Audi introduces cheaper Q7

The expansion of Audi's second-generation Q7 large SUV range in Australia has begun, with a slightly cheaper and less powerful $96,300 and 160kW version now on sale.

Undercutting the 200kW launch model by $7600, 40kW and 100Nm (down from 600 to 500Nm), the new model is powered by a detuned version of the same 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine.

But it shares the same eight-speed automatic transmission, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and seven-seat interior, including power-operated third-row seats.

The less powerful engine translates to slightly slower acceleration to 100km/h (7.3 sec versus 6.5 sec) and an even slighter improvement in claimed combined fuel consumption (5.8L/100km versus 5.9L/100km).

This engine is a descendant of the turbo-diesel V6 being investigated by CARB and the EPA in the USA over ‘Dieselgate’ NOx emissions cheating, which went under a significant overhaul in 2014.

“The engine in the Q7 complies with EU6 regulations in Europe and has now been introduced in Australia, but that engine has not been introduced in the USA,” said Audi Australia spokesman Shaun Cleary.

“So the basic engine is pretty much the same, but it is not specifically the same because there are different software and emissions targets that are applicable to both engines.”

Some standard equipment from the 200kW disappears, including a 360-degree exterior camera, park assist, full-body paint finish and the full-blown 12.3-inch virtual cockpit instrument panel.

The 160kW also comes with a lower grade of leather upholstery. The alloy wheel design is different, but the 19-inch 255/55 Pirelli Scorpion tyres are the same.

You still do get the full seven-seat interior with power folding/rising third-row pews, eight airbags including curtain bags that stretch all the way to row three, a suite of driver assistants including rear collision sensing, rear cross-traffic alert and exit warning, a reversing camera with active guidelines, power-adjustable front seats with memory, a 7.0-inch information screen and another retractable 8.0-inch screen on the dash for the sat-nav and DAB+ digital radio.

As per the 200kW, there are no shortage of options offered, as both individual items and in packs. A Bang & Olufsen SD sound system will set you back $14,850, while matrix beam LED headlights are $5500. An item that should be standard on both Q7s is adaptive cruise control, which is wrapped into a $4075 ‘Assistance Package’.

In raw pricing terms the entry-level Q7 160kW is more expensive than its obvious rivals, the BMW xDrive 25d, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 25d, the Range Rover Sport TDV6 S and the Volvo XC90 D5 (the Momentum version is cheaper, the Inscription version a few hundred dollars more expensive than the Q7).

But with the 200kW Q7 already selling well above forecast, Audi Australia is confident the 160kW version will grow demand even further, before the sporty SQ7 arrives later this year priced at no more than $180,000, and the diesel-electric Q7 TDI e-tron after that.

“We had a run-out of the previous Q7 priced at $99,000 and we saw customers liking that price-point with what that car,” explained Audi Australia product planner Matthew Dale.

“That car didn’t have all these technologies … so that customer sees the benefit in the seven-seat capacity and the size of the car. They don’t necessarily need all the technology, such as the virtual cockpit.

“The general customer base is the same for both Q7s, but the 200kW customer is more likely to look at the options list and go for LED Matrix headlights, 21-inch wheels and air suspension, because they want that car that ticks all the boxes for them.

“The 160kW customer is more likely to purchase the car and not put a lot of options on the car.”