Audi has a lot of time this was right: the team of engineers from the four rings brand started in the second-generation Q7 SUV and even work as early as 2009, the original was already four years old. First shown as the concept of Pikes Peak in January 2003 lowered the production version of the 2005.

There are good reasons why Audi took six years to bring the successors in the market. During this time, the Audi development chief became twice, and in both cases the car has been thoroughly tested. In addition, the new 2016 Audi Q7 is the pilot group is the vehicle for the second generation MLB architecture that is very important for VW as a basis for many future models of Audi, VW, Bentley and Porsche. “The new Q7 has to make a clean start of production,” said R & D chief Ulrich Hackenberg. And there is another explanation: With more than 500,000 units sold worldwide, the predecessor so successful that Audi was not in a hurry, was to replace them.

Big Weight Savings, being only Llano Grande

Given the success it is the second generation of the Q7 does not need convey a false sense of humility, and that is not working. The new version is one of the most aggressive looking SUV on the road. On paper, it’s a little smaller than the previous model, and has in fact lost a couple of inches. But that’s rather than flashy new grille and square wings that supposedly referring to the legendary Audi Quattro coupe. The silver trim strip on the lower flanks not cut the visual thick, and remains the Q7 looks better with its extra-wheels optional 20 or 21 inches.

Judging from the appearance, it is hard to believe that cutting more than £ 700-per-Audi in the transition from the old to the new Q7. Whatever the actual weight loss, create yours, it is the result of spending sveltening off-road centered on the platform of the previous model, shared with a current car. It is expected that the new axes only shave a whopping 148, and the body makes liberal use of aluminum.

The lighter Q7 is efficient, and their consumption habits have become much more socially acceptable. The US market gets a 3.0-liter TDI with 272 hp and a 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 with 333 horsepower. Both engines have their strengths. Once the diesel has moved beyond its initial turbo lag and reaches 1,500 rpm or more, it is mounted a massive, 443-foot-pounds of torque shaft. But the origin-ZF eight-speed automatic helps mitigate any low-end ride adept selection of gears. The soundtrack of the diesel is hushed, and with a muted growl power delivery. Zero to 60 mph comes in about six seconds, and the European model leads to 145 mph. To achieve something like figure of 32 mpg on the highway, too.

Fuel consumption is the main disadvantage of the V-6 loaded; estimate that manage the EPA numbers of 18 mpg city and 27 highway maybe. These figures working for the United States, however, that the company is not really that bad and gas is much cheaper than in Europe. The V-6 gasoline provides lightning fast reactions in a range much wider than diesel speed. With this engine, the Q7 will load its driver to push the nearest road with heavy wind. Really.

Yes, the new Q7 as curves. Our test sample was equipped with adaptive air suspension, and can confirm that it is not only comfortable, but also will provide a much sportier character driving. Soft and comfortable on efficiency, comfort and Auto mode, shows his playful side in clearly defined dynamically. And the Q7 is even better with the optional program direction in the four wheels, improving stability at high speeds and reduce the turning radius in the city. Four-wheel drive is standard; standard torque distribution is slightly rear-biased 40:60, but can take up to 70 percent to the front or to change the 85 percent in the rear. Two types of terrain to help the Q7 go far beyond the roads, and the ground clearance can be increased to 9.6 inches. No transfer case low range.

From the driver’s seat, the Q7 takes the Design Guide. The interior is modern, functional and aesthetically pleasing, which sets new class standards. We love the design and feel of the box TFT instruments corresponds to similar systems in the new TT and R8, especially since it complements a traditional screen in the dashboard. The user interface is intuitive and fast, even if the cluster display that gives all the information and functionality, it is difficult to ensure if not for something like a distraction. Drivers and passengers provide comfort and space, and the optional third seat row is spacious enough, although the entrance and exit to the Wayback is a dispute. Moreover, the Q7 is so quiet that stereo systems really shine. We found the Bose sound package, more than enough, enough so that we could skip the more expensive Bang & Olufsen system.

The Q7 is equipped with a variety of electronic nannies, sensors and technologies that can be interpreted as an important step toward autonomous driving. This includes Torque Vectoring Brake based; Jam Assist, which can essentially Q7 car on the road at speeds up to 40 mph; An assistant trailer is back and direct the trailer for you; and the latest versions of things like lane departure warning and support, blind spot monitoring, automobile brake and adaptive cruise control. Next says the Audi Q7 Add soon be able to draw obstacles and brakes the car if you make a left turn leading to a collision with traffic. (Volvo offers the latest technology in its new XC90.) There is also an efficient assistant, who keeps telling you to go with a lighter right foot. Rarely fulfilled their wishes.

While the Q7 has taken a big step forward, things are too busy to get to the top of the SUV segment, with entries coming Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Maybach Mercedes-up. For profitable high in this game and remain the owner to keep the V-8 and V-12 TDI previous versions Audi will launch a gasoline V8 Turbo V-8 TDI, and possibly even a W-12 Turbo petrol . First, however, we will see a plug-in hybrid model e-tron. (Audi has not yet decided whether to bring the previously detailed US 3.0 V-6 diesel e-tron, a 2.0-liter gasoline turbo four is scheduled for our market sometime in 2016.) The 3.0 TDI and 3.0 TFSI will come to the United States later in 2015 than 2016 models with prices starting at around $ 50K.

After this first trip, it seems that the gestation time was well spent and Q7 SUV while also worth the wait.