2016-audi-q7-052016 Audi Q7 is here! Many of us already have shared some thoughts on how this new Q7 looks and we will be definitely glad to hear what you think! Although it looks to me very rough and masculine, and definitely not a car I would drive, this SUV has its advantegous characteristics that need some respect. First, being a true Audi, it has inherited the sportiness and premium comfort for which the company is famous.

Another interesting fact that I really like about this vehicle is that thanks to its lightweight construction, efficiency and assistance systems, it is 325 kilograms (716.5 lb) lighter and around 26 percent more efficient in comparison to the previous generation. What is more, this is the first diesel plug-in hybrid with quattro drive.

The removed 325 kilograms as well as the low center of mass make the Q7 also more agile. At the same time, it is the most spacious car in its segment. Believe it or not, its exterior dimensions have gotten smaller (To me they look larger). Despite this, the SUV offers substantially more interior room for passengers and luggage.

Because of the reduced weight (the curb weight is of just 1,995 kilograms (4,398.2 lb)), this model is also more efficient. In particular, it shows 26 percent better efficiency when compared to the previous generation Q7. The vehicle is also equipped with the latest assistance systems, infotainment modules and connection features.

Speaking about power, the Q7 can be driven by the 3.0 TDI with 272 hp (200 kW) and the 3.0 TFSI with 333hp (245 kW). They accelerate the 2016 Q7 from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 6.1 seconds (TFSI) and 6.3 seconds (TDI), respectively. The diesel V6 consumes on average just 5.7 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (41.3 US mpg), corresponding to 149 grams of CO2 per kilometer (239.8 g/mi).

A very important highlight is the Audi Q7 e‑tron quattro, which will be launched very soon. It is the first plug in hybrid from Audi with a diesel engine. It impresses with 373 hp (275 kW) and 700 Nm (516.3 lb‑ft). This is world's first diesel plug‑in hybrid with quattro all‑wheel drive in the premium SUV segment.

This particular model needs only 1.7 liters per 100 kilometers (138.4 US mpg), which corresponds to less than 50 grams CO2 per kilometer (80.5 g/mi). A full battery charge can cover a distance of 56 kilometers (34.8 mi).

Audi virtual cockpit is what features the new infotainment, connectivity and driver assistance systems. For instance, the MMI all‑in‑touch control unit with large touchpad makes operation easier. Other innovations include the more services from Audi connect, the Audi tablet for the rear seat passengers and the two sound systems with 3D audio, and many more. In terms of driver assistance systems, the engineers of the car have included the adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assistant.

2016 Audi Q7 will be introduced at North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

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Source: Audi