, its body meets the highest requirements in terms of rigidity and crash safety. Inside, too, the Audi Q7 reflects the classic standards of the Audi brand – uncompromising craftsmanship and ease of use. Its architecture is clearly structured with powerful taut lines and a generous division of space. All the materials for the interior have been selected and crafted with the utmost care. Numerous storage facilities are provided – including a bottle holder in each of the four doors and two cup holders for each seat row. On request, Audi equips the vehicle with a four-zone automatic air conditioning system and the large three-part open sky system glass roof. The performance SUV opens up a new dimension in versatility – it permits no less than 28 seating and loading configurations. The Audi Q7 is fitted as standard with five seats. In the second row, the backrest angle is adjustable; the centre section can be used as a load-through facility. On request, the seats can be provided with fore/aft adjustment, creating the longest legroom in this vehicle segment. As a six-seater, the Audi Q7 features two luxurious individual seats in the second row. On the optional seven-seater, seven occupants are accommodated in three rows. Thanks to an intelligent mechanism the two rear seat rows can be folded flat, increasing the luggage capacity from 330 to 2,035 litres. As a five-seater the Audi Q7 boasts an impressive 775 litres of load capacity as standard, a load-through width of 116 cm and a double load-area floor with dirt-resistant tray. For sports enthusiasts a rail system, a ski bag and a cycle rack are available. With the optional tow hitch – electrically operated on request – the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI can pull a braked trailer weight of up to 3.5 tonnes.