All-new Audi Q7 specs: redesigned, spacious and lighter (sponsored)

At the very top of the Audi Q range, the Q7 has the space, luxury and technology you’d expect from the legendary flagship of the line-up.

Completely redesigned from the original car, which launched the Audi Q range, the new Q7 offers what some would consider the ultimate luxury – space.

The Q7 can accommodate up to seven people in comfort, with two folding seats at the rear. Or the interior layout can be modified to suit a combination of people and loads. Sports equipment and the essentials of family life will easily be swallowed by the massive 770-litre luggage compartment. Fold down the seats at the flick of a switch and an enormous 1,955-litre space is revealed.

While the Q7 might have the space of a workhorse, the interior quality is from a thoroughbred. The new Q7’s wraparound interior is designed to cosset the occupants in luxury and style.

There’s the sophisticated, cutting-edge technology you’d expect from a range-topping Audi. The  optional virtual cockpit, a digital instrument panel display which is customisable to suit the taste and needs of the road ahead. Need to concentrate on where you are going? Then make it your sat-nav screen. Want to concentrate on fuel economy? Then let the car suggest ways to drive more efficiently.

This leaves the Q7’s other screen free to display any of the MMI’s functions – perhaps connecting with your smartphone or using the voice-activated multimedia.

While it’s packed with technology, the Q7 hasn’t piled on the pounds. The new model is actually 325kg lighter than the previous-generation version – that’s about the same as a grand piano or four average-sized adults!

This has resulted in lower fuel consumption and emissions, plus better performance, from all of the engines. The choices are both 3.0-litre TDI units, with either 218PS or 272PS. Both are hooked up to an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission with quattro four-wheel drive.

The engine is also available linked to a hybrid system, creating Audi’s first ever plug-in hybrid SUV – the Q7 e-tron. The combination of electric and diesel power provides exceptional performance and allows the e-tron to operate as a fully electric car for up to 34 miles.

The pinnacle of the Q7 powertrain choices is the amazing V8 TDI SQ7. This technological marvel features a world first – an electrically driven compressor. Operating in parallel with two conventional turbos driven by exhaust gases, an additional compressor is powered by an electric motor and functions at lower engine speeds to reduce ‘lag’ and improve responsiveness.

In addition to using air to boost the engine, every SQ7 features dynamic air suspension to increase comfort and off-road capability and maintain composure even when the car is fully loaded with passengers and luggage.

This combination of luxurious space, intuitive technology and effortless dynamic performance means the Q7 is a worthy flagship for the Audi Q range.