Audi Q7 2016 News

The Q7 — known as the QE7 because of its size — began Audi’s push into SUVs and the updated model is expected to set a new benchmark for the class. This exclusive Carparazzi computer generated illustration shows that Audi is sticking close to the current successful recipe for the new model.

Remember four-wheel-drives? Hulking, slabby, graceless sods of things derived from - and sometimes even called - Jeep.

As you read this - hopefully in a relaxed and comfortable kinda way - a convoy of 15 Audi Q7s are within a few days of Broome. They're on a three week transcontinental crossing to launch the marque's long-awaited SUV here in the widest and brownest of lands. At least, there should still be 15 of them. We joined the roadshow for last week's 1100km leg between Broken Hill and Birdsville via Tibooburra, Cameron's Corner and Innamincka. Apart from four flat tyres - pretty much a given on the gibber - this procession of luxo soft roaders proved to have considerable off-road (or at least off the main road) application, proving their build quality (and dust proofness) beyond reasonable doubt. Indeed, it was with some bemusement that a couple of gen-u-wine four-wheel-drivin' bush bashers watched the Q7s race with impertinent ease up the famous Big Red dune on the edge of the Simpson Desert near Birdsville. The only concession to the extra-urban conditions were off road tyres and a barrier between the front seats and the load area. The 4.2 FSI V8s made the most stirring sound, but the 3.0 TDI V6s lost little by comparison. Four of the latter came sans the air suspension set up that gave slightly more off road facility, but also slightly denuded feel for the road. In terms of the real world, at highway speeds on the bitumen between Broken Hill and Packsaddle, our TDI (weighing almost 2.7 tonnes with an immense load of gear) returned 9.8 litres per 100kmh. Seldom did it much exceed 12 litres even in the most trying conditions with try-hard driving. For Q7 owners, the wilds of Woollahra and Mosman need hold no fear. Paul Pottinger is a senior roadtester on the CARSguide team, and also editor of the Sunday Telegraph CARSguide. A version of this review, as well as other news, reviews and analysis will appear in the Sunday Telegraph.

THE arrival of the giant Audi Q7 all-wheel-drive will not mean the end of the company's crossover Allroad station wagon.The German brand says it is still committed to the Allroad, despite the introduction of the Q7 and the smaller Q5 that will follow it.A new model is expected in Australia next year. It could even make the Melbourne Motor Show in March.The new Allroad is already on display at Audi's headquarters at Ingolstadt in Germany, where it was priced from $86,700 with a 171kW, 3.0-litre, turbo-diesel engine.Final engine choices for the new Allroad are yet to be finalised and it is possible Australia may receive a diesel only.At the moment the Allroad is sold with the choice of two petrol engines -- a 2.7-litre turbo and 4.2-litre V8 -- and a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel."We are unsure what engines we will take. It's possible it may only be the diesel," Audi Australia spokeswoman Anna Burgdorf says.The Allroad display car was wearing 245x45 ZR18 Pirelli P Zeros and is defined at the front by a more accentuated single-frame grille that has more vertical elements in the egg-crate design.Before the Allroad arrives, Audi Australia will have hot versions of the S6 and S8 this November and December, respectively.Each is powered by a V10 engine, the first of its type from Audi aimed to bridge the gap between the 4.2-litre V8 and the 6.0-litre W12.The V10's maximum torque of 450Nm kicks in at 3000 revs, giving it a wide curve -- an unusual trait for a V-angled 10-cylinder.The V10 engines weigh 220kg, 15kg more than the 4.2-litre V8.Audi has tried to find a balance between a sporty and torquey engine. It fires along with 331kW at 7000 revs but does not have the pace of BMW's V10 in a 0-100km/h thrash because it doesn't rev as far as the BMW motor.The S6 has a special instrument cluster and carbon-fibre trim on the centre console. Its chassis and suspension have been optimised for the six-speed, S-tronic, double-clutch, sequential gearbox.There are 18-inch brakes, but it's not available with ceramic stoppers, which are on the S8, W12 and RS4 sedan.Differentiation between the S6 and S8 in the nose is subtle -- the S8 gains a unique airtake design that has integrated fog lamps. The S6 has carbon-fibre slats.