CES 2015: New Audi Q7 SUV’s cabin is revealed in Las Vegas

The new Audi Q7 will be getting its world debut at the Detroit Motor Show next week, but Audi gave visitors to the CES technology show in Las Vegas a sneak preview of the new SUV’s interior, including a revamp for its MMI infotainment control system.

Audi appears to have stepped up the interior quality another notch with a beautifully crafted dash featuring wood, metal and leather. The virtual cockpit from the TT with its 12.3-inch TFT screen sits inside the main binnacle, while a central monitor rises out of the dash when the car’s started. 

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Sitting in front of a wide, stubby gear selector is the new MMI controller. The familiar circular wheel is there, but eight programmable fast keys have been added, which can be set for navigation destinations, radio stations or phone numbers.

The familiar touchpad has grown in size and features haptic feedback for every command – a click that can be heard and felt through the finger. The touchpad’s software will also react quicker to make suggestions based on the first numbers or letters drawn out, although with two thirds of the population right-handed, it’s still better suited to more drivers of left-hand-drive models than right-hand drive. 

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The whole system is complemented by new voice activation software that enables the driver to use natural speech to control the navigation and infotainment system, however. It’ll react to simple commands like ‘take me to the nearest fuel station’ or ‘phone the office’, while when connected with Audi’s online Connect services it’ll also provide weather updates or fuel prices.

The new seven-seat, diesel-only Q7 arrives in the UK in the spring with prices expected to start at around £45,000. A plug-in hybrid version will appear later, and could even debut Audi’s wireless charging technology.

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