We believe that from a money-making perspective, the Q7 is the most important model for Audi. It's the SUV that most often gets taken seriously, but it lags behind newer models in terms of technology and design, an issue that will be rectified by an upcoming facelift.
Based on a recent Audi roadmap document, the Q7 mid-life refresh will debut in about half a year, though that could just be its on-sale debut for the European market, and reaching the Americans would take a little longer.
Regardless, a test prototype was recently filmed by our own Arctic spies. Winter testing is just one part of a complex cycle, but if you like your SUV to be tough, it's probably the most important. So what's going to change?
Well, the guy who made the Prologue concept and all the cool cars that followed arrived at Audi too late to change the Q7. But he's given the model a Q8-like redesign. It has a lot in common with the new A6 as well. New LED lighting technology sees both the headlights and taillights being updated to have over a dozen verticle bars at each end, a design that's a bit like the teeth of a trimmer. They do all sorts of pulsating light tricks that Audi buyers enjoy.
We also approve of the larger front grille and the way it connects to the lights. Inside, the Q7 will receive all the goodies that the A6 and Q8 have, including the double dashboard screens, haptic light switch, steering wheel and a bit of the dashboard. Don't forget that while the Q8 is relatively practical, you can't have it with a 7-seat setup.
Engine-wise, this test prototype sounds like the 3.0 TDI, which should go from 272 to 286 horsepower and receive MHEV assistance. The other main engine will the 340 HP 3.0 TFSI (rated at 335-hp in America). Of course, there's going to be a new PHEV as well, along with a cosmetically refreshed SQ7.
Regardless, a test prototype was recently filmed by our own Arctic spies. Winter testing is just one part of a complex cycle, but if you like your SUV to be tough, it's probably the most important. So what's going to change?
Well, the guy who made the Prologue concept and all the cool cars that followed arrived at Audi too late to change the Q7. But he's given the model a Q8-like redesign. It has a lot in common with the new A6 as well. New LED lighting technology sees both the headlights and taillights being updated to have over a dozen verticle bars at each end, a design that's a bit like the teeth of a trimmer. They do all sorts of pulsating light tricks that Audi buyers enjoy.
We also approve of the larger front grille and the way it connects to the lights. Inside, the Q7 will receive all the goodies that the A6 and Q8 have, including the double dashboard screens, haptic light switch, steering wheel and a bit of the dashboard. Don't forget that while the Q8 is relatively practical, you can't have it with a 7-seat setup.
Engine-wise, this test prototype sounds like the 3.0 TDI, which should go from 272 to 286 horsepower and receive MHEV assistance. The other main engine will the 340 HP 3.0 TFSI (rated at 335-hp in America). Of course, there's going to be a new PHEV as well, along with a cosmetically refreshed SQ7.