Audi reveals a facelifted version of the second-generation Q7 ahead of its planned introduction later this year.
The ’20 model boasts a series of subtle exterior styling changes along with a restyled dashboard with revised digital displays and improvements in standard equipment levels – all aimed at freshening the Q7’s appeal against increased competition from the likes of the BMW X7 and recently unveiled third-generation Mercedes-Benz GLS.
As part of the luxury SUV’s midcycle facelift, Audi has announced every engine to be offered in the Q7 lineup in Europe will feature electrification as part of efforts to improve fuel efficiency and tailpipe emissions.
Included is a revised turbocharged 3.0L gasoline V-6 with 335 hp and a turbocharged 3.0L diesel V-6 with either 228 hp or 282 hp. Both engines come mated to an 8-speed torque-converter-equipped automatic gearbox and use a 48V electrical system with mild-hybrid properties, allowing coasting for up to 40 seconds with the engine switched off during extended periods of trailing throttle as well as brake energy recuperation.
Audi also confirms the Q7 will receive a new plug-in hybrid driveline, technical details of which are yet to be disclosed.
Topping the facelifted Q7 lineup in European markets will be a revised SQ7 model. It runs the same 429-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0L diesel V-8 as that used by the newly unveiled SQ8.
The facelifted Q7 features an updated exterior featuring a new-look grille, reworked LED headlamp graphics up front and a chrome strip that runs between the taillamps at the rear. While its platform remains unchanged, it gains an added 0.4 in. (11 mm) in length at 199.3 ins. (5,063 mm), although the wheelbase remains the same as before at 2,994 mm.
Inside, the focus is an update of the Q7’s dashboard, which receives the latest version of Audi’s twin-touchscreen MMI infotainment system. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display is standard, with a revised head-up display available as an option.
As part of the revision to the Q7’s chassis, the ’20 model receives the option of the active roll bars previously available only on the SQ7.
