The Audi Q7 is the performance SUV from the creator of quattro. The very design epitomises the character of the Audi Q7. The broad, fluent curve of the roof and the distinctive high lateral body surface in relation to the flat window area reflect the characteristic dynamism of the brand. The pronounced tapering of the front section and the powerful rear end with its sharply sloping D-pillars fashioned in a coupe-like silhouette. Other typical elements of the Audi formal idiom are the shoulder line and the dynamic line, which define the side section. The paintwork option of two contrasting colours - Silver, matt and Platinum Grey, matt - creates an elegant look. Eleven basic colours are available. The Audi Q7 measures 5,086 millimetres in length and has a wheelbase of 3,002 mm. These dimensions give it the lead in the SUV contest. Some 1,983 mm wide and 1,737 mm high, it provides incomparable spaciousness for its passengers. It also offers a new dimension in versatility: no less than 28 seating and loading configurations are possible in the Audi Q7.
Up to seven people can be accommodated in three rows of seats. The seats in the second row can be individually adjusted for fore/aft movement if desired; here passengers will find the longest legroom in this class. Both rear seat rows can be folded flat to provide a luggage area of 2,035 litres if required, without the seats having to be removed. As a 5-seater version the Audi Q7 boasts a load capacity of 775 litres - the best in its class. The 6-seater is fitted with two luxurious individual seats in the second row. The 3.0 TDI six-cylinder engine uses a latest-generation common rail injection system with piezo inline injectors. In this way it combines its high performance of 171 kW (233 bhp) and powerful torque of 500 Nm - available from just 1,750 rpm - with high refinement and excellent economy. Also new is the 3.6-litre FSI, a V6 petrol engine, developing 206 kW/280 bhp and 360 Nm of torque, the latter remaining constant from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm. This engine can be ordered for the Audi Q7 starting from the second half of the year.
Power transmission for all three engine versions comes from a 6-speed tiptronic with manual shift option. For the Audi Q7 to be equipped as standard with quattro permanent four-wheel drive is naturally a matter of honour. Its centre differential conveys power to all four wheels - both on-road and off-road. With its immediate demand-based distribution of torque, quattro technology provides maximum traction and lateral stability - the prerequisites for optimum driving dynamics and motoring safety. Like the Audi RS 4 and the Audi S8, the Audi Q7 features the latest-generation self-locking differential with asymmetric/dynamic torque split. The standard split between front and rear axle is 40 : 60. Also thanks to virtually balanced axle load distribution, this technology engenders slightly sporty, tail-heavy characteristics, even better agility and steering precision that remains practically free of torque steer. The chassis of the Audi Q7 excels with its sophisticated all-round qualities. All four wheels are suspended independently in an elaborate double wishbone construction. Most of the axle components are made of aluminium.